WASHINGTONFormer president Bill Clinton yesterday offered to help Barack Obama win the White House, although what work he'll do for his wife's former rival remained uncertain.

The Obama campaign is still smarting over some of Bill Clinton's criticism in the primary race, while the last Democratic president remains a popular political draw. But before the two can work together, they have to speak.

Obama and Hillary Clinton have taken steps to join efforts in the last three weeks she met with him privately, endorsed his bid and will campaign with him Friday in Unity, N.H.

But Obama and the former president haven't talked since the campaign ended.

Obama said the only reason they haven't spoken is because Clinton is travelling overseas. He praised the former president and said he's "looking forward to setting up a long conversation."

Added Obama: "He's as smart as they come. He's a great strategist. We're going to want him campaigning for me,"

Speaking to reporters as he flew from Las Vegas to Los Angeles for a fundraiser, Obama said he was not certain what Clinton's role would be, but said he was eager to have the former president's help and support.

"I think that just having somebody who knows American politics as well as he does and continues to be such an enormous draw will be hugely helpful," Obama said. "He's got a great following, including among a number of my supporters."