Sen. Obama met with former president Clinton in Harlem Thursday in their first extended sit-down meeting since Obama defeated Sen. Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
NEW YORK (CNN) - Former President Bill Clinton predicted Barack Obama will "win" this fall's election and "will win pretty handily.”
The two men chatted with reporters in a photo-op at Clinton's Harlem office before sitting down for a private lunch.
Clinton is scheduled to campaign for Obama in Florida later this month. According to aides, the former president will appear at a mix of fundraisers and campaign events on behalf of the Democratic ticket throughout the fall.
"We're putting him to work," said Obama.
Clinton said he’d "agreed to do a substantial number of things, whatever I'm asked to do.”
Obama smiled at Clinton's prediction that he would take the White House: "There you go, you can take it from the President of the United States. He knows a little something about politics."
The image of the two men meeting comes as a relief to many Democrats who have been hoping to put to rest the "Clinton-Obama rift" storyline. Both Clintons praised Obama in their convention speeches, but agreed a face-to-face meeting with the president was a necessary step in putting the contentious primary season behind both camps.
The two men were said to be dining on a mix of sandwiches, salads and pizza from the lunch chain Cosi.
From CNN Politics
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I think the Clintons are going to teach Obama a few things about politics and vengence.
I agree with Bill.
Welcome to your senses, Mr. Wonderful President. We ill always love you and quickly forgive you.
Obama/BIden 08-16
Clinton/ M.Obama 16-24
Clinton... I love'em..... Obama is coming along... before you change politics you have to win on the old platform... Then he can change the mindset of the game later... We as Americans need to re-think our differences and try to imagine how the other side feels.
I am not making predictions but I am praying for Obama and our Country
-V
Great!
Obama 08/12, Hillary 16
I just got a tingly feeling running up my leg all the way to my gag reflex.
Obama "will" win, as long as he dismisses and doesnt comment on petty things, sticks to the ISSUES..and I sure hope Clinton advised hin of that..Good to see Bill back out in the public ! Pigs, or lipstick doesnt matter !!!! Issues DO
He's right.
OBAMA 08
but McCain was a POW
If, president Clinton say's Obama will win big then Obama will win big.!
Sorry Bill, I disagree. He is still not qualified. Obama has thrown away half of the base and is book smart, common sense stupid. i will not vote for this shell of a man.
I like Pres. Clinton prediction!! Obama/Biden 08
There you go! Former and Present Presidents of The United States of America.
Hillary Supporter for Obama '08 & '12
Thank you President Clinton ... this election is too important to have the repubs mess up another 4 years.
Bill clinton is a smart man he knows
Billy you know how you rally feel about OHB why are doing this sillness.
Yeah right. Bill and Hillary have been MIA for the most part for a reason. They are more interested in Hillary's path for 2012 not in securing Obama's future. They do the minimum to look like they are supporting him but the Clinton back room dealing is going into full effect. If you doubt it you don't know their politics.
Let's get to work with some serious campaigning.
Excellent. Bill and Hillary are going to come through in a big way.
Bill, you are awesome and we still love you here in Maryland! Do every single thing you can do to make your prediction a reality. The country cannot afford to screw this up.
a Dem predicting a Dem victory?? shocking...............could there be gambling in Casa Blanca too??
Obama is no Bill Clinton. next.
YES IM SO HAPPY
the best president of our time and the next Best president of our time
IM SO HAPPY
GETTEM OBAMA,BILL,BIDEN, and Hillary
Bill's wrong. McCain will win. They've got the momentum and Obama is going to have a hard time making up the huge chunk of support he's lost.
Maybe in 2012, Bill...
Well there you have it! No need to have the election now!