Four years after rising to prominence as the key note at the Democratic convention, Sen. Barack Obama has become the official Democratic nominee, following a decisive roll call vote cut short by his primary rival, Sen. Hillary Clinton.

After releasing her delegates before the roll call vote as promised, Clinton called for the roll call to instead be finished by acclamation "in the spirit of unity, with the goal of victory." 

Later in the evening, President Bill Clinton, a sharp critic of Obama during the primary season, addressed the convention and in keeping with his wife's message, provided a strong endorsement. 

“Barack Obama is the man for this job,” Clinton said. “Barack Obama is ready to lead America and restore American leadership in the world. Ready to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Barack Obama is ready to be president of the United States.”

Focusing more on Obama in his speech than Sen. Clinton did the previous night, President Clinton drew on comparisons between himself and Obama, citing the attacks levied on Obama of youth and inexperience. Elected at age 42, Clinton faced similar charges running against incumbent President George H.W. Bush.

Unity against Republican leadership, however, remained a major theme of the convention.

“(The Republicans) actually want us to reward them for the last eight years by giving them four more," Clinton said. "Let’s send them a message that will echo from the Rockies all across America. Let’s send a message: Thanks, but no thanks.”

With the uncertainties of the roll call vote over, Obama will attempt to deliver that message to more than 80,000 people Thursday night at INVESCO Field, better known as Mile High Stadium, home of the Denver Broncos. 

The Election Project can be reached at vanderbilt.election@gmail.com.