Sen. Barack Obama became the first black candidate in American history to win the Democratic presidential nomination, as opponent Sen. Hillary Clinton prepared to concede a hard-fought primary contest marked by record turnout, increased voting registration and, at times, bitter conflict. At approximately 5 p.m. EST, the Associated Press announced that Obama had indeed clinched the nomination, and was planning a victory rally for later in the evening in St. Paul, Minnesota - “an in-your-face gesture to Sen. John McCain”, who will formally claim the Republican nomination in the same city later in the summer.

For her part, Clinton spent the afternoon preparing a major address in her home state of New York, after surprising many political observers by openly and strongly declaring her willingness to join Obama on the ticket as vice president “if it would help the party’s prospects in November.” Clinton made the comments on an afternoon conference call with members of the New York Democratic congressional delegation. Although many within the Obama camp seem opposed to such an arrangement, many on both sides argue that the so-called “Dream Ticket” is the best political solution following an extremely divisive campaign.

Stay with AQsaint.com throughout the evening and tomorrow for continuing coverage on Barack Obama’s historic nomination.