An effective leader leads by example. A message for ALL of us.

[Bongo Prophet]

We all know that there has been a permanent battle zone in GDP for several months now, and it has gotten so bad that those of us who are not interested in rancor and division have often opted to pull back and stay out of it, lest we get dragged down into the pettiness ourselves. I have seen many good DUers behave in ways I would not like to see, and in some cases have lost respect for these long time posters. For the most part, however, it has been spurred on by short term troublemakers, and the collegiality has a chance to return in short time as we turn our focus on the real enemy.

Hang in there, folks. It will get better.

Meanwhile, a note of graciousness was shown by our excellent nominee in his speech in St. Paul...

To my fellow Obama supporters, may it serve as an example of going beyond even what many would say was required or expected, and if he can do it, so can many of us. Or not. Even HALF would be a healing gesture, to those who might appreciate a bit of space right now to adjust to new realities.

And to the Clinton supporters, at least consider the fact that Obama has a capability for timely grace, and a call for more than just supporting HIM... Gotta give him that. Take some time to readjust, and ponder the big picture.

To all of us, it is important to remember - this process is not about THEM, but about the party, the country and indeed, the planet.
Let's do this thing, together!

At this defining moment for our nation, we should be proud that our party put forth one of the most talented, qualified field of individuals ever to run for this office. I have not just competed with them as rivals, I have learned from them as friends, as public servants, and as patriots who love America and are willing to work tirelessly to make this country better. They are leaders of this party, and leaders that America will turn to for years to come.

That is particularly true for the candidate who has traveled further on this journey than anyone else. Senator Hillary Clinton has made history in this campaign not just because she's a woman who has done what no woman has done before, but because she's a leader who inspires millions of Americans with her strength, her courage, and her commitment to the causes that brought us here tonight.

We've certainly had our differences over the last sixteen months. But as someone who's shared a stage with her many times, I can tell you that what gets Hillary Clinton up in the morning – even in the face of tough odds – is exactly what sent her and Bill Clinton to sign up for their first campaign in Texas all those years ago; what sent her to work at the Children's Defense Fund and made her fight for health care as First Lady; what led her to the United States Senate and fueled her barrier-breaking campaign for the presidency – an unyielding desire to improve the lives of ordinary Americans, no matter how difficult the fight may be.
And you can rest assured that when we finally win the battle for universal health care in this country, she will be central to that victory. When we transform our energy policy and lift our children out of poverty, it will be because she worked to help make it happen. Our party and our country are better off because of her, and I am a better candidate for having had the honor to compete with Hillary Rodham Clinton.

There are those who say that this primary has somehow left us weaker and more divided. Well I say that because of this primary, there are millions of Americans who have cast their ballot for the very first time. There are Independents and Republicans who understand that this election isn't just about the party in charge of Washington, it's about the need to change Washington. There are young people, and African-Americans, and Latinos, and women of all ages who have voted in numbers that have broken records and inspired a nation.

All of you chose to support a candidate you believe in deeply. But at the end of the day, we aren't the reason you came out and waited in lines that stretched block after block to make your voice heard. You didn't do that because of me or Senator Clinton or anyone else. You did it because you know in your hearts that at this moment – a moment that will define a generation – we cannot afford to keep doing what we've been doing.

We owe our children a better future. We owe our country a better future. And for all those who dream of that future tonight, I say – let us begin the work together.

Let us unite in common effort to chart a new course for America.