Obama reacts to Clinton's speech

Posted: Saturday, June 07, 2008 2:50 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Mark Murray
Obama issued this statement on Clinton's speech today:

"Obviously, I am thrilled and honored to have Sen. Clinton's support. But more than that, I honor her today for the valiant and historic campaign she has run. She shattered barriers on behalf of my daughters and women everywhere, who now know that there are no limits to their dreams. And she inspired millions with her strength, courage and unyielding commitment to the cause of working Americans. Our party and our country are stronger because of the work she has done throughout her life, and I'm a better candidate for having had the privilege of competing with her in this campaign. No one knows better than Sen. Clinton how desperately America and the American people need change, and I know she will continue to be in the forefront of that battle this fall and for years to come."

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Comments

DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT Mr. Obama pick HRC as your vice running mate. Bill Richardson is the one.

John Doe Snakes Navel Montana (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:00 PM)

I salute you Senator Clinton for a hard fought primary and for a great speech. Now let's unite the party and work hard to elect Senator Obama and the next POTUS. We just simply cannot afford another 4 years of Republican disaster.

Obama supporter in IL (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:01 PM)

Subject: minutes of the meeting between hilliary and obama.
Date: Sat, 7 Jun 2008 12:34:21 -0400

Obama: Diane get her a drink.
Obama..Hillary drink your drink.
Obama; Diane don't leave.

Obama. Now Hilliary..do you think that little stunt you pulled in south carolina and then with Rev. Wright and Lew Ayers..could fool an Obama?

Hillary: Barack...
Obama. now who was it..was it Bill...Howard(wolfson)...Al sharpton..Caputo,,Anne Lewis..Lanni Davis..?
Hillary. No Barack..it was Jackson...Jesse Jackson...

Barck..Diane please don't leave the room.

Obama..It was Jesse Jackson...
Hllary: you're not going to make me become a republican?are you?

Barack: No Hillary..do you think I'd make Chelsea an orphan?
No Hillary, you're punishment is that your out of the family business...you are going to be a supreme court appointee..but until then Harry Reid and I need you to campaign in Nevada for me.

Now here' your ticket..Diane will take you out the car.

BPG, New York, N.Y. (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:02 PM)

I hope that commenters will all aim their positive comments toward the task of electing Obama and their negative comments, if they feel the necessity, toward McSame. Hillary made a great speech and I hope it goes a long way toward healing the hurt feelings on both sides of this campaign. We need a unified party to prevail in November.

Ted, Oregon (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:03 PM)

Let's wait till you loose in November!

jeff, miami (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:05 PM)

Well Said Barack, we will unite this fall to beat Sen. McCain.

Obama/undecided V.P 08'

Shaq in Phoenix, Arizona (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:07 PM)

I did not want Obama to choose Hillary for Veep.

But now as I think on, and react to her endorsement speech, I am moving from that position.

The Clinton baggage has concerned me. I was convinced it would be the undoing of a dem victory in the GE.

However, I'm not so sure anymore.

First of all, Obama's supporters, in a very large part, are galvanized in their support for him. Likewise with Hillary's base of support for her.

Lastly, given the Keating five, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran,
100 year in Iraq, "I don't know much about the economy", calling Cindy a c..., and more, if they go there with the Clinton baggage, or Reverend Wright et al, we have plenty of ammunition with which to fight back!

I trust Obama's judgement.

donna (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:08 PM)

Its about time hilary came on board, but she did not sound genuine and i think its because her campaign was too negative and remained negative towards senator obama even when it was inevitable that he would be the nominee. But time will tell how the party will come together and i am so proud that barrack obama continues to take the high road and praises hilary and talks about women more than african americans

michleen (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:09 PM)

Can you feel the love? Lets all hold hands and say YES WE CAN!!!!!

eric, minnesota (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:09 PM)

Too bad he could not just win on his own.Gotta have Hillary to help him--lol

half a vote from MI (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:10 PM)

He has the wisdom of solomon, I would not be so generous to her.

tom, chicago, il (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:11 PM)

Barack has so much class about himself. Even when a Detroit newspaper ran with a headline "Clinton endoreses Osama" the newspaper apologize and Barack accepted they apology. I'm sure that Barack has accepted the apology of every negative comments that the Clintons said.

I thought her speech was okay but it could have emphasized more on Barack. I felt this was a identical speech of her from tuesday. She would have to campaign hard for Barack before she wins my respect again. As a African American, I took offense to what she and Bill said during the primaries.

Today was a start in earning my respect again.

Richard, Chicago (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:12 PM)

Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama know the extreme importance of electing a democrat to the White House in November. Obama's comments support the respect that we have for both he and Hillary. We are so blessed to have both of them fighting for the future of America.
Yes we Can!

Kathie Cannon, Bend, Oregon (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:13 PM)

I was very pleased with Hillary Clinton's speach and endorsement for Barack Obama. I hope this will inspire Barack Obama to put her on the ticket with him. I think that will be an unbeatable team and we need every advantage we can get to win this election. This is so important for our Country. We have got to win!!!!

Pat Specchio - Thousand Palms, CA (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:14 PM)

Okay Obama, Hillary held up her part of the bargin, now pay off her campaign debt! Not in dollars either. Euros only!

Ali Shapba, NYC (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:16 PM)

Your so honored, that's why you were out playing golf while she was making her speach and didn't even have the decency to watch the speach where she was throwing her full support behind you and telling her supporters to support you as well.

Yeah I bet your honored. You only care about one thing - getting ahead!

Liar (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:17 PM)

I am an educated woman and an Obama supporter. Today for the first time since this election started I felt good about being a woman. Today you showed to every one that what a woman could be, strong, gracious, smart, a uniter. Some one who fights to win but loses graciously with no grudge, Some one who is not controlled by her emotions and has logic. We as women have always been stereotype for these behaviors and I saw you started to break them today.
Thank you for your support for Barack

Sarah (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:17 PM)

Well said Mr. President to be.

Cross in Margate, FL (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:17 PM)

So Tweedle-Dee endorsed Tweedle-dumb. How special.

AD Meegan, Mitchell SD (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:17 PM)

More pros than cons, she will bring florida, ohio and more

Daniel , Sebring, Fl (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:19 PM)

Okay Barack, you can tell all of us the big secret now. Just what in the world are you going to change?

Need To Know Soon (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:20 PM)

I have gotten so inspired from Clinton and Obama that I tried to pay for my groceries with all of my inspiration. The checkout lady told me to get lost.

Sam I Am (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:23 PM)

Umm, Barack, losers don't shatter barriers. They just, well, they just lose. Like you will do this fall.

Tony Hawkish, Baltimore MD (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:24 PM)

THANK GOD FOR FREEDOM OF CHOICE!. I'am so happy this is history in the making and it's about time. We need change for now and generations to come. Our children and granchildren may have a better quality of life no matter who, where, or what color you are rich or poor. Yes this campiane was very intensedbut we made it through the storm and the rain.

SILENT VOTER

Cynthia Nixon Lakeland, FL. (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:24 PM)

Cynthia Nixon Lakeland, FL. (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:25 PM)

I am very happy today happened this to me finally marks the beginning of the healing process within the democratic party and also will make the republicans have to work just that much harder than they initially planned,although I beleive all their work will still prove futile because after BUSH'S massacre of the GOP,,The Democratic party looks like a shoe in for certain.

Rebecca,Ms (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:26 PM)

I thought that both the Clinton message and the response by Obama were excellant. Both of them are well aware of the importance of electing a Democratic this fall. We NEED a change from the oppressive and dangerous Bush policys

Melissa, Fort Myers, Florida (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:27 PM)

Hillary was generous, gracious and said the right things. As someone who has long seen Hillary's only motivation as achieving power, I give her credit and respect. Although, given the atmosphere and expectations, she had no other choice but to make this sort of speach.

Rush, CT (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:28 PM)

I admire Hilliary for her speech today in support of Obama. What she did required great courage and humility she got the wheels to rolling towards the healing the democratic party so desperately needs. She was gracious as she encouraged her supporters (especially women) to look ahead and not behind. She re-established my confidence in her that had diminished.

Obama supporter but Hilliary hit the ball out of the park (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:29 PM)

It's time to unify our party
But, a part part of that is focusing on new constituencise... women, blue collar workers, Latinos, Catholics

You HAVE to be SPECIFIC on your plans for health care, Social Security, tax reform, ending the war

The Presidency is there for the taking....

MSierra, SF (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:29 PM)

A gracious response.

Today, the Democratic party has taken a first step toward healing. But it's only a first step. A lot more must be done to reverse the damage the long primary caused. Even now, the Republicans are engaged in a "Older White Women" strategy to bring disgruntled Hillary supporters into their fold.

What a shame. In many ways, making the primaries about identity politics--rather than the need for a Democrat in the White House--has hurt party.

Cindy Lou, TX (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:29 PM)

To Obama,
You get my vote for the most eloquent, diplomatic and humanistic candidate for the presidency of the United States of America that I have seen in my lifetime and I am a retired white midwestern woman.

Carole E. , St. Louis, MO (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:29 PM)

Do what you want, and say what ever you want to say Obama. There is no way middle class Americans are going to vote for a snob elitist like you. Especially one that hasn't done anything in particular his entire life.

Sheri Larson, Glen Falls, PA (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:29 PM)

unity is strength

peter brooklyn ny (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:30 PM)

A classy speech from Hillary and gracious comments from Barack. Followers from both camps now need to unite. No more snide comments. Yes we can!!!
We can defeat McCain.

Ron Indiana (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:31 PM)

I'm glad he didn't take 4 days to respond!! Seriously, I really hope her speech helps all her supporters realize how much we have at stake. Please, see the big picture and unite with your party. If you have questions or concerns about Obama and the issues--Read up--Go to his excellent website and see where he stands on the issues, read about his experience(Yes he really does have some). He is about more than "pretty" speeches(although its important to be able to deliver one, for proof look at the comparisions to the McCain speech the other night). I will sat it with all the humility possible, we honor you HRC supporters and hope you come our way soon.

Kelly, CT (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:31 PM)

This was an is a Delegate Race, one that Obama Won.

Tuesday was Obama's Night and Hillary was not Gracious but Adamant in her stance, the Nation & Inaternational Countries aw this as Very Bad on Hillary Clinton's part.

But that being said....

its an Obama Party an All Democrats, Independents, Feminist, Various Races, Religions, Independent as well as Moderate Respublicans are invited, to join in and Support Sen. Barack Obama.

Hillary was a Disgrace Tuesday, but in the long run, she'll be a Great Allie, but not the VP...

Jim Webb Or Sebelius will do, just Fine.

Omaar (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:31 PM)

Kuddos to Hillary Clinton-what a great speech. Welcome to all Hillary supporters! With her gracious endorsement and your support the democrats will unite and win the Whitehouse!!! Thank, Hillary!!!

obama supporter (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:32 PM)

If Change is electing a Marxist - an inexperienced one at that - to the White House, then I think I'll vote for McCain.

Switching Parties (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:32 PM)

OUTSTANDING SPEECH HILLARY!!!!!

Just one thing - - - NO WE WON'T!!

Molly (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:36 PM)

Classy statement by Obama, as per usual. He's got my support 100%! I don't think McCain stands a snowball's chance in hell!

Trish (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:39 PM)

Blah Blah Blah...Still giving speeches with no substance.

Can't wait till this is over. McCain '08, Clinton '12

Dennis Smith, Tampa, FL (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:40 PM)

I've been watching the poll on your page voting for Hillary for V.P. and hasn't changed all week. I don't understand because I know more people are voting.

Sandy Halbur Olympia, washington (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:40 PM)

This is a classy man who I will feel proud to have my President. And I finally saw Hillary Clinton today come from a genuine place. She had a great speech and touched on everything she really needed to. I have been one of her worst critics because I am not at all fond of her. However she stepped up to the plate today. And I hope she plans on staying in integrity and following through with her word. Barack Obama could have slammed her sooooooo many times during this primary election and we have watched him take the high road time and time again. I am glad to see she ended her race with more class then how she ran it.

michelle, CO (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:41 PM)

There are many Republicans pretending to be Clinton supporters, trying to drum up dissent. I read reaction to Obama's statement on CNN and there's no way some of those people were dems.

"With much regret my vote will go to McCain this fall! The siver lining in that will be when McCain beats Obama, and he will, then America will have to put up with 4 more years of bad Republican policy and by then they will embrace Hillary as the true beacon of hope for America!!!"

No dem would endure 12 years of this insanity just to put Clinton in the white house.

Gas is headed for $5 bucks. McCain is clueless about the economy. And unemployment is over 5%.

Clintonistas, don't let republicans fool you.

Obama said his 2 main goals will be healthcare & energy policy. Add to that ending the war. That's a good 4 years. By appointing 2 liberal supreme court justices, he will protect a woman's right to choose. If he does nothing else it will be a golden age compared to now.

A Charles, LA, CA (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:44 PM)

today Sen. Clinton showed improved a speaker and campaigner she has become by the time today arrived. Great speech.Probably her best of the entire campaign.

Pete Sachariason, Montevideo,MN (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:44 PM)

It was a wonderful speech. I she said what she needed (had) to say to save her backside. NOW can we please start with the general election? Enough HRC and on with the task at hand.

Kermit, Champaign, IL (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:45 PM)

Go President Elect Barack Obama
We thank you...Congratulations on your success

Michael ,Newark NJl (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:46 PM)

Hillary is a Clinton and a Clinton is a Clinton.

scott, lithonia, Ga. (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:46 PM)

Pure class... I have been an Obama supporter from the beginning and would have been OK if Hillary had won. However, as the campaign progressed, I became more and more fed up with the Clinton's tactics; I found them repulsive. In the end, Hillary came through with a classy finish. Her speech was powerful and timely. I am convinced she will do whatever she is asked to do to get Barak elected. I have found Sen.Obama to be a class act from the beginning. I believe that Sen.Clinton rose to that same level of class today. It's not about personalities in the end, it's about issues and changing the way Washington works and re establishing our standing and leadership in the world. I believe that we now have a chance to demonstrate to the world that we will work to live more responsibly and respectfully on this planet. Three cheers for Barak Obama, Hillary Clinton and the American people!

ChuckOrlando (Sent Saturday, June 07, 2008 3:47 PM)

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