Tonight will be “clinching night” for Obama, effectively ending the most exciting nomination race in US history. Whether or not Hillary acknowledges that remains to be seen. I’ll have updates here throughout the evening as the results roll in and the speeches are made.

One expects talk will now turn towards finding a vice-presidential nominee for Obama (and McCain of course). While conventional wisdom would tell him to stay the hell away from her, there is an argument to be made for Obama choosing Hillary, simply to ensure the party stays united.

One imagines there will also be a lot of buzz around high profile names like Edwards, Richardson, and Clark. But it might very well be a sleeper like Evan Bayh, Brian Schweitzer, or Kathleen Sebelius who gets the prize. Or any of the other hundred or so names I’ve failled to mention.

Select Smart has a fun quiz where you fill out the VP’s bio and they suggest the names – I put myself into Obama’s shoes, and they recommended Jim Webb based on my criteria.

UPDATE: 10 to go…

UPDATE: …9…8…7…

UPDATE: …6…5…4…

“YES HE DID” UPDATE: CNN projects it. Hillary says no decision tonight.

Obama: “I will be the democratic party nominee”

A great final 2 minutes to Obama’s speech. So let’s get the party started – Obama v McCain…should be one heck of a race.

VEEPDATE: CNN and the online markets weigh in on VP speculation.