Barack Obama nominated by party's acclamation

DENVER — Democrats made history Wednesday when they chose Barack Obama as the first black presidential nominee of a major political party.

The Illinois senator and his onetime principal rival for the nomination, New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, were both nominated, paving the way for the traditional roll call of state delegations.

In a bit of careful political choreography, after 31 states and territories had announced their votes, the delegation from Obama's home state of Illinois yielded to New York's delegation, and the microphone was passed to Clinton.

"Madam Secretary," Clinton said, "on behalf of the great state of New York, with appreciation for the spirit and dedication of all who are gathered here; with eyes firmly fixed on the future; in the spirit of unity with the goal of victory; with faith in our party and in our country: Let's declare together, in one voice, right here and right now, that Barack Obama is our candidate and he will be our president."

Clinton then moved that the roll call be suspended and Obama be nominated by acclamation, which was accepted by whoops, cheers and the chants of "Hillary!" from the New York delegation. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, co-chair of the convention, declared that Clinton's motion had passed.

Clinton's motion to nominate Obama by acclamation had been expected. She earlier met with her delegates and released them to vote for Obama.