HILLARY Clinton has made a powerful plea for Democratic party unity, urging the 18 million people who voted for her to move swiftly behind Barack Obama as their party's presidential nominee, writes Denis Stauntonin Denver.
“Whether you voted for me or you voted for Barack, the time is now to unite as a single party with a single purpose,” she said.
“We are on the same team and none of us can afford to sit on the sidelines.”
Mrs Clinton’s keenly anticipated speech to the Democratic National Convention in Denver last night was interrupted a number of times by sustained standing ovations and some supporters wept during her remarks.
The speech was introduced by a video celebrating Mrs Clinton’s presidential bid, which was narrated by her daughter Chelsea and featured a cameo appearance by former president Bill Clinton, who was identified as “Hillary’s husband”.
Mrs Clinton’s endorsement of Mr Obama was clearer and less ambiguous than some Democrats had feared after a fraught, 18-month primary campaign. Declaring herself “a proud supporter of Barack Obama” the former first lady told her supporters that their efforts would be wasted if Republican John McCain wins November’s election.
“You haven’t worked so hard over the last 18 months, or endured the last eight years, to suffer through more failed leadership,” she said.
“No way. No how. No McCain. Barack Obama is my candidate. And he must be our President.”
Mrs Clinton spent a large part of her speech recalling the key issues of her campaign, including universal health care and economic security and she paid tribute to those who had backed her.
“To my supporters, my champions — my sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits – from the bottom of my heart: Thank you. You never gave in. You never gave up. And together we made history,” she said.
She made clear to supporters, up to a quarter of whom tell pollsters that they will vote for Mr McCain, that the best way to fulfil the aims of her campaign was to vote for Mr Obama.
“I want you to ask yourselves: Were you in this campaign just for me? Or were you in it…for all the people in this country who feel invisible?” she said.
“We don’t have a moment to lose or a vote to spare. Nothing less than the fate of our nation and the future of our children hang in the balance.”