CHICAGO (AP) — Party officials say former President Clinton will deliver a speech on the third night of the Democratic National Convention before an address by the as-yet-to-be-named running mate for Barack Obama.

Exactly what role the former president would play at the gathering in Denver Aug. 25-28 has been the subject of speculation since his wife, New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, ended her bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in early June and endorsed Obama.

The officials spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity before the details were formally announced.

Obama clinched the nomination after a sometimes bitter primary contest with Sen. Clinton. She’s expected to speak on the convention’s second night.

Obama dismissed suggestions tension between his supporters and hers could upset the gathering.