I knew she wasn't finished yet...Clinton Leaves Option Open for Convention Floor Vote
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton is seeking a way for her delegates to be heard at the Democratic National Convention, telling supporters such a step will help unify a party that split between her and Sen. Barack Obama during their hard-fought nominating contest.
"I happen to believe that we will come out stronger if people feel that their voices were heard and their views respected. I think that is a very big part of how we actually come out unified," Clinton, D-N.Y., told supporters last week at a California fundraiser. A video clip of her remarks was posted on YouTube. "Because I know from just what Im hearing, that theres incredible pent up desire. And I think that people want to feel like, 'OK, its a catharsis, were here, we did it, and then everybody get behind Sen. Obama. That is what most people believe is the best way to go," she said.
The former first lady did not rule out the possibility of having her name placed into nomination at the convention, being held Aug. 25-28 in Denver. But she also said no decisions had been made.
| Waiting another couple of weeks to see what the polls do to Obama ... |
"We are trying work all this through with the (Democratic National Committee) and with the Obama campaign," said Clinton, who suspended her White House bid on June 7 and endorsed Obama, an Illinois senator.
Clinton campaign officials are negotiating with both parties to determine the full scope of her role at the convention. She is expected to deliver a prime-time address to delegates on Aug. 26, the second night of the gathering.
Obama will deliver his speech at Invesco Field at Mile High, home to footballs Denver Broncos. Nearly two-thirds of the tickets will go to residents of the West and Southwest, including Colorado, where Democrats have made inroads in recent elections. "You dont have to be a delegate or party insider to witness this historic moment firsthand," Democratic National Convention Committee CEO Leah Daughtry said, announcing the plans for credentials.
Ticket selection was designed "to showcase the gains the party has made in the West," she said. Convention committee spokeswoman Natalie Wyeth declined to say how many tickets would be issued.
Last week, Obama campaign officials said they hope to turn the stadium crowd into a giant phone bank, with attendees using their cell phones to ask friends and others to register and vote.
The first three nights of the convention will be held at the 21,000-seat Pepsi Center.