Obama and Clinton Attempt to Heal Campaign Wounds

June 27, 2008— -- Four thousand onlookers crowded an elementary school field in the small town of Unity, N.H., today, eagerly awaiting Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton's first joint campaign rally since their bitter primary battle.

For the sake of the Democratic Party's chances to win the White House and their own political futures, both politicians needed to convince the world that all was forgiven.

The appearance was methodically negotiated and carefully staged attempt to project genuine unity.

Unity, N.H., was selected by the Obama campaign as a symbolic representation of the senators' newfound unity. Clinton and Obama each received 107 votes from residents here during the primaries.

"It's fitting that we meet in a place called Unity, because the truth is, that's the only way we can solve the challenge," Obama said.

Obama and Clinton flew to the location together and, as if reading from a checklist, they said what needed to be said to present a unified front.

Obama not only spoke highly of Clinton, he showed her deference.

"I've admired her as a leader. I've learned from her as a candidate," he said.

During the rally, crowd members chanted: "Thank you Hillary!" and another held a sign that read "Obama/Hillary Unite!" and "Hillary for VP."

After one of Clinton's supporters yelled from the crowd: "She rocks," Obama appeared to be in agreement.

"She rocks. She rocks. That's the point I'm trying to make," Obama said -- a stark contrast to the jabs that flew between the two weeks earlier.

Clinton essentially repealed her previously stated skepticism of Obama's ability to be commander in chief.

"He'll be a commander in chief who will never hesitate to use force when necessary but never shrink from using diplomacy whenever possible," Clinton said.

Memories of their hard-fought campaign are easy to remember.

"I am proud that we had a spirited dialogue," Clinton said with laughter. "That was the nicest way I could think of phrasing it."