PATTI MAILMAN:

Clinton should concede and throw her support to Obamma unconditionally. She should encourage all her supporters to support Obamma and the democratic party and discourage them from considering voting for McCain.

Posted by PATTI MAILMAN | June 3, 2008 8:14 PM

Jesse Moorman:

The end of primaries is a big relief. Obama's speech was very good; he is a talented orator. Obama's oratory also continually impresses by its intelligence. Though I started out skeptical about his often rather general promises, leaving me somewhat puzzled about what he would do as a President, my trust in him has grown.

Posted by Jesse Moorman | June 3, 2008 8:37 PM

andrew swan:

I for one will cast my vote for another 4 years of a republican in the white house. Why? Because I believe, like me, many democrats will have decided that s vote for Obama in the primary is a vote for McCain in the national election. It doesn't matter who will be elected, they will be guided in their actions by the Bush legacy of global misdeeds and missteps overiding domestic problems resulting from his administration. Clinton or McCain has the background and experience to transition our foreign policy without diastrous results.

Posted by andrew swan | June 3, 2008 8:52 PM

Joanne Cadkin:

I am 65 year old woman and a life long Democrat. I think it is time for the Democrats to unite to defeat McCain in November, Both speeches were great under the circumstances. As much as I would like to see Clinton as Vice President I don't think that is going to fly. I do think she can be an asset maybe as Attorney General. I like Richardson as Vice President. I think Obama is intelligent enough to assemble an intelligent team around him that has the good of the American in mind.

Posted by Joanne Cadkin | June 3, 2008 8:57 PM

Damon Moore:

The Clinton speech was striking for its defiance and lack of grace in the face of defeat. If, as some suggest, this was a tryout for the vice-presidential slot, it appeared to be the worst job interview imaginable. It never pays to remind the boss that you almost had his job. Or that you think you are more qualified than he is.

Posted by Damon Moore | June 3, 2008 9:06 PM

Kitty Stokes:

I am a white, 68-year old female who supported Obama, so obviously all his support isn't young, first-time voters. I made my decisions on his policies and his vision of government, not on race or gender. However, if Clinton had won the nomination I would have wholeheartedly supported her. I can't believe that any Clinton supporter could vote for McCain; this next election is too important to our country's future to throw it away in a fit of pique.
As for Obama's vice-presidential choice, I don't think it should be Clinton. They are both candidates who polarize sections of the electorate, and a good vice-presidential candidate would help to neutralize some of that. What about James Webb?
Hillary could continue to be a great Senator.

Posted by Kitty Stokes | June 3, 2008 9:06 PM

Mike:

I was a Joe Biden fan and voted for him. My disappointment in his abortive attempt is now surmounted by my admiration of Sen. Obama. The definition of a leader, for me, is not someone who knows how to get things done or knows how to pull strings. A leader should awaken the nation and inspire all of us to achieve better things. Barak has those qualities and he has an aura that I trust.

Although I may be considered an older voter, I was slightly teared by his speech tonight, as I usually am when he speaks. It's the promise of hope he offers that the nation that we have missed for so long that brings rise to both hope and tears in me.

Posted by Mike | June 3, 2008 9:15 PM

Renee:

It's frustrating to hear people refer to Mr. Obama as an elitist. He's had more experience with real poverty than most Americans, having spent four years as a child in Indonesia, playing in the streets with children and attending school with children who had no indoor plumbing in their houses.

Posted by Renee | June 3, 2008 9:25 PM

Michael Hicks:

Several months ago, I was discussing with colleagues at work how America's standing overseas, particularly with members of countries overseas, would take a long time to repair. I thought it would take a couple of generations. With the possibilty of the US electing Barack Obama as president, I think we have the opportunity to get a
50 year head start in reinstating America's place as a moral and ethical leader in the
brotherhood of nations

Posted by Michael Hicks | June 3, 2008 9:30 PM

Chris Hodges :

