Clyburn Comments On Obama's Victory

November 5, 2008 6:45 a.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - House Majority Whip Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) on Tuesday called Sen. Barack Obama's (D- IL) historic victory a "significant step" for America, but cautioned that the work to protect and ensure civil rights across the nation must continue.

In an interview with The Times and Democrat, Clyburn said Obama's win is "another significant step toward the fulfillment of our attempts to build a more perfect union." But he added that the victory is much bigger than simply being a milestone in the civil rights movement and that it "will not get rid of those economic, educational and social gaps that exist." He said it will foster a new kind of politics at home and abroad and "We can start dealing with each other in a real way."

Clyburn, the highest-ranking African-American in Congress, endorsed Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) on the last day of the primary campaign. Despite staying officially neutral throughout the primary season, he was reported more than once as considering and leaning toward supporting Obama. His rebukes to former President Bill Clinton as racial tensions grew during South Carolina's primary between Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY), also fueled speculation.

Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-MI), chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, issued a statement Tuesday night, according to the Redding News Review, that similarly praised Obama's "rall[ying] broad coalitions by underscoring the importance of inclusion, while debunking divisive and destructive devices."

"This monumental victory represents a significant shift in our nation's politics and priorities," Kilpatrick added. "It signals that we have made great strides in breaking down racial and cultural barriers that have historically paralyzed the full participation of all Americans. Now, little boys and girls across the country can truly dream without limitations and actualize the true promise of this great land. When a young child of color aspires to one day be the President of the United States , we can assure them, Yes, you can!"

Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Howard Dean issued a late-night statement praising Barack Obama's "historic" victory. "Tonight, our country chose hope over fear, the future over the past, unity over division," said Dean, a former governor of Vermont who lost the Democratic presidential nomination to Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) in 2004.

"Barack Obama inspired young voters across this country to answer the call and get involved. They responded to his promise to put partisanship and divisiveness aside and come together as one nation to find solutions. They turned out. They made calls. They knocked on doors. And they helped change our country."

AHN's Matthew Borghese contributed to this report.