Obama and Clinton end their rivalry; campaign together

Florida: Democratic nominee Barack Obama has put up a joint appearance with his former rival's husband ex president Bill Clinton.

The event in the crucial swing state of Florida was the first time Bill Clinton came out to ask voters to back the Illinois senator.

The campaign also unleashed its first advertisement critical of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin as Obama addressed big crowds in Florida and North Carolina, where he hopes to snap a Republican run.

In a day capped with a taped interview on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show", the Democrat also cautioned his supporters against overconfidence despite his lead in most polls. He told them: "Don't believe for a second this election's over."

And with that the curtains have come down on an awkward rift between the two which began after Obama accused the former president of making racially-charged remarks during the hotly contested primary.

After their appearance in Florida, Obama and Clinton will fly to Minnesota. Hillary has already put in public appearances with Obama.