Senator Clinton Suspends Campaign and Endorses Obama

Senator Hillary Clinton officially suspended her campaign today at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC. In front of thousands of her supporters, Clinton thanked everyone in the room and threw her complete support behind Senator Barack Obama as the Democratic nominee for President. Her endorsement emphasized the necessity to work as hard as possible to ensure Obama's victory in November. Her speech urged her supporters to not feel discouraged, but to come together as Democrats to beat Republican John McCain in the general election. For more on the story, click here.

On a personal note, and as an Obama supporter, I would just like to thank Senator Clinton for her tenacity throughout the campaign and willingness to unite the party for a Democratic victory in November. I have always liked Senator Clinton and have had the highest respect for her. She has made history throughout her campaign, setting precedents for women all over the country. I congratulate her on a hard fought race for the nomination and thank her for her support.

Although there may be discouragement and bitterness present in many of her supporters, it is necessary to understand that we are all Democrats and MUST come together to win in November. This election is too important to throw away to the Republicans and, in light of Senator Clinton's speech, we must work together to provide a better future for our country.

Private Meeting

Last night, Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton met privately for the first time since Obama had clinched the nomination for the Democratic Party.

Sources say both had decided on the time earlier in the week, but did not disclose the location. Much of the media believed it to be at the Clinton's home, but it was revealed that it actually took place at Senator Diane Feinstein's home in Whitehaven.

A joint statement was provided by both campaigns to the press:

Senator Clinton and Senator Obama met tonight and had a productive discussion about the important work that needs to be done to succeed in November.

There is little information as to what was said during their private meeting, but it seems both are looking forward to uniting the party for the general election. For more click here.

Senator Clinton plans to concede the race and endorse Barack Obama on Saturday in front of supporters at an event in Washington, DC.

Friendly Candidate Conversation

The back and forth between both the Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton campaigns have truly reached high levels of intensity. The bitter rivalry seems endless and does not bode well for the Democratic Party. Many Democrats are worried, including myself, that the mudslinging will cause a very bitter divide going into the general election.

Yet, perhaps things are not as bad as they seem. Earlier today, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton were spotted in the Senate together having what looked like a friendly conversation. Both happily greeted each other on the Senate floor while casting a vote. Then, Obama guided Clinton back to her chair, where both candidates sat and talked for several minutes with one another.

What was said during the conversation remains a mystery, but the two seemed to be getting along just fine. Check out the video here.

New Legislature By Dems Could Shift Iraq Plans Starting Now

According to the New York Times, Democrats in the Senate are pushing for new legislature which would require that soldiers spend as much time at home as they did overseas before they are redeployed. This strategy, proposed by Senator Jim Webb of Virgina, would force President Bush to begin bringing troops home from Iraq earlier than planned, and would reduce the stress and fatigue soldiers face. Democrats say they are close to having enough Republican support for this proposal to pass. For more info, see the full article.

Mudslingers

By Daryl Cagle at MSNBC

While both candidates have their strengths and weaknesses, I've been particularly underwhelmed by Hillary and Barack recently. In this case, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Edwards Leads in Iowa

Here's one state where Hillary Clinton is not leading. John Edwards is doing quite well in Iowa. Typically, John Edwards has been 3rd in most polls. I'm a little disappointed but I know that Senator Clinton will take the lead and I'm confident she can pull off a win in Iowa.

Iowa:

A new Research 2000 poll in Iowa shows John Edwards still leading the Democratic presidential race with 27% support, followed by Sen. Hillary Clinton at 22%, Sen. Barack Obama at 16% and Gov. Bill Richardson at 11%.

On the GOP side, Mitt Romney leads with 25%, followed by Fred Thompson at 14%, Rudy Giuliani at 13% and Sen. John McCain at 10%.

Courtesy of Political Wire