Obama ready to endorse Hillary Clinton

WASHINGTON (AP):

As Hillary Clinton secured the delegates needed to become the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Obama was on the verge of formally endorsing his former secretary of state. And then he plans to aggressively make the case against Republican Donald Trump.

White House officials say the announcement could come within days, although not before Democrats in New Jersey, California and four other states vote tomorrow in contests expected to solidify Clinton's claim.

The timeline is likely to hold regardless of how Clinton rival Senator Bernie Sanders reacts to the Tuesday outcome, the White House said.

Obama called Sanders to discuss next steps, according to a Democrat familiar with the call. The Democrat spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorised to discuss the private conversation, and would not reveal any details about it.