Claims He Will Be Presidential Nominee America Celebrates Two Historic Moments
June 4, 2008
CWA Headquarters, Washington, D.C. — After a remarkable sixteen month campaign, democratic presidential primaries in the United States ended in dramatic fashion Tuesday evening. As the first African American to head the ticket of a major American political party, soon to become the presumptive nominee along with the first woman who too would become the nominee of a major political party, Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton ended a historic presidential campaign of record breaking proportions. Never before in the history of this nation have so many Americans seized the opportunity to participate in the presidential primary-caucus process. Voters in every state and territory, including the District of Columbia, saw their state take international center stage as voters showed the world what a real defining moment in American electoral politics is all about. As some in the political arena cried for and early end to the contest, others saw the value in an extended democratic primary contest that turned out to serve as a catalyst for exponential growth in the Democratic Party.
Momentum toward the ballot box served as the foundation to a winning formula, with Americans setting new national voting registration records for both the Democratic and Republican parties. More importantly, these new registrants cast new ballots in record numbers across the United States. “Thirty five million people voted in this primary from every state, age, faith, color, and, and walk of life” stated Senator Clinton as she addressed supporters in New York. The numbers may very well eventually bear that out.
As excitement grew about Tuesday’s final democratic primaries in Montana and South Dakota (it should be noted that a republican primary took place in New Mexico and congressional primaries were held in California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Alabama), a number of factors impacted the final tally that propelled Senator Barack Obama across the delegate finish line. The final count of pledged delegates along with actions of un-pledged super delegates became the focus of Tuesday’s primaries. Of note, approximately 45 super delegates signed on to the Obama campaign between June 1, 2008 and June 4, 2008. In his speech to more than seventeen thousand supporters inside the St. Paul, MN arena (with another fifteen thousand outside listening), Senator Obama, declared victory in the presidential delegate race stating, “After 54 hard fought contests, our primary season has finally come to an end.” He went on to say, “Because of you, I can say that I will be the democratic nominee for the Presidency of the United States of America”.
As was expected, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton ended her historic campaign by winning a remarkable victory in South Dakota. With 100% of the vote counted, Senator Clinton won by a 55% to 45% margin. However, Senator Obama was the projected winner early in Montana winning by a margin of 57% to 41% with 95% of the vote counted.
Taking note of Senator Obama’s contribution this historic campaign, Senator Clinton noted that, “Senator Obama has inspired so many Americans about politics in our country and our democracy is stronger as a result.” She went on to thank the numerous factions in her camp including but not limited to, “older women who were born in this country before women could even vote.” Continuing with her theme that the average American is “not invisible to her, Senator Clinton ended her speech vowing to make no decision “tonight”, encouraging her supporters to once again go to her website and send email suggestions about her next steps.
In his final speech on the primary trail, Senator Obama reached out to Senator Clinton often extending the olive branch while complimenting her and in some cases President Clinton on a well run campaign. “Senator Hillary Clinton has made history in this campaign. She has made history not just because she is a woman who has done what no other woman has done before, but because she's a leader who inspires millions of Americans with her strength, her courage, and her commitment to the causes that brought us here tonight.” He went on to congratulate her on her victory in South Dakota.
In a speech that was void of self aggrandizement, a speech with no reference to himself as a black candidate for the presidency, Senator Obama again repositioned his campaign. After a well positioned, yet blistering attack on his republican opponent John McCain, Senator Obama reemphasized the importance of his grass roots base, focusing on their needs as Americans, regarding universal healthcare, an end to the war in Iraq, good jobs, and good schools to name a few. He stated to the capacity crowd, “At the end of the day, we (politicians) are not the reason you came out. You did it because you know in your hearts that at this moment -- a moment that will define a generation -- we cannot afford to keep doing what we've been doing. We owe our children a better future. We owe our country a better future. And for all those who dream of that future tonight, I say -- let us begin the work together. Let us unite in common effort to chart a new course for America.”
In closing, Senator Obama again in his own inclusive way, embraced every American stating, “America, this is our moment. This is our time. Our time to turn the page on the policies of the past. Our time to bring new energy and new ideas to the challenges we face. Our time to offer a new direction for the country we love.”
