He is older now, his hair more grey, and possessing a voice softened by the years.

And yet on Tuesday night, at the Democratic National Convention, a man considered by many the most natural politician of his generation, turned back the years to tell the world about a women he fell in love with more than 45 years ago, and whom he urged America to elect as its first female president.

“This woman has never been satisfied with the status quo about anything,” said Bill Clinton. “If you believe in making change from the ground up. She’s put years into making people’s lives better.”

Mr Clinton was rewarded with huge applause (AP)

He added: “This time Hillary is uniquely qualified…She is still the darn best change maker I have ever know.”

Mr Clinton, 69, the 42nd president of the US, wove a speech that was private yet universal, quiet and still rousing. Over the course of around 40 minutes, he sought to paint a picture of a woman who has been in the headlines for the past 20 years and more, and yet who to many remains a mystery.

His story began four decades ago, when the part were students at Yale. “In the spring of 1971, I met a girl,” he declared. “She walked the whole length of the corridor and said ‘Look if you're going to keep staring at me, which both ought to know each other’s name’.”

During his own terms as president and subsequently, while campaigning for his wife, Mr Clinton has not always been great asset to his wife. He was impeached in 1998 after being accused of perjury and obstruction of justice relating to his affair - one of many apparently - with a White House intern, Monica Lewinsky.

The affair scandalised Washington and might have ended their marriage. Instead, Ms Clinton took the decision to stick with her husband, a decision the wisdom of which has divided opinion ever since.

DNC 2016: Demi Lovato speaks about mental health as she endorses Hillary Clinton

And on the campaign trail, Mr Clinton has been a mixed blessing to his wife. In 2008, he caused controversies and was even accused of racial stereotyping over comments he made following his wife’s defeat to Barack Obama.

In the 2016 campaign, he has found himself at the center of controversy when he fought with Black Lives Matter activists over his 1994 Crime Bill, a piece of legislation that was widely seen to discriminate unfairly against black and minority communities.

Mr Clinton pointed at the protesters and said: “I don’t know how you would characterise gang leaders who got 13-year-old kids hopped up on crack and sent them out on the street to murder other African-American children.”

Referring to his wife’s stance, he added: “Maybe you thought they were good citizens. She didn’t.”

On Tuesday night, Mr Clinton highlighted his wife’s strengths as a mother, and as someone who worked for those with less. He said there was a stark difference between the image he was painting and that which had been portrayed by her opponents at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland last week.

“How do you square the things I told you with the picture the Republicans painted of their opponent in Cleveland? You can’t,” he said. “Well, One is real; the other is made up.”

Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures First Lady Michelle Obama called on Democratic party members to trust in the 'steady and measured' Mrs Clinton, in a speech critics described as "show-stealing" Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures The first day of the convention was attended by a vast crowd of approximately 50,000 as the event got into full swing in Philadelphia Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Senator Bernie Sanders delivered an impassioned speech endorsing Mrs Clinton, and asking the party to unite for their prospective candidate REUTERS Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Two advocates of the former candidate Sanders were reduced to tears as details of an alleged conspiracy against his nomination were gradually revealed REUTERS Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Senator Elizabeth Warren was repeatedly heckled and booed as she endorsed Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential candidacy Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Former president Bill Clinton (left) looks pensive as the resentment against his wife's nomination appeared to grow during day one of the convention Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures A Bernie Sanders supporter taped her mouth shut in protest against his perceived mistreatment at the hands of the Democratic party AFP/Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Senator Cor Brooker called for unity within the party, saying: "We are called to be a nation of love" REUTERS Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Actress Eva Longoria gave a heartfelt speech in which she called upon members to trust in Mrs Clinton as their candidate Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Senator Al Franken was joined on stage by comedian and actress Sarah Silverman, with critics praising their double act Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Delegates danced joyously at the convention in the Wells Fargo Center as musical entertainment was provided Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Pop singer Demi Lovato told the DNC she was "living with mental illness" before performing her hit single 'Confident' Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon was another high-profile performer to entertain the crowd on day one Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Anastasia Somoza, an international disability rights advocate, also delivered remarks on the first day of the convention Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures A delegate holds a sign that reads "Stronger together" as the first day of the convention drew to a close Getty Images

Mr Clinton closed his speech with an appeal for action.

“So look, this is a really important point for you to take out of this convention,” he continued, “If you believe in making change from the bottom-up, if you believe the measure of change is making people’s lives better, you know it is hard and some people think it is boring. Speeches like this are fun. Actually doing the work is hard.”

“If you love this country and would like to become a citizen. you should choose immigration reform over someone who wants to send you back,” he said.

“If you love freedom and hate terror stay here and help build a future together."