Clinton Backs Obama, Saying ‘Yes, We Can’

Hillary Clinton called on her supporters Saturday to join her in helping elect Barack Obama only the fourth Democratic U.S. president in 40 years.

Clinton said she embraced the junior senator from Illinois, to whom she narrowly lost the Democratic nomination, and is throwing my full support behind him.

I ask all of you to work as hard for Barack Obama as hard as you have for me, the New York senator exhorted the crowd of thousands who showed up for her speech in Washington — where she announced she is suspending her campaign and clearing the way for Obama to face Arizona Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican candidate, in the November general election.

While noting she went toe to toe with Obama through a tough primary season, she said she recognizes his strength and determination, his grit and his grace and will work hard as part of the Democratic family to ensure he walks through the door to the Oval Office.

We cannot let this moment slip away, Clinton said. The journey ahead will not be easy. So today I am standing with Sen. Obama to say, ‘Yes, we can!’

Obama issued a statement thanking Clinton for her support, The New York Times said.

I honor her today for the valiant and historic campaign she has run, said Obama. She shattered barriers on behalf of my daughters and women everywhere, who now know that there are no limits to their dreams.

Obama said the United States and the Democratic Party are stronger because of the work she has done throughout her life, and I’m a better candidate for having had the privilege of competing with her in this campaign.