Clinton helps seal Obama nomination amid cheers

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It was a closing of sorts, but whether closure was there is another matter.

There stood Hillary Rodham Clinton, embraced on the floor of the Democratic National Convention by her fellow New York delegates, urging the party to shut down the roll call of states and declare Barack Obama's their presidential nominee by acclamation.

It had to be a cathartic moment for Clinton, who had spent weeks thanking people who backed her presidential quest and now was out front and the center of attention in helping to speed Obama's coronation.

It bookended a journey of over a year and a half in which she challenged the Illinois upstart with all her might before conceding warily on a steamy Saturday in the nation's capital in early June. There seemed a collective sigh of relief among delegates as the vote was closed, an unavoidable emotion given the suspense that had been building for days.

When she came onto the floor, Clinton was immediately circled by scores of people trying to find space to stand on a tiny piece of empty carpet. That's the spot where she would eventually stand, the place where she took the microphone and exclaimed: "With eyes firmly fixed on the future, in the spirit of unity, with the goal of victory, with faith in our party and our country, let's declare together in one voice right here, right now, that Barack Obama is our candidate."

She then asked that the formal roll call be suspended so that Obama could be made the nominee by acclamation.

In a nod to her supporters that are still unhappy that she is not the nominee, she carefully noted that the total votes would still be counted, just not in a convention ceremony. At the stage, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi formally asked for someone to second Clinton's request, and the crowd roared in approval.

When Pelosi asked if anyone was opposed, a lone voice high up in the arena called out, but few took notice.

Clinton then left the arena, with kisses and handshakes for supporters as the speakers blared "Love Train" and many in the crowd joined hands above their heads and danced.

Asked about introducing her at the historic moment, New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver replied: "It's great to stand next to her anytime."

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