Clinton implores backers to support Obama

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By Christina Bellantoni

DENVER | Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton relished one final public embrace Tuesday from the millions who propelled her historic campaign, then rallied them behind the man who crushed her presidential aspirations in a rousing speech that declared "it is time to take back the country" from a failed Republican leadership.

Laying rest to a bitter primary battle that left many of her supporters - especially women - seething months later, Mrs. Clinton used her prime-time convention address to reassure her coalition of 18 million voters that Barack Obama and his running mate Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. would carry on her battle for universal health care, economic growth through green jobs and renewed American prestige abroad.

She argued passionately that the Democratic ticket was a better alternative to Republican John McCain.

"You haven't worked so hard over the last 18 months, or endured the last eight years, to suffer through more failed leadership. No way, no how, no McCain," the first lady implored after being welcomed to the stage by her daughter Chelsea and an adoring, roaring crowd waving signs with her name on it.

"Barack Obama is my candidate, and he must be our president," she said.

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Democrats cheer Clinton

Sen. Hillary Clinton calls for party unity as she highlights the strengths of her former opponent, Sen. Barack Obama, Tuesday night in Denver at the Democratic National Convention.