US 2016: Hillary Clinton clinches Democratic historic nomination

Hillary Clinton has officially secured the nomination of the Democratic Party as the party’s flag bearer in the race to the White House in the November Presidential elections.

The former US First Lady is now the first woman to become the presidential nominee of a major U.S. political party.

Vermont’s delegation voted last, joined by Sen. Bernie Sanders. “I move that Hillary Clinton be selected as the nominee of the Democratic Party for president of the United States,” Sanders said, as the crowd erupted into cheers and waved multicolored “Hillary” signs. A rendition of the song “Happy” began playing as delegates swayed.

The roll call went smoothly and with few signs of protest, as the party appeared to unify after a fractious start to the convention Monday.

Delegates and speakers backing Clinton stressed the historic nature of her nomination. Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., the first Democratic woman elected to the Senate in her own right, announced Clinton’s name for nomination “on behalf of all the women who have broken down barriers for others.”

“The Democratic Party nominated and elected the first person of color to have ever served in the White House,” said Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., who seconded Clinton’s nomination. “Tonight, we will shatter that glass ceiling again.”

Clinton’s childhood friend Betsy Ebeling spoke as she cast Illinois’ votes for Clinton, calling it a “historic, wonderful day.”

“This one’s for you, Hill,” she said.

Jerry Emmett, a 102-year-old delegate from Arizona who was born before women had the right to vote in this country, announced her state’s votes for Clinton as the crowd cheered.