Bill Clinton offers support to Obama

[onehandle]

Source: AP

WASHINGTON - Former President Clinton on Tuesday offered to help Barack Obama win the White House, although what work he'll do for his wife's former rival remained uncertain.

Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton have taken steps to join efforts in the last three weeks — she met with him privately, endorsed his campaign and will campaign with him Friday. But the former Democratic president and the man running to be the next one haven't talked since the campaign ended.

Obama said the only reason they haven't spoken is because Clinton is traveling overseas. He praised the former president and said he's "looking forward to setting up a long conversation." "He's as smart as they come. He's a great strategist. We're going to want him campaigning for me," Obama said Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters as he flew from Las Vegas to Los Angeles for a fundraiser, Obama said he was not certain what Clinton's role would be, but said he was eager to have the former president's help and support. "I think that just having somebody who knows American politics as well as he does and continues to be such an enormous draw will be hugely helpful," Obama said. "He's got a great following, including among a number of my supporters."

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080624/ap_on_el_pr/obama_president_clinton