Obama Claims Victory as Democrats Presumptive Nominee “This Was The Moment”

Speaking before a crowd in Saint Paul, Minnesotta, at the location of this summer’s Republican National Convention, Barack Obama acknowledged this victory in the Montana primary. Striding into the room to strains of U2’s Beautiful Day, Barack Obama thanks his supporters, his staff, and his grandmother, and said tonight is for her. “Tonight after 54 hard fought contests our primary season has finally come to an end. Tonight we mark the end of one historic journey and the begining of another.  Because of you, I can stand here tonight and say to you that I will be the Democratic Nominee for President of the United States of America”  He saluted the other candidates in the Democratic primaries, and said he is proud of the Democratic Party.  “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 is a leader with an unyielding desire to improve the plight of ordinary Americans” Obama said our country and our party are better off because of her, and “I have had the honor to compete with Hillary Rodham Clinton”.  Obama hinted that Hillary will be at the forefront in achieving Universal Healthcare in this country.  He called for unity and stated the party was stronger for the long-fought race. “Let us begin together, let us unite together to chart a new course for America” Obama said, kicking off his general election campaign. Speaking in the same arena that will host the Republican National Convention, Obama challenged McCain’s independence from the Republican Party and his past reputation as a maverick has not been forthcoming in his Presidential Campaign this year. 

While not calling for a direct end to the war in Iraq, Obama said it’s time for Iraq to determine its future, and it’s time to carefully withdraw from Iraq . He also called for better treatment and benefits for the returning war veterans.  He hammered home his theme of change, and defined it before a vibrant crowd, renewing a commitment to science and innovation, fiscal responsibility and shared prosperity. Obama came out swinging against McCain, and set the tone for change. In what had all the hallmarks of an acceptance speech, Obama gave a preview of what he will tell the delegates at the August convention, and what he will tell the nation.  He said he looks forward to a debate that the American people deserve, and one he looks forward. “What you won’t hear from this campaign is a politics that uses religion as a wedge and patriotism as a bludgeon”

Barack Obama is the first African-American nominee for president of any major political party in the United States. The Illinois Senator spoke before 19,000 supporters in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with his wife Michelle.  Obama called once again for a more perfect union, in the spirit of every generation that faced the greatest challenges to leave a better world. “America this is our moment, this is our time, our time to turn the page on the policies of the past…I face this challenge with profound humility, but I also face it with limitless faith in the American people.”