Special Report: U.S. presidential election 2008

    DENVER, the United States, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Former President Bill Clinton sent a stronger and clearer message to the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night about his endorsement on Barack Obama to be the next president.

    Clinton made a speech in Denver, Colorado, to expressed his support to Obama.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton acknowledges the audience at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado, Aug. 26, 2008. Clinton sent a stronger and clearer message to the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night about his endorsement on Barack Obama to be the next president. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    During the months long of neck-and-neck primary between his wife and Obama, Clinton has repeatedly questioned and criticized the Illinois Senator's experience and readiness to lead the nation. Even after the former First Lady dropped out of the race and joined Obama's campaign, he still avoided giving an affirmative answer when asked whether Obama is ready to be a leader.

    However, when facing thousands of Democrats on Wednesday night who were seeking the answer from his words, Clinton said "everything I learned in my eight years as president and in the work I have done since, in America and across the globe, has convinced me that Barack Obama is the man for this job."

    "Barack Obama is ready to lead America and restore American leadership in the world," he said. "Ready to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."

    "Barack Obama is ready to be President of the United States," he added, followed by waves of applause and cheering.

    The assertion was a key point that U.S. media and political critics said have been left out from Hillary Clinton's speech on Tuesday night, stirring speculations that she still has reservation of her support to the former rival.

    He also spared some of his compliment for vice presidential candidate Joe Biden, whose experience and wisdom can be combined with Obama's "proven understanding, insight, and good instincts" into the national security leadership American needs.

    His remarks are seen reminding those who are still skeptical about Obama due to his lack of political experience to consider Obama-Biden team as a whole.

    It is also considered an effort to dispel rumors saying Hillary Clinton was upset that she was not picked as Obama's running mate.

    By comparing the country's situation during his administration and President George W. Bush's, Clinton said that the third time to elect a Republican government "is not a charm."

    He also criticized John McCain, the Republican presidential candidate, for embracing the extreme philosophy in "how to rebuild the American dream and how to restore America's leadership in the world."

    The Clintons are considered as key factors for Obama to safeguard his Democratic base and win the November elections since there are still a large number of Clinton's supporter saying they would rather vote for McCain.