After an epic nomination battle, Barack Obama is the Democratic nominee for President of the United States. And with that, Obama made history as the first African American standard-bearer of a major political party.
During the roll call of the states Hillary Clinton moved to suspend the rules and nominate Obama by acclamation:
In the spirit of unity, with the goal of victory, let's declare with one voice Barack Obama is our candidate.
The motion was passed on a voice vote. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, chairwoman of the convention, formally extended the nomination to Obama.
To no one’s surprise, Democratic National Committee Secretary Alice Germond advised the delegates that Obama accepted the nomination and will deliver his acceptance speech tonight at Invesco Field.
The delegates erupted in applause. There was a palpable sense of relief that the Clinton-Obama drama had come to an end. The delegates cried, exchanged hugs and danced as the band played "Love Train."
A couple hours before the roll call, Clinton held a reception for her delegates. She said she wanted an opportunity to thank her 1,920 delegates in one place at one time:
This has been a joy. Yes, we didn't make it but boy did we have a good time trying.
She then said:
I am here to release you as my delegates.
Clinton informed them that she signed her ballot for Obama earlier that morning.
I asked David Gray, an Obama delegate from Oklahoma, about the delegate voting process:
This morning was a special day because this is when the nominating process begins. At our caucus meeting, each delegate was given a paper ballot with Obama's and Clinton's name. We checked a box and then signed the ballot.
It is not a secret ballot so everybody knows where everybody stood.
After the historic roll call, all Democrats know Clinton stands with Obama.
