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Dems choose Obama in thunderous acclamation

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-08-28 07:18

DENVER - Democrats formally named Barack Obama their presidential candidate Wednesday, putting their hopes of ending eight years of Republican control of the White House in the hands of a man who would be the United States' first black president.

The Deleware delegation, including Abby Betts, of Feltom, Del., celebrate as they cast their votes in the roll call during the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008. [Agencies]

Former rival Hillary Rodham Clinton interrupted a state-by-state roll call vote at the Democratic National Convention to ask delegates to make Obama's selection unanimous "in the spirit of unity, with the goal of victory." They agreed, with a roar.

Hours later, her husband added his backing. Former President Bill Clinton, whose past support for Obama has been tepid, told delegates and a national television audience that Obama "is ready to lead America and restore American leadership in the world."

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Though the convention vote offered no surprises, its historical importance was undeniable. It capped the longest, closest US primary race in memory as Obama, a 47-year-old political newcomer, defeated Clinton, the former first lady whose victory once seemed all but assured.

It also meant that Obama, the son of a black Kenyan father and a white American mother, is now one victory from becoming president of a nation where, just decades ago, many blacks were denied the vote.

Obama was across town as the delegates he won in months of primaries sealed his victory. He was expected to briefly visit the convention to thank his supporters. His formal acceptance speech Thursday night was expected to draw a crowd of 75,000 at a nearby outdoor stadium.

Obama's prospects in the November 4 election are uncertain. He is in a tight race with Republican John McCain, a veteran senator and former prisoner of war in Vietnam, who has attacked Obama for his lack of experience. Obama has had to fend off questions about his patriotism and rumors that he is a Muslim. No one knows how many Americans simply will not vote for a black candidate.

The first-term Illinois senator also needs to unite a party fractured by the long and bitter primary campaign. That process received a boost Tuesday with an enthusiastic speech by Clinton, who said Obama is "my candidate, and he must be our president."

Bill Clinton echoed his wife's words. Noting that she had told the convention she would do everything possible to get Obama elected, he said: "That makes two of us."

For months, the former president had made little secret of his disappointment over his wife's primary defeat. During her campaign, he faced criticism for his outbursts of anger and deprecatory comments about Obama.

But his 1993-2001 presidency is warmly remembered by Democrats as a time of peace and prosperity. He was greeted with a long, huge ovation and interrupted with applause as he lauded Obama.

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