The Daily Telegraph

Washington, Jun 21: The former First Lady has already conceded defeat but their joint appearance on Friday, the details of which have yet to be finalised, will present a strong image of party unity ahead of November's election, amid lingering frustration among some of supporters.

For some of her fans it will also sustain hopes of her being placed on a “dream ticket” as Mr Obama's vice-presidential running mate.

In primary election exit polls, roughly 20 per cent of Clinton voters said they would rather vote for Republican Senator John McCain than Mr Obama. Her willingness to campaign with her former rival could be crucial to him winning large swing states such as Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida, where blue-collar workers largely shunned the young challenger.

The 46-year-old senator, who defied all predictions by beating his more experienced and better known opponent, has already rallied high profile Clinton supporters behind his cause.

Earlier this week prominent Clinton backers such as former secretary of state Madeleine Albright and retired Gen Wesley Clark joined him in meetings on national security.

He has also secured the endorsement of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, a political powerhouse union that was a strong supporter of Mrs Clinton.

“Barack Obama has the experience, judgment and strength to reinvigorate our economy and resurrect the American dream,” AFSCME President Gerald McEntee said after meeting Mr Obama with other union leaders.

Hollywood stars with long Clinton associations have also aligned behind Mr Obama, who is the first black presidential nominee for either major party. He will speak at what is expected to be a star-studded fundraiser in Los Angeles on Tuesday, where the singer Seal will be the main act.

Director Steven Spielberg and studio boss Jeffrey Katzenberg, both former endorsers of Mrs Clinton, will hold a major fundraising event for Mr Obama later in the year.