Stellar support

By the time John F. Kerry caps off convention week by accepting the Democratic presidential nomination, his party's two most prominent figures will have cut quite a swath through Boston.

Former president Bill Clinton and US Senator Hillary Clinton are set to appear at a long list of hot-ticket events during convention week: a lavish, 500-guest party in their honor on Sunday night; a book-signing for Bill Clinton's much-ballyhooed memoir, out June 22, and his wife's own best-seller; a prime-time convention speech by the former president on Monday night. And their attendance is expected, and highly coveted, at several more soirees through the week.

The former president will cast a long shadow at this convention, just as he did in Los Angeles in 2000, when his live, seemingly endless walk to the podium on primetime television lent him a rock star's mien.

Four years ago, that prominence was a problem for nominee Al Gore, who sought to claim Clinton's mantle but distance himself from the president's controversial personal life. Recently, prominent Democrats wondered if Clinton might be a problem again, fretting that the former president's long-awaited book tour, coming as close as it does to the convention, would draw attention away from the party's nominee.

But Kerry supporters say the senator will enthusiastically embrace Clinton. Clinton will be lionized at the convention as a president who brought the nation times of peace and prosperity, and Kerry will be touted as the man who will bring those times back. "Clinton overshadows just about everyone," said Donna Brazile, campaign manager for Al Gore in 2000. "I don't think there is anyone on the planet he hasn't overshadowed, except maybe the pope. But this is Kerry's moment."

Gore was criticized in 2000 for failing to fully embrace him, but Clinton was a more controversial figure then. Democrats argue now that four years have faded Clinton's foibles and burnished his successes in foreign policy and the economy, particularly among those who disapprove of President Bush's handling of Iraq and the economy.

"Voters will not be comparing John Kerry to Bill Clinton, they will be comparing John Kerry and Bill Clinton to George W. Bush," said Chris Lehane, who was communications director for Gore in 2000, and worked briefly for Kerry during the Democratic primary. "People know Bill Clinton isn't running for president. They know the policies he represents were good for the country, and he's laying his hands on Kerry, saying those policies are now represented by [him]."

Kerry has consulted with Clinton during the course of the campaign, and welcomes his help during the convention and beyond, aides said.

"We've been running on the successes of the Clinton years," said Michael Meehan, a senior adviser to Kerry. "This is a new campaign, this is returning Democrats to the White House. We've been out of power four years and it shows. The party is united, and we'd like to come out of this convention energized."

Both Clintons are seen as a top draw. "They're part of the Democratic Party, a very vital part," said New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, chairman of the convention.

Asked if Bill Clinton is still the country's most exciting Democrat, Richardson paused a beat, gave a mischievous look, and said: "I think Kerry's the most exciting Democrat."

In Massachusetts, at least, Clinton will be preaching to a choir of long standing.

"Massachusetts adores the Clintons," said Jane Lane, spokeswoman for the State Democratic Party. "