NEW YORK—Sen. Hillary Clinton has been criticized by some Democrats who claim she has been holding back on her support of presumptive nominee Barack Obama for president.
Well Democrats need worry no more.
“I’m here tonight as a proud mother, a proud Senator from New York, a proud American and a proud supporter of Barack Obama,” Mrs. Clinton said in a rousing speech Aug. 26 at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Denver, Colo.
All night, Democrats had been stressing party unity, mostly in response to those Clinton supporters who said that they would vote for McCain instead of Obama.
But what Clinton said on Tuesday night might make the defectors reconsider.
“It’s time to take back the country we love, whether you voted for me or for Barack,” Clinton emphasized. “It’s time to unite as a single party with a single purpose.
“We are on the same team and none of us can afford to sit on the sidelines. This is a fight for the future and a fight we must win together.”
Introduced by daughter Chelsea, the former Democratic presidential candidate hit the DNC stage at approx 10:40pm EST Tuesday night. Those who waited all night for her keynote speech were treated to a presentation that some analysts say is “exactly what the Democrats needed.”
Clinton also echoed the Democrat’s anti-McCain message regarding his similarities in policy with that of outgoing President George W. Bush.
“You haven’t worked so hard over the last 18 months or endured the last eight years to suffer through more failed leadership,” said the Senator who suspended her presidential bid on June 7, after a year and a half of campaigning. “No way. No how. No McCain.”
“[It] makes sense McCain and Bush will be together next week in the Twin Cities because these days they’re awfully hard to tell apart,” Clinton said.
The “No McCain” message resonated with Democrats all throughout the day, to the point where convention goers chanted “four more months!”
Obama Supporters Satisfied
Obama backers also praised Clinton’s speech. “She did fabulous, and that’s coming from an early Obama supporter. She deserves the recognition she got tonight,” said Maria Durazo, executive secretary-treasurer of the Los Angeles County AFL-CIO, and convention delegate.
Elly Shaw-Belblidia, a Democratic precinct chairwoman and delegate from Kentlands, Md., agreed. “It was a beautiful speech. And I’ve been an Obama person since day one,” she said.
Convention-goers were virtually unanimous in their admiration of Clinton’s address.
“Absolutely amazing, awesome, and inspirational,” said Democrat Erica Jacquez, while attendee Megan Gaither noted, “I’m glad to see the unity.”
Towards the end of her speech, Clinton referred to Harriet Tubman’s message of never giving up.
“If you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going. If they’re shouting after you, keep going. Don’t ever stop. Keep going,” she said. “If you want a taste of freedom, keep going. Even in the darkest of moments, ordinary Americans have found the faith to keep going.”
“We are Americans. We’re not big on quitting. But remember, before we can keep going, we have to get going by electing Barack Obama president,” Clinton said to raucous applause.
Obama’s bid to become president will move a step closer to reality when he formally accepts the Democratic Party’s nomination on Thursday night.
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