Sen. Clinton to Speak in Boston
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Sen. John F. Kerry on Thursday asked Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton to address the Democratic National Convention on its opening night and introduce her husband, former President Clinton, ending an intense lobbying campaign by the New York senator’s backers who were angered by her nonspeaking role.
The Kerry campaign unveiled its first set of speakers for the convention earlier this week -- including former Presidents Clinton and Carter and former Vice President Al Gore -- but the absence of the former first lady drew criticism from many Democrats.
The New York senator had said she was not disappointed, but lobbying started on her behalf.
Kerry, who campaigned Thursday in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, called her and asked her to introduce her husband.
“Sen. Clinton ... will continue to do everything she can to elect John Kerry and John Edwards,” Clinton spokesman Philippe Reines said in a statement.
Kerry spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter said: “We are thrilled that Sen. Clinton has accepted John Kerry’s invitation.”
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