Hillary Clinton is First Woman to Clinch Presidential Nomination- ‘Mom Taught me Never to Back Down from a Bully’

Hillary Clinton is First Woman to Clinch Presidential Nomination

In the early hours of Wednesday (late Tuesday in the United States), Mrs Hillary Rodham Clinton became the first woman to clinch the presidential nomination of a major American party as she secured enough delegates to become the Democrats party flag-bearer at the November elections.

With the results at the Democrats primary elections held in various cities across the US turning in the required number of pledged delegates to secure her place in history, Clinton has now edged off her main challenger, Bernie Sanders.

American President Barack Obama has reached out to both Clinton and Sanders. The American president called to congratulate Clinton on her heroic feat while also pledging to meet with equally respected Vermont senator, Sanders, on Thursday.

Clinton in a short speech after results confirmed that she had secured the nomination, dedicated the victory to her late mother who she said taught her never to back down from a bully, a lesson she said had proved useful during her campaigns. The former first lady has in recent weeks been engaged in a war of words with Republican Party nominee and billionaire, Mr Donald Trump, seen by many as a bully.

Clinton noted that her mother was born on June 4th, 1919, the day the American congress passed the 19th amendment which gave American women the right to vote and it was symbolic that she (Clinton) now has a chance to be voted for as the US president. A victory at the polls in November would make Clinton the first ever female American president.

“Don’t let anyone tell you great things cannot happen in America. Barriers can come down,” Clinton said.

Don’t let anyone tell you great things can’t happen in America. Barriers can come down. Justice & equality can win.https://t.co/5xcwapDvPJ

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 8, 2016

Below is how her husband, former President Bill Clinton, reacted:

I keep saying Hillary is the ultimate changemaker, and tonight she proved it. I couldn't be more proud. History made. #ImWithHer

— Bill Clinton (@billclinton) June 8, 2016

Meanwhile, following the turn of events, Mr Bernie Sanders will be laying off half of his campaign workforce this week, reports from the US media indicate.

BREAKING: Bernie Sanders will lay off half his campaign staff tomorrow

— The Int'l Spectator (@intlspectator) June 8, 2016

According to the New York Times, “many of those being laid off are advance staff members who often help with campaign logistics, as well as field staff members who have been working to garner votes for the senator.” The lawmaker is however yet to concede defeat and hopes something can be done to lobby delegates before the Democratic National Convention in July.

Mr Sanders has nonetheless been congratulated for having organised a strong campaign, by no less than Mrs Clinton who now looks ahead to the bigger contest against Donald Trump and other candidates, if any.

Congratulations Hillary Clinton!