As the Democrats wind up their convention in Denver, Jim Dee explains why Bill and Hillary Clinton will make every effort to back Barack Obama’s White House campaign

So Hillary and Bill Clinton have been allowed to soak in the adulation of Democratic Party convention delegates in Denver, delivering powerful primetime speeches that were received with adoring and thunderous applause.

Some of Barack Obama’s supporters grumbled that he’d conceded too much of the limelight to the pair. But clearly the Democrats’ presidential standard bearer wanted to give the party’s pre-eminent political couple of the last 16 years their due.

He was also clearly trying to mollify smouldering Hillary backers who felt he’d ‘dissed’ her since the primaries ended in June — particularly by not seriously considering Clinton for the VP slot, despite her indicating that she wanted the job.

Obama outboxed Clinton fair and square, and his choice of Joe Biden as his running mate was part of putting his clear stamp of authority on a party whose roost he now rules.

But, with virtually all polls showing him and John McCain now running neck-and-neck, Obama must also wonder in the back of his mind if he was right not to choose Clinton — particularly after the Clintons' speeches in Denver.

In the run-up to the convention, reports were swirling about how angry the Clintons were — especially Bill, who was reportedly furious over allegations that he’d engaged in race-baiting.

Hillary was said to have been campaigning half-heartedly since endorsing Obama. Some in the chattering classes even speculated that the duo were plotting to clandestinely torpedo Obama’s chances with a less-than-enthusiastic campaign this autumn.

But the former first couple seemed to knock such speculation on the head with forceful endorsements of Obama in Denver. Bill Clinton was particularly glowing, speaking at length about his belief that his wife’s former rival is a perfect choice for the Oval Office.

Sceptics will continue to question whether the Clintons will back up their words with fully committed campaigning in the months ahead.

There is always the chance that, once the hot glare of the convention cameras is off them, they’ll campaign tepidly. But it is a slim chance — particularly in Hillary’s case.

Although much was made of the forceful endorsement of Obama, Hillary Clinton’s speech was far more remarkable for what it said about herself.

If her showcase slot was designed as a patronising ego massage for ‘poor’ Hillary, she was having none of it. As she laid out her political beliefs, Clinton ploughed through every eruption of applause without stopping — a truly striking move for any politician. Most need applause as much as oxygen.

Delivering by far the best speech of her career with a passion and intensity often missing from her campaign speeches, Clinton seemed to be serving notice that she’s far from a spent force within the Democratic Party.

In her heart of hearts, Clinton no doubt still believes she would’ve been a better candidate against McCain. She may even be secretly hoping that Obama loses so that she can claim vindication and position herself for a stronger run in 2012.

But she, and probably Bill as well, will walk-the-walk as good troopers for Obama up to November’s election.

Because, if he were to lose a tight race to McCain and Hillary was later deemed to have undermined him with lukewarm support, the enmity she’d earn from Obama’s faithful would be enormous. Then she’d have virtually no chance of winning the Democratic nomination in 2012. As such, Barack Obama can expect the Clintons to be highly visible fixtures on the campaign this fall — whether he really wants them there or not.