Rice, Bush congratulate Obama

Secretary of State Condolezza Rice, the highest-ranking black member of the Bush administration, congratulated Barack Obama Wednesday on his history-making achievement in securing the Democratic presidential nomination.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino also extended President Bush's congratulations.

Obama on Tuesday gathered enough delegates to seize the nomination, becoming the first black candidate ever to lead his party toward the White House. He bested Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, capping a primary fight that was originally expected to end months ago.

Speaking at the State Department, Rice said: "The United States of America is an extraordinary country. It is a country that has overcome many, many, now years, decades, actually a couple of centuries of trying to make good on its principles. And I think what we are seeing is an extraordinary expression of the fact that 'We the people' is beginning to mean all of us."

Rice also congratulated Republican nominee-in-waiting John McCain and Clinton on their campaigns.

"I look forward to viewing it all on the sidelines as a voter," said Rice, who has been mentioned as a possible running mate for McCain.

Bush did not call Obama, and Perino noted that former President Clinton didn't call Bush when he won his party's nomination in 2000.

"President Bush congratulates Senator Obama for clinching the Democratic Party's 2008 nomination for president," Perino said. "He knows from personal experience that the presidential nominating process is a grueling one. Senator Obama came a long way in becoming his party's nominee. And his historic achievement reflects the fact that our country has come a long way, too."

Perino said Bush also lauded Clinton for her "spirited campaign, and one that made history as well."

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Associated Press Writer Ben Feller contributed to this report.