It was a rousing speech by any – even his own – standards: Barack Obama implored the USA to make sure that Hillary Clinton becomes the nation's first female president when voters go to the polls in November. 

And, as the current US president is delightfully want to do, Barack veered away from the prepared script somewhat while addressing the Democratic party national conference yesterday.

"Nothing truly prepares you for the demands of the Oval Office," he said. "But Hillary’s been in the room; she’s been part of those decisions. She knows what’s at stake.

"No matter how daunting the odds; no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits," he added.

Sitting proudly in the audience of thousands was, of course, Bill Clinton, Hillary's husband of 40-odd years and a former POTUS himself. 

"That’s the Hillary I know. That’s the Hillary I’ve come to admire,"  Barack continued to applause.

"And that’s why I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman – not me, not Bill, nobody – more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America.

Significantly, when Mr Obama offered up the "not me, not Bill" line – which wasn't actually in his speech – Mr Clinton's face broke into a sheepish grin.

And when the cheers had died down, Obama added: "I hope you don't mind, Bill, I was just telling the truth!"