I have wanted to wait to write this. But I think it is time in the name of party unity to say that I stand with my party, and I will vote for the nominee of the party.
I have stood with Hillary since January 2007. I have given a lot of money to her. I have made a lot of calls for her. I have fought for her on the blogs. I love her dearly, and I would like her to be president.
But facts are facts, and there simply is no disputing the delegate count we have tonight. Even if we change the rules and seat all of Florida and Michigan's delegates just as the votes were cast, the superdelegates are going to give the nomination to Barack Obama.
Tonight, Barack Obama gave a gracious and dignified speech. He was strong. He spoke to the policies I believe in. He extended his hand in friendship to Hillary and her supporters, and I extend my hand back to him. He clearly wants and needs the vote of Hillary Democrats, and he has mine.
I congratulate all of you who have stood with Obama through this race. I congratulate Senator Obama, whom we all need now to make President Obama.