Bill Clinton Appeals Directly to Hillary’s 18 Million

We’ve witnessed an historic primary in which a woman and an African American battled for the right to become the Democrat’s nominee for the Presidency of the United States.  Finally, the Democrats nominated Barak Obama, the first African American to win the honor of a major party.  Hillary Clinton, who received the most votes of any woman in a party primary, and whose name was placed in nomination as a symbolic gesture, passed the torch to Obama on the second evening of the Democratic National Convention.  Hours later, her husband, Bill Clinton made a convincing case to her delegates and to undecided voters, to vote for Obama in the general election.  David Gergen, a CNN analyst, called it the best speech Clinton had given since he left the White House.  I found it to be vintage Clinton, spellbinding, with a remarkably clear message.  Text of President Clinton’s Speech

His first sentence left no doubt as to his purpose:  “I am honored to be here tonight to support Barak Obama.” In his second sentence, he reassured America that Obama had made an excellent choice in selecting Joe Biden as his running mate.  For the many who revere Clinton and supported Hillary, those two comforting sentences might have been sufficiently persuasive to secure their votes.

He directly appealed to Hillary Clinton supporters:  “I want all of you who voted for Hillary to vote for Obama.”

He went on to remind us of the damage caused by 8 years of Republican rule, suggesting McCain would bring four more of the same.

And most importantly, he made the case that Obama, despite his youthfulness, has the character, the leadership qualities, the range of experience and intelligence to be President in these complicated times.    In the words of Clinton, “Barak Obama is ready to lead America and restore American leadership in the world.  Ready to preserve and protect the Constitution of the United States.  Barak Obama is ready to be President of the United States”.

Barak Obama will give an historic address tonight to 80,000 convention goers tonight and he will make his own case to the American Public.  I am sure it will be convincing, inspiring and leave no doubt that he is the one for our country.

Tonight, I am especially proud to be an American.