[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/06/04/art.obamacap.ap.jpg caption="Obama is back on Capitol Hill Wednesday."] WASHINGTON (CNN) - Barack Obama's run for the White House bodes well for the future, the presumptive Democratic nominee told CNN Wednesday, a day after he clinched the nomination.
"I have heard from a number of people already, both black and white, that their kids - 7, 8, 9 years old - take for granted now that, of course a black can run for president, that a woman can run for president," he said.
"There is a matter-of-factness to it that i think bodes well for the future."
The Illinois senator said it was "an enormous honor" and "very humbling" to be the first African-American to lead a major party ticket for president.
"You think about all the people who had to knock down barriers for me to walk through this door," he said in a Senate hallway. "And the challenges they went through were so much more difficult, so much more severe, and the risks they took were so much greater that I will say, last night standing in that auditorium, it struck me that it was testimony to them."
Obama dodged questions about Hillary Clinton, his rival for the Democratic nomination who has not admitted defeat.
They spoke by telephone Tuesday night and met briefly Wednesday in person at the annual conference of a pro-Israel lobbying group, the America-Israel Public Affairs Committee.
"It wasn't a detailed conversation," Obama said. "As I said, I am very confident about how we're going to be able to bring this party together."
yes
Obama is our future!!!
Congratulations Obama!!!!
You've got my youth vote
YES WE CAN!!!!
To those who come negatively on these boards, hope you have realized you have been run over by the Bush pessimism train. Pick yourself up and lets make change...Carly!
He's like the cool kid in high school you always wanted to be. Everyone wants to be close to him. I wish I could meet Obama.
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL. GOD BLESS AMERICA. GOD BLESS OBAMA.
Those that cannot appreciate the history that has been made have their own issues to deal with. Our system is broken. Not a little...but so much that I worry that it has been destroyed beyond repair. Continuinally walking the same path and falling into the same hole but expecting different results even though the same path is traveled is by definition insanity. Time for a change. And it starts today. Now people can work together for that change or they can continue to be the problem. The choice is simple.
Congratulation Mr President Obama. It has been a pleasure to watch and listen to you through out this primary. your speeches and messages of change is reaching everyone including the republic of ireland. Keep on the good work as the lord bless you.
I'm a proud citizen of the great city of Chicago, and I've been a supporter of Obama's since the beginning, and I can't say how proud I am of this accomplishment. There is a ways to go, but thanks to Hillary, Obama is in the right position to sweep this country off its feet!
If you are afraid of change, you WILL be afraid of this man. But take heart, most people are afraid of change......until they embrace it, which is inevitable in this election. Even John McCain is talking about it. Think about it.....the Republican nominee is embracing the other candidate's entire political platform. And McCain actually thinks it is going to help him!!!
It's okay Republicans...you can join our side, we will take you in, and not hold it above your heads....
The time is NOW.
Go OBAMA!
........and....Thank you for caring so much about the rest of us that you subject yourself to the challenges ahead. Mr. Obama, thank you for your generosity. I love you and so does Miriam.
"Carly and Sprit of America" – Get over it, under it, beside it or whatever you choose. Your jealousy and immaturity is why alot of Americans are the way they are. Unite with the Democrats (if that is what you truly are) or don't unite. Either way, Barack Obama will be the next PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!!!!!
OBAMA / SEBELIUS-08!
Oh he's "humbled", I don't believe that nor anything else he has said.
Go McCain
It should be humbling...he is underqualified.
Congratulations, Obama. Way to go!!!!!
Carly, nothing about his speech last night was arrogant. You people need to stop with the whole elitist, arrogant talk. I have never seen anything to make me believe he is that way. If you don't like his policies, fine, but don't make up stuff about him being arrogant and elite. Which candidate was raised by his Grandmother on food stamps? living paycheck to paycheck? He may have money now, but not as much as Hillary and McCain, so where does this come from?
Congratulations Senator Obama! I hope we're calling you President Elect Obama come November.
in this 21st century, who cares what Israel thinks, this is the USA, thats USA of America, not us of Israel, or anywhere else for that matter, our country is partly in the fix it's in, because of allies who are pro greed, pro insinuation, pro dual citizenships; and then become inflamed when people take issue; we need to cut our ties to some of these antagonists, and promote the constitution at home, abroad will take care of itself..
I'm not voting for OBAMA!!! He's a democratic yes but that doesn't mean I have to vote for him. I honestly believe he is not going to be a good president. The Democratic party has done themselves in. Democratis set themselves up for failure in the general election.
Carly:
Arrogance?
Senator Obama never presumed his entitlement to the nomination
Congratulations Senator soon to be President Obama. You have made your Grandmother and the American people proud! Stand tall and know that you have favor.
Gratulations Senator Obama !!!
All the way Obama, you will change america !!!
Congratulation President Obama. You defied the odds. You took on the Clinton Political War Machine and defeated it! A modern day "David and Goliath!" This is the start of what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed about years ago! And America should be proud of herself as we lead the world in taking steps to end racism! God bless you and God bless The Unites States of America!
This is The Best thing I can see. I spent time in the U.S. Air Force, and
Graduated From UC Riverside, But This is my most historical event.
This is like seeing the Golden Era of American start. The Era when from
"Yes We Can" to We as A People are Great ! Who will care for All Americans!
hahaah !!! let see in November . Hillary is the # 1.
Of course it's humbling. It's like putting someone in the drivers seat of a bus when he doesn't even know how to drive – trying not to smash the thing up is a very humbling experience.