BILLINGS, Mont. – Barack Obama on Tuesday applauded and cheered former rival Hillary Rodham Clinton as she declared her support for his candidacy, and urged her own backers to rally behind Obama in his contest with Republican John McCain.

“She did a great job. I think she made the case for why we're going to be unified in November and why we're going to win this election. She was outstanding,” Obama said after Clinton addressed delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

The Illinois senator watched the former first lady's speech at a convention viewing party hosted by campaign volunteers Eran and Carlee Thompson. He has stopped in several general election battleground states, including Montana, en route to Denver, where he will accept the party's nomination Thursday.

After the speech, Obama phoned the former first lady and her husband, Bill Clinton, to say he was grateful for their support.

With tales of bitter feuding between the Obama and Clinton camps threatening to overshadow the convention and imperil party unity, the Illinois senator and his campaign team have tried publicly to minimize tensions. But Obama also indicated this week that he did not seriously consider Clinton as a potential running mate, angering many of her stalwart backers.

Nevertheless, Obama appeared relaxed and enthusiastic while Clinton delivered her remarks. He cheered several times, and especially seemed to enjoy her line, “No way, no how, no McCain.”

Obama also complimented Chelsea Clinton, who introduced her mother, saying the former first daughter had “turned into such a wonderful young woman.”

When the camera panned to Bill Clinton, Obama seemed delighted when the former president looked happy and enthusiastic.

“He's fired up! That was good!” Obama said at one point.

Obama nodded at times when Bill Clinton appeared to tear up during his wife's speech.

“I'm sure he's choking up,” Obama said, adding that he'd done the same thing when his wife, Michelle, addressed the convention Monday night.