Congratulations, Senator Obama: Presumptive Democratic Nominee for President of the United States! [View All]

[Skinner]

And congratulations to all of Senator Obama's supporters here on Democratic Underground and elsewhere.

This has been a historic primary -- the most exciting, hard-fought, and talent-rich primary I have ever seen and ever expect to see. It has not always been easy, especially here on DU. But I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to watch it, and to play a very small role in it. I have great respect and admiration for both Senator Obama and Senator Clinton, and I would have been happy with either of them as our nominee.

But as you know, only one can be our standard-bearer in the general election. And that standard-bearer is Senator Obama. He has run a brilliant campaign, and I believe he will be an exceptionally strong candidate in the fall. I look forward to uniting with my fellow Democrats to support Senator Obama, and to help him win the election in November.

To those of you who supported Senator Clinton, I know that this may be a difficult night for some of you. And I know that many of you are not quite ready to unite behind Senator Obama just yet. I understand. What I want you to know is this: When you feel ready to join with the rest of your fellow Democrats, we will be proud to unite with you. Together, we will make a great team.

On a related note: As http://journals.democraticunderground.com/Skinner/239">promised the presidential primary on Democratic Underground will soon come to an end. Out of respect to Senator Clinton and her supporters, I do not want to officially end the primary on Democratic Underground until she makes her intentions clear. With this in mind, our TENTATIVE plan is to end discussion of the primary at 12:00 noon ET, Wednesday June 11.

It's been a hell of a ride. I'm looking forward to the next part of the journey.

ON EDIT: Since it has become apparent that Senator Clinton is going to leave the presidential race, we are going to stay with our plan to end discussion of the primary on Wednesday, June 11.