June 4, 2008

Obama's Historic Win

Senator Barack Obama becomes the likely Democratic presidential nominee

By Andrea Delbanco

The long battle between Senators Hillary Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois came to an end Tuesday night after the final primary contest in a race that was, for many months, too close to call. Even the final day of primaries was a split victory. Senator Clinton won South Dakota, while Obama took Montana. But the win gave Obama enough delegates, people who will represent voters in the Democratic National Convention (DNC), to secure the Democratic presidential nomination. Although it will not become official until the DNC meets in August, the numbers show that Obama will be the nominee.

CHRIS CARLSON—AP

Clinton did not immediately withdraw from the race, but she is expected to concede soon. She says she's still thinking of ways to "move forward with the best interests of our country." Many of her supporters hope that Obama will choose Clinton to run with him as Vice President.

Another Battle Begins

Obama greeted a cheering crowd on Tuesday night. "Tonight we mark the end of one historic journey with the beginning of another - a journey that will bring a new and better day to America," he said. "Tonight, I can stand before you and say that I will be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States."

Now that Obama has clinched the Democratic nomination, a new contest begins. For the next five months, Obama will face off against Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona. McCain won enough delegates in early contests to secure the Republican nomination. He has been campaigning for months in preparation for Election Day, November 4.

History in the Making

The 2008 presidential race is historic in many ways. The campaign between Obama and McCain is the first presidential race in 50 years that does not include a sitting president or vice president. It is also the first time since 1960 that a senator will win the White House.

If elected, Obama would become the nation's first black president. He concluded his speech on Tuesday night by embracing the challenge. "America, this is our moment," Obama said. "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."

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