Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton pledge Democratic unity

In speeches in North Carolina, the two presidential candidates each pledge support if the other wins the nomination.
By Bob Drogin
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

May 3, 2008

RALEIGH, N.C. — Taking a break from recent verbal combat, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama both moved Friday night to ease concerns that their fight for the Democratic presidential nomination has become too divisive and could undercut voter turnout and support in November.

Speaking to a state Democratic rally here designed to promote party unity, the rivals delivered impassioned appeals to about 3,000 cheering party activists but largely ignored each other.

Clinton, who spoke first, mentioned Obama only at the start of her speech, promising that "if he is the nominee," she would gladly support him. "And if I am the nominee, I know he'll do the same," she added.

Obama soon returned the favor, vowing to support Clinton "in a heartbeat" if she wins the nomination, and saying he knows she would back him. "Our differences pale in comparison to our differences with the other party," he said.

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