Clinton delivers Dems’s first address since convention

In the first Democratic radio address since the party picked Barack Obama as its presidential nominee, former rival Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) on Saturday heaped praise on the Illinois senator. 

“I speak to you today as a proud Democrat. A proud American. And a proud supporter of Barack Obama,” Clinton said.

{mosads}The early part of the Democratic convention in Denver this week was dominated by whether there was a rift between the backers of Obama and those of Clinton. However, following speeches by the former first lady and her husband Bill Clinton, in which both expressed their strong support for Obama, talk of whether the party is divided has died down.

Having Clinton deliver the first radio address since the convention is further evidence that Democrats are working to heal the rifts of a bruising primary.

“The contrasts between us and the Republicans could not be starker, especially on issues that matter to middle class families,” Sen. Clinton stated.

“With Barack Obama in the White House and Democrats leading in Congress, we will lead the charge to revitalize the economy, create jobs, make college affordable again, and enable hard-working Americans to pay for gas, food, utilities and cover the monthly bills,” the New York senator added.

Clinton also said that she “can’t wait to watch President Barack Obama, with the support of a Democratic Congress, sign into law universal health care that covers every single American.”

The former first lady also attacked Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), who is expected to accept the GOP nomination on Thursday.

“Next week, John McCain and the leaders of the Republican Party will hold a convention that offers a starkly different vision for our nation: continuing in the same direction we’re headed now,” Clinton said.

“The choice in this election is as clear as the stakes are high. I urge all of you to join us in supporting the great ticket of Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and help elect Democrats in Congress who will work with them,” Clinton concluded. “We don't have a moment to lose or a vote to spare. Nothing less than the fate of our nation and the future of our children hangs in the balance.”