“The key goal for the Clinton campaign in North Carolina is to attract as many as possible of the voters who were critical to Barack Obama’s victory in the state in 2008 and strong showing in 2012, especially African-Americans, young voters and residents of college towns,” Dinan said.

Obama’s appearance with Clinton, he added, “is intended to help turn out a number of these voters who were crucial to Barack Obama’s success in the state in his campaigns.”

Eric Ellison, the chairman of the Forsyth County Democratic Party, said Obama can help Clinton carry Forsyth County, which would bode well for her chances to win North Carolina and the national election.

“She’s authentic with a real voice that speaks to African-Americans, people of color, women, working people. It resonates with everybody,” he said. “She’s about as popular as a first lady can get.”

Clinton is sure to push Democrat Deborah Ross as a strong candidate in her Senate race against Winston-Salem native Richard Burr, Ellison said.

“She’s going straight to the teeth of the tiger, right here in Winston-Salem,” Ellison said.