US presidential election

Clinton calls for unity behind Obama

Article published on the 2008-08-27 Latest update 2008-08-27 08:42 TU

Hillary Clinton waves to delegates.
(Photo: Reuters)

Former US presidential contender Hillary Clinton gave the keynote speech at the Democratic Convention in Denver, Colorado, Tuesday night and called for the party to unite behind her former rival Barack Obama, dispelling any doubts about whether she would contest his nomination.

“We are on the same team, and none of us can afford to sit on the sidelines. This is a fight for the future, and it is a fight we must win together,” she told the 4,440 delegates gathered in the Pepsi Center.

“Barack Obama is my candidate, and he must be our president,” she added.

Nearly two months after her presidential run ended, and passed over by Barack Obama as a potential running mate, Clinton also used the opportunity to reflect on her political journey.

She spoke extensively about the advancement of women in the United States, using the words of runaway slave Harriett Tubman to encourage her supporters to keep working.

“If you hear the dogs, keep going,” she said. “If you see the torches in the woods, keep going. If they’re shouting after you, keep going. Don’t ever stop. Keep going."