Bill Clinton Taking Center Stage at Democratic Convention - East Idaho News
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Bill Clinton Taking Center Stage at Democratic Convention

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Getty 070312 BillClinton?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1343644407106Francois G. Durand/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) — Former President Bill Clinton will play a central role at the Democratic National Convention this year, assuming the stage for a prime-time address in a slot normally reserved for an incumbent vice president.

Clinton will speak Wednesday, Sept. 5, in Charlotte, N.C., the evening before President Obama will formally accept the nomination in Bank of America Stadium, campaign and Democratic National Convention Committee officials tell ABC News.  

Vice President Joe Biden will share the stage with Obama on Thursday, Sept. 6, delivering his own solo address before the president speaks, the officials said.

The formal announcement of Clinton’s role is expected Monday morning from the DNCC.  News of the speaker line-up was first reported by The New York Times.

Clinton’s role at the convention comes as Obama increasingly invokes his popular Democratic predecessor on the campaign trail in part as a defense of his economic plan.  The two have also conducted joint fundraisers in the past few months to help rouse the Democratic base.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

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