Senator Hillary Clinton told supporters in New York City on Tuesday that she would not announce any decision that night about the fate of her presidential campaign, following rival Barack Obama's securing of enough delegates to claim the Democratic nomination.
Clinton said she planned to consult with supporters and party leaders in the days ahead to determine the best path forward for the Democratic Party and the country.
Her address came as speculation mounted that she might formally exit the race after a grueling 17-month contest, with some Democrats expressing concern that the prolonged primary had left the party divided. Clinton praised Obama's campaign but stopped short of congratulating him on clinching the nomination.
Earlier that day, Clinton signaled for the first time that she might accept the vice presidential spot on an Obama ticket. A staffer with the New York congressional delegation told AFP that Clinton "would be open to the VP slot," indicating that negotiations over her role in the party may be underway.
Speaking near the Statue of Liberty and the site of the former Twin Towers, Clinton drew on themes of national resilience, arguing that Americans have consistently overcome hardship and that the country needed to move beyond the legacy of the Bush administration.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in June 2008, in its own words.