Clinton's convention role nearly settled

Washington, Aug.13 : Careful negotiations between Sen. Barack Obama's campaign and his one-time rival, Hillary Clinton, about her role at the Democratic National Convention are winding to a close.

According to the Washington Times, what is yet to be determined is whether Clinton's name will be placed into a roll call vote, and whether she will accept the symbolic gesture, publicly release her convention delegates and urge them to unanimously back Obama.

There's plenty of precedent, as presidential candidates from Senator Edward M. Kennedy to Representative Dennis J. Kucinich have had their names offered to the delegates for a roll call vote at previous conventions.

An Obama spokesman said the team has not offered any final schedule of events and activity for the nominating convention to take place between August 25 and 28 in Denver.

"I wouldn't call them negotiations, I would say we are working cooperatively with Senator Clinton and her staff," said Obama spokesman Bill Burton.

"Things are going remarkably well and we're looking forward to the convention and looking ahead," he added.

Still, it's a sensitive subject, as angry Clinton supporters say they still believe she could capture the nomination if speeches are made on her behalf to the convention delegates about why she is more electable.

Several groups are demanding the former First Lady's name be placed into nomination, and are running newspaper ads to pressure Democratic officials. They also plan Denver protests.

There is no way to officially count people with similar sentiment, but groups pushing this message claim their numbers are vast:

Aides stressed the negotiations will be resolved so both Clinton and Obama are comfortable.

The Clinton convention speech will be "forward-looking," with a message to the delegates in Denver and to the nation, her aides said.

But the Wednesday activities remain unclear. Former President Bill Clinton will speak at some point that evening, but the keynote speaker will be the vice presidential nominee.

Traditionally a roll call vote of the states and territories will follow and the delegates will formally nominate the presumptive nominee.

ANI