Pics: Hillary Clinton becomes first woman presidential nominee in US

Washington, July 27: Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton was formally anointed as the Democratic presidential candidate on Tuesday (July 26), becoming the first woman to become so in the 240-year-old history of the US.

• US presidential election 2016 results
• Democratic National Convention 2016

"Are we ready to make some history?" asked Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, secretary of the on-going Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Philadelphia when a roll call vote by delegates began on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reported. [Russians possibly trying to sway US polls: Obama on DNC hack]

About one and half hour later, the 68-year-old leader, who enjoys near universal name recognition after almost four-decade public life, exceeded the 2,382-delegate threshold needed to clinch the nomination amid huge applause in the hall.

Hillary formally anointed as presidential candidate

Actors Lena Dunham (left) and America Ferrera exit the stage after speaking during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Tuesday, July 26, 2016. AP/PTI

Democrats beat Republicans on Day 1 of national convention in terms of viewership

Hawaii Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard takes the stage during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Tuesday, July 26, 2016. AP/PTI

Bill Clinton endorses Hillary Clinton with a personal touch

Former US president Bill Clinton speaks during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016. AP/PTI

Hillary Clinton formally nominated as presidential candidate

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton appears on the screen during the second day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016. AP/PTI

The tally included the overwhelming support by unpledged delegates or superdelegates for her. Superdelegates are party leaders who are free to vote at the party's convention.

However, her historic victory was overshadowed by the fallout of damaging leakage of internal emails revealing backroom bias against Clinton's rival Bernie Sanders during bitter primaries.

The revelation sparked protests by thousands of Sanders supporters as the four-day convention started in Philadelphia on Monday (July 25).

IANS