Hillary’s name to be placed in nomination

AP reports that the Clinton and Obama campaigns have agreed that Hillary’s name will be offered in nomination and presumably there will be a roll call vote at the convention.   Story here. This has been described as a “traditional” way of proceeding, although it would be the first such roll call vote this century.  Only Dennis Kucinich placed his name in nomination against John Kerry in 2004 and BIll Bradley did not have a roll call vote against Al Gore in 2000. 

Nevertheless, the Obama and Clinton campaigns have decided that such a move will assist party unification and should yield positive results.  Democrats (including me) have great respect for Senator Clinton and her campaign, and her nomination reflects that respect.  Then it’s on to November, with Senator Clinton and her supporters, working to elect Barack Obama.

Here is the statement from the Obama campaign.

August 14, 2008
Since June, Senators Obama and Clinton have been working together to ensure a Democratic victory this November. They are both committed to winning back the White House and to to ensuring that the voices of all 35 million people who participated in this historic primary election are respected and heard in Denver. To honor and celebrate these voices and votes, both Senator Obama’s and Senator Clinton’s names will be placed in nomination.

“I am convinced that honoring Senator Clinton’s historic campaign in this way will help us celebrate this defining moment in our history and bring the party together in a strong united fashion,” said Senator Barack Obama.

Senator Obama’s campaign encouraged Senator Clinton’s name to be placed in nomination as a show of unity and in recognition of the historic race she ran and the fact that she was the first woman to compete in all of our nation’s primary contests.

“With every voice heard and the Party strongly united, we will elect Senator Obama President of the United States and put our nation on the path to peace and prosperity once again,” said Senator Hillary Clinton.
Senator Obama and Senator Clinton are looking forward to a convention unified behind Barack Obama as the Party’s nominee and to victory this fall for America.