Hillary Clinton, ending campaign, backs Obama

WASHINGTON — Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton formally threw her support behind Senator Barack Obama on Saturday, clearing the way for Obama to  challenge Senator John McCain, the Republican presidential hopeful, in the November general elections.

Mrs. Clinton, speaking here to an audience of advisers and supporters who had been invited to attend from across the country, used the final rally of her presidential campaign to end her bid for the presidency and endorse  her Democratic rival- Obama. She pledged that she would do what it takes to help Obama win the White House.

"Today as I suspend my campaign, I congratulate him on the victory he has won and the extraordinary campaign he has won. I endorse him and throw my full support behind him and I ask of you to join me in working as hard for Barack Obama as you have for me," the New York senator said in her 28-minute address.