Barack Obama enlists Bill Clinton to boost re-election bid

President Barack Obama has enlisted Bill Clinton to campaign alongside him in New York, tapping the popular ex-president's star power to rake in cash for his re-election bid.

The two men teamed up for the first time since Mr Clinton put Mr Obama's campaign on the defensive last week when he became the most prominent Democrat to disavow attacks on Republican challenger Mitt Romney's record as a private equity executive.

But there was no sign of discord as Mr Obama and Mr Clinton put on a show of unity for a night of fundraising on Monday that included a reception with big-money donors. The events raised $3.5million.

Mr Obama has struggled to rekindle the enthusiasm of the Democratic base that swept him to victory last time. He acknowledged he faces a difficult path to re-election and warned hundreds of millions in Republican fundraising would fuel negative advertising.