BARACK Obama has become the first African-American to lead a major US party into a presidential election, winning the Democratic nomination by acclamation yesterday after former rival Hillary Clinton called for a halt to the roll call of states' votes writes Denis Staunton in Denver.
Some delegates on the floor of Denver’s Pepsi Centre wept openly when House speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that Mr Obama had won the nomination, while others danced to Love Train by the O’Jays, chanting the Obama slogan “Yes we can”.
The outcome of the delegate vote had never been in doubt but Mrs Clinton added a touch of drama to the event when, two thirds of the way through the roll call, she spoke on behalf of the New York delegation.
“With appreciation for the spirit and dedication of all who are gathered here, with eyes firmly fixed on the future, with the spirit of unity…let's declare altogether with one voice right here and right now that Barack Obama is our candidate and he will be our president,” she said.
Later in the evening, former president Bill Clinton delivered a resounding endorsement of Mr Obama, declaring that the Illinois senator is ready to lead the US and pushing back against Republican attacks on the Democratic nominee.
"Republicans said I was too young and too inexperienced to be commander in chief," Mr Clinton said, recalling his election to the White House 16 years ago.
"Sound familiar? It didn't work in 1992, because we were on the right side of history. And it won't work in 2008, because Barack Obama is on the right side of history."
Mr Clinton, who was dismissive of Mr Obama’s candidacy during the primary campaign, said he was convinced that Mr Obama was ready to restore American leadership in the world.
“Most important, Barack Obama knows that America cannot be strong abroad unless we are strong at home,” Mr Clinton said.
“People the world over have always been more impressed by the power of our example than by the example of our power.”
Delaware senator Joe Biden accepted the vice-presidential nomination with a speech warning that electing John McCain in November would amount to giving President George Bush a third term in the White House.
Mr Biden described Mr McCain as a friend and praised the Republican’s military service but insisted that he was the wrong choice for America.
“The choice in this election is clear. These times require more than a good soldier – they require a wise leader. A leader who can deliver change. The change everybody knows we need,” Mr Biden said.
Mr Biden said that, despite Mr McCain’s claims to foreign policy experience, Mr Obama had shown better judgment on the major national security issues of recent years.
“Again and again, on the most important national security issues of our time, John McCain was wrong, and Barack Obama was proven right,” Mr Biden said.
“Folks, remember when the world used to trust us? When they looked to us for leadership? With Barack Obama as our president, they’ll look to us again, they’ll trust us again, and we’ll be able to lead again.”
Mr Obama made a surprise appearance onstage at the end of Mr Biden’s speech, praising his running mate’s speech and paying tribute to the Clintons.
“Hillary Clinton rocked the house last night,” he said.
“President Clinton reminded us of what it’s like when you have a president who actually puts people first.”