Echoes Of Applause For Clinton
Jill Jackson is a Capitol Hill field producer for CBS News.
After a long goodbye with members, Clinton, Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., and House leadership headed straight for the cameras staked out around the corner. A very enthusiastic Speaker Nancy Pelosi welcomed Clinton back and said that "because of her campaign, the Democratic Party is more energized, is much more prepared to win in November and, more important than that, is much more prepared to govern come January."
As House Speaker, and chair of the Democratic Convention in August, Pelosi refused to endorse Clinton or Obama through the entire race for the Democratic nomination. But Pelosi had nothing but praise for Clinton today, saying that Democrats are unified behind Clinton's message. Pelosi said she told members at the meeting that "Sen. Clinton has emerged from this election the most repected American figure for now and a long time."
This was Clinton's first on-camera appearance since her return to Capitol Hill yesterday. After many thanks to House Democrats and the New York delegation, the Senator reiterated her support for Obama. "This election is a make-or-break election," Clinton said, and I am 100 percent committed to doing everything I possibly can to make sure that Sen. Obama is sworn in as the next president of the United States, next January, in this Capitol." Clinton also said she is looking forward to campaigning with Obama in Unity, N.H., this Friday.
Clinton was asked if her husband was as enthusiastic as she and if he'll be out on the trail too. Clinton said he's in Europe today, but that "there will be a lot of work to do for all of us Democrats to do, including him" and that "he has said he'll do whatever he can and whatever he is asked."
And with cameras still flashing, Clinton went on her way with her arm around Speaker Pelosi, and Pelosi's arm around Clinton.