Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., makes a surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention with his running mate Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., and his wife Jill in Denver, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008.

DENVER (AP) _ Sen. Barack Obama dropped in on his own party at the Democratic convention a day early Wednesday to praise his wife, his former rival, and former President Bill Clinton for going to bat for him.



"I think Michelle Obama kicked it off pretty well, don't you think?" Obama said, as delegates at the Pepsi Center roared.



As his wife clapped and smiled and mouthed, "I love you," Obama joined his running mate, Sen. Joe Biden, on the platform.



"If I'm not mistaken, Hillary Clinton rocked the house down last night!" Obama said.



He also praised former President Bill Clinton, who spoke earlier Wednesday night, as someone who reminds us about "what it's like when you've got a president who actually puts people first. Thank you President Clinton."



Obama told the crowd he was proud to have "the whole Biden family on this journey with me to take America back.