Obama makes history
US: Democrat Barack Obama turned on Wednesday to unifying a fractured
party for a historic five-month battle for the White House against
Republican John McCain, but Hillary Clinton offered no hints of her
future plans.
Obama rocketed from political obscurity to become the first black
presidential nominee of a major U.S. party on Tuesday when he locked up
the 2,118 delegates he needs for victory at the August convention.
Clinton, the New York senator and former first lady who entered the race
17 months ago as a heavy favorite, did not concede and said she would
consult party leaders and supporters about her next move.
Obama will be crowned the Democratic nominee at the convention in
August and faces McCain in November to choose a successor to President
George W. Bush.
The Illinois senator tried to ease relations with Clinton on
Wednesday, calling her an "extraordinary candidate and extraordinary
public servant" during a speech to a pro-Israel lobbying group in
Washington.
During the speech, he reaffirmed his strong support for Israel and
promised to do "everything in my power to prevent Iran from obtaining a
nuclear weapon. That starts with aggressive, principled diplomacy
without self-defeating preconditions."
In a separate appearance before the group later on Wednesday, Clinton
said "I know that Senator Obama will be a good friend to Israel."
She told New York members of Congress she would be open to becoming
Obama's vice presidential running mate, and her backers turned up the
pressure on Obama to pick her as his No. 2.
Robert Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television, said he
wrote to the Congressional Black Caucus urging members to push Obama to
choose Clinton. More party leaders and uncommitted officials are
expected to back Obama on Wednesday.
Democratic leaders urged uncommitted delegates to announce a decision
by Friday. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Speaker Nancy
Pelosi, party chairman Howard Dean and West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin
issued a joint statement saying Democrats must stand united against
McCain.
"I am committed to uniting our party so we can move forward stronger
and more ready than ever to take back the White House in November,"
Clinton told a cheering crowd of supporters in New York City on Tuesday
night. But she made no public overtures to Obama. The two are expected
to meet soon to discuss Clinton's role in the looming election campaign.
Washington, Wednesday, Reuters
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