I thought Obama's speech was very powerful and I'm so excited by his nomination, I can hardly believe it's true.
Incredibly smart...articulate...ethical...in touch...not a candidate like this since Lincoln! I think Michelle would be an amazing ambassador for the U.S. However, I don't understand why Hillary should be on the "dream ticket" as VP - Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico has excellent experience in foreign affairs (his success @ freeing Amer hostages held by Saddam & nominated for Nobel Peace Prize 5 times), and he is equally as capable as Hillary of attracting Latinos. Although Tom Daschle, is also deserving to run as VP, Bill Richardson came out strong for Obama early, even after Bill Clinton forced him to watch the superbowl together and is the most dynamic. Hillary would be great subbing for Ted Kennedy, as Dem "Lion" of the Senate. She could continue working for health care reform and education, her fortes. (I am white, female, 58, for Obama: all women don't prefer Hillary just because of her gender; for me it's more about ideology).

Posted by Chris Hodges | June 3, 2008 9:55 PM

Lucas:

Like many before me, I don't remember ever being so energized during an election season (overshadowed only by my disappointment and anger at Bush's re-election in 2004).

While I'm relatively neutral with regards to the choice between Obama and Clinton (with small leaning towards Obama), I would have been just as happy if Hillary becomes the nominee. Both candidates represent the exciting optimism for a new direction for us as a nation.

On the other hand, I'm surprised at the passionate (sometimes even bitter) advocacy from both camps of the democratic party, given that there are relatively few differences between them.

For me, I'm optimistic about Obama's image, if he is elected as President, showing the world, that the United States, isn't just another imperialist nation run by rich, white men.

Posted by Lucas | June 3, 2008 10:05 PM

Daniel Raymond:

I keep thinking about Clinton's "no decisions tonight" line and I wonder, what decisions did she have? Her campaign already had preview copies of all the nice things Obama was going to say about her.

To continue campaigning to the next state?...no more states.

To try to continue lobbying the superdelegates?...the majority are aldready decided for Obama and expect a flood of the rest to jump on the bandwagon tomorrow.

Whether to demand, or accept, being the vice presidential candidate?...Either way it sure would have helped to say something nice about the person in the position to offer it and who you would supposedly be running with.

Cabinet position or concessions on the platform?...Again you would want to start with an olive branch.

So in reality is the 'no decisions' really just a thinly veiled threat to allow her supporters to launch a write-in campaign? Or even a third party bid?

Posted by Daniel Raymond | June 3, 2008 10:27 PM

Esteban:

As a college educated Latino gay lifelong Democrat i'm concerned that effectively today, at the close of the Democratic Primary season and Obama the presumptive nominee, America has been condemned to another four year of Bush politics.

Posted by Esteban | June 3, 2008 11:31 PM

marilyn:

Ms.Clinton not conceding is great example of why we DO NOT NEED ANOTHER Clinton in the white house.Beside her lying and drunking display we can add sore loser.I do not want her as president of the United States.I do not believe Ms.Clinton would be a good president basic her behavior,she can't even manage her campaign budget.She does not get a free pass because her husband cheated on her,what's that all about.Did Mr.Clinton make a deal with Ms.Clinton to put her the white house for all his cheating.

As far as Mccain how can a panamanian be president of the United State of America.I believe the constituition states ONLY natural born citizen can be president. (which mean born on u.s. soil. NOT SOVEREIGHTY LAND UNDER U.S. MILITARY BASE LAND)WHY ARE WE CHANGING POLICY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GAME.Missour sen Claire Mcskull is trying to amendened the consitution to allow Mccain to run for president.HOG WASH!!!!!

Posted by marilyn | June 5, 2008 6:47 AM

Mary S.:

Both Senators should choice a person with whom each can work successfully. Senator McCain would do well with Senator Lindsey Graham. And Senator Barack Obama would be balanced by Senator Joe Biden. Neither Lindsey Graham nor Joe Biden are spot-light grabbers. And either a President McCain or a President Obama would be able to function as they should in the Office of the Presidency with the full support and loyalty of their Vice President.

Posted by Mary S. | June 10, 2008 8:35 PM