(CN) - Only hours after the FBI recommended no charges for her controversial email practices as secretary of state, an unbowed Hillary Clinton was in Charlotte, North Carolina, alongside President Barack Obama in their first joint appearance of the 2016 campaign.
Bounding onstage at the Charlotte Convention Center to Rachel Platten's "This Is My Fight Song," President Obama pumped his right fist into the air, joining a crowd of several thousands in chanting, "Hillary! Hillary!"
An ebullient Clinton clearly had shaken off FBI Director James Comey's assessment that she's been "extremely careless" with her email while overseeing U.S. foreign policy, and was instead in full-throated and combative campaign mode.
Clinton described the president she hopes to succeed as someone who's never forgotten where he comes from.
"And Donald, if you're out there tweeting, it's Hawaii," she added, chiding her presumptive Republican opponent.
She also observed that the president, "knows a thing or two about winning elections."
"And he also knows that despite all the progress we've made under his leadership and yes we have we still have a lot of work to do."
As Clinton spoke, President Obama sat behind her on a stool, listening intently as she took shots at Trump and lauded the Obama administration's record.
"I don't think he gets the credit he deserves for saving our economy," she said recalling the 2008 global financial crisis. "We've added 14 million private sector jobs ... 20 million people now have health care. Clean energy production has soared ... I could go on and on ... That is what leadership looks like."
No mention was made of the email scandal, or the FBI's announcement. Instead, the two political heavyweights sought to cast their relationship as that of one-time foes who have now become friends and allies.
As most surely remember, Clinton and the president were bitter rivals during the 2008 Democratic primaries, but set aside their differences during the general election campaign that year. She then joined his cabinet as secretary of state, and has repeatedly said during campaign appearances that she wants to continue and build upon his legacy.
Many political analysts say both have much to gain from their alliance. She needs the support of the Obama coalition to pull her above the razor thin margin she currently holds over Trump. As for the president, a Democratic successor is the best way to preserve his policies and protect his legacy.
"As someone who was a former rival and came to put a lot of faith in her, we believe the president's support for her is particularly meaningful to voters," Clinton campaign adviser Jennifer Palmieri told the Associated Press.
For his part, the president didn't shy away from his past rivalry with Clinton, but talked about it with warmth. Obama says he had admired her when they worked together in the Senate but after the primary he admired her even more.
"I always had to be on my game," he said, recalling their primary debates, "Because Hillary always knew all her facts."
After a meditation on her tenure as secretary of state, the president said "I couldn't be prouder than the things we've accomplished together, but I am ready to pass the baton."
