Former President Bill Clinton addresses the crowd as he takes the stage during the Democratic National Convention in Denver, 27 Aug 2008

His former rival, Senator Hillary Clinton, called for his nomination by acclamation from the convention floor during the roll call vote of the states Wednesday. Delegates in the hall cheered and clapped and chanted the Obama campaign slogan "Yes We Can."

Former President Bill Clinton spoke later Wednesday and pledged to strongly support Barack Obama, saying the nominee "has a remarkable ability to inspire people" and will be able to change the country for the better.

Obama arrived in Denver shortly before the roll call vote got underway, and will address the convention on Thursday.

His vice presidential running mate, Delaware Senator Joseph Biden, also will be formally nominated and will address delegates later Wednesday.

Sen. Barack Obama steps out of the plane as he arrives to attend the Democratic National Convention in Denver, 27 Aug 2008

At a meeting ahead of the nomination vote, Hillary Clinton released her convention delegates to vote for Obama. Many in the audience yelled "No!" in response. The New York senator said she had already cast her vote for Obama, but said she would not tell her delegates what to do and encouraged them to follow their hearts. A small group of Clinton supporters rallied in Denver today outside the convention site.

In a speech Tuesday, Senator Clinton described herself as "a proud supporter" of Barack Obama and urged her party to unite behind his candidacy. She cautioned that, "we are on the same team, and none of us can sit on the sidelines."

Obama watched Clinton's speech at the home of supporters in Montana. He told reporters the speech was "outstanding." A spokesman said he later called the Clintons to express his gratitude.

Republicans hold their national convention next week in Minneapolis-St.Paul, Minnesota, where Senator John McCain will become that party's presidential nominee.

VOA News