Democrats - elections

Clinton backs Obama

Saturday 07 June 2008

Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton, who lost the party nomination to rival Barack Obama, officially suspended her own bid for office and endorsed Obama in a speech delivered in Washington, DC .(Report: S. Silke)

Democratic White House hopeful Barack Obama said Saturday he was honored to have won the endorsement of Hillary Clinton and vowed she would be at the forefront of the party's November election battle.
  
"No one knows better than Senator Clinton how desperately America and the American people need change, and I know she will continue to be in the forefront of that battle this fall and for years to come," Obama said in a statement.
  
Although he did not address the issue of whether he would pick Clinton for his vice-presidential running mate, he said was "thrilled and honored to have Senator Clinton's support.
  
"But more than that, I honor her today for the valiant and historic campaign she has run," the Illinois senator said.
  
"She shattered barriers on behalf of my daughters and women everywhere, who now know that there are no limits to their dreams.
  
"And she inspired millions with her strength, courage and unyielding commitment to the cause of working Americans. Our party and our country are stronger because of the work she has done throughout her life, and I'm a better candidate for having had the privilege of competing with her in this campaign."
  
Clinton earlier Saturday threw her full weight behind Obama as he bids to be the first African-American elected to the White House, abandoning her own historic quest to be the country's first woman president.
  
She vowed she would work her "heart out" to usher him into the presidency, as she issued a clarion call to her supporters to do all they can to ensure he beats Republican John McCain in the November election.