WASHINGTON -- Sen. Hillary Clinton officially ended her campaign for president today, more than five months since the former First Lady finished a disappointing third place in the Iowa Democratic caucuses.

Clinton announced she was suspending her campaign in front of a large crowd of supporters in the grand ballroom of the National Building Museum in downtown Washington. Clinton technically only suspended her campaign, allowing her to continue raising money to pay down debt, but left no doubt that she would fully support Obama, the presumptive Democratic nominee.

"We need to do all we can to elect Barack Obama the next president of the United States," Clinton said. "Today, as I suspend my campaign, I congratulate him on the victory he has won and the extraordinary race he has run. I endorse him, and throw my full support behind him."

The Democratic primary process seemed to split the party right down the middle, and it remains to be seen whether Clinton's most ardent supporters will back Obama in the general election. In her speech today, Clinton attempted to bring the party back together.

"I ask all of you to work as hard for Barack Obama as you worked for me," Clinton said. "The Democratic Party is a family, and now is the time to come together."

Obama has voiced his respect for Clinton in all of his campaign speeches since securing the nomination Tuesday night, and he did so again today.

"Obviously, I am thrilled and honored to have Senator Clinton's support," Obama said in a released statement. "But more than that, I honor her today for the valiant and historic campaign she has run. She shattered barriers on behalf of my daughters and women everywhere, who now know that there are no limits to their dreams."

Clinton also noted the historical significance of her campaign. "From now on it will be unremarkable to think a woman could be president of the United States, and that is truly remarkable."

Speaking with reporters before Clinton's speech, spokesman Mo Elleithee said, "Certainly we would have liked to see a different outcome, but we did accomplish so much. There's a little bit of sadness, but the resolve we all have moving forward -- our goal is electing a Democrat."

Before closing her speech, Clinton made another request for her supporters to join her in backing Obama.

"Life is too short, time is too precious, and the stakes are too high to dwell on what might have been," Clinton said. "We have to work together for what still can be. And that is why I will work my heart out to make sure that Senator Obama is our next President and I hope and pray that all of you will join me in that effort."