Reconciliation, adjustment, conciliation, conformity, contentment -- all these words flowed through my mind as I watched Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama come together in Unity (aptly named), N.H, for a first joint appearance since she suspended her campaign.

It was a performance dutifully enacted for the good of the Democratic Party. What came to mind was Abraham Lincoln's quote: "A house divided against itself cannot stand." To paraphrase, a party divided against itself cannot win.

This, of course, was obvious to all but the most fanatic supporters of Sen. Clinton, some of whom had said they would vote for Sen. McCain if she did not win the nomination.

To these people, she spoke directly, saying "I urge you to reconsider." I would have said, do not throw your vote away.

This was a very tough fight staged by strong contenders. In a fight, you deliver your best and hardest punches, hoping for a knockout. Some land and do damage, some do not, but all, in some way, do harm.

It was thus in this campaign; there are hurt feelings on both sides which must be addressed in order to heal; ignoring them will only allow them to fester.

Sen. Obama made a goodwill gesture toward Sen. Clinton, urging his campaign contributors to help reduce her campaign debt, and he followed through with a donation of $2,300 from himself and another $2,300 from his wife.

Sen. Clinton also urged her contributors and supporters to unite behind him, and donate to his campaign.

They had met privately before, and talked for sometime. Only they know what occurred at these meetings, but we can be assured that foremost in their minds was the reconciling of the Democratic Party, and a united campaign to end eight disastrous years of Republican rule.

It probably was not the easiest appearance for Sen. Clinton, the toughest next to her decision to suspend her campaign. Put yourself in her place: She spent the past year traveling all over the United States trying to convince people that she would make the best president, extolling the virtues of her service through all these years, from college on, to make this country a better place for people in all walks of life, beginning with the poorest.

A campaign is an expensive endeavor; she loaned hers more than $11 million. Her supporters provided help, but never enough to reduce the debt of almost $30 million.

Sen. Obama, on the other hand, tapped into the help of the Internet, and touched the lives of many who had never been interested in politics, or donations. The majority of these were young people who responded to his message of change, similar to President John F. Kennedy's urging: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

It is now time for all Democrats to come to the aid of their party, unite, and help elect a man who will, as Sen. Clinton said "Put our country once again on the path to peace, prosperity, and progress in the 21st century."

By Alicia Lopez, El Paso Times, July 5, 2008