US elections: What happens next?

June 5.- The race to be the Democrat Party's candidate for the White House is drawing to a close, with Barack Obama claiming victory on the night of the final two primaries. John McCain effectively clinched the Republican nomination after primaries in four states, including Ohio and Texas, on March 4.
Obama celebrates after primaries

What are the next steps?

Obama's position as the presumptive Democrat nominee will not be confirmed until his rival, Hillary Clinton, concedes defeat. "In the coming days, I'll be consulting with supporters and party leaders to determine how to move forward with the best interests of our party and our country guiding my way," she said after the final primaries on June 3.

After this, Obama called Clinton and suggested they "sit down when it makes sense to you". This meeting is not expected to happen immediately.

Does Hillary want something from Obama?

She has indicated she would be open to the idea of being Obama's running mate. She could also be angling for another job in Obama's administration, if he is elected.

It's also reported that she would like Obama to help her pay back some of her campaign's debts - and that Bill Clinton could be keen on some kind of role in the Democrat general election campaign.

What is the maths of the democrat race?

A candidate needs 2,118 delegates and according to Associated Press projections, Obama now has the support of 2,154 delegates. Clinton claims to have won a majority of the popular vote. The figures are open to dispute, however ...

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