President Barack Obama congratulated Hillary Clinton for securing the delegates necessary to claim the Democratic presidential nomination.

“Her historic campaign inspired millions and is an extension of her lifelong fight for middle-class families and children,” Obama said in a statement late on Tuesday after speaking with Clinton by phone.

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Clinton Claims Victory, Savors Historic Milestone

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Obama also spoke with Clinton rival, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, and thanked him for “energizing millions of Americans” with his insurgent campaign that gave the former secretary of State an unexpected challenge during the primaries.

He cited Sanders’ “commitment to issues like fighting economic inequality and special interests’ influence on our politics.”

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White House Debuts Party Unity Sales Pitch

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Obama and Sanders plan to meet at the White House on Thursday, a sit-down requested by the Vermont senator, the White House said.

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