Although Sen. Barack Obama stopped short of declaring himself the Democratic nominee for president in Des Moines Tuesday night, he made clear that his campaign had reached a milestone likely to determine who would eventually earn that title.

“Tonight, in the fullness of spring, with the help of those who stood up from Portland to Louisville, we have returned to Iowa with a majority of delegates elected by the American people, and you have put us within reach of the Democratic nomination for President of the United States,” Obama said.

In the 20-minute speech, Obama praised Sen. Ted Kennedy, whose brain tumor diagnosis was recently revealed.  He also praised his Democratic opponent, Sen. Hillary Clinton.

Obama reserved his criticism for Sen. John McCain, who secured the Republican presidential nomination months ago, implying that the Arizona senator has changed positions on key issues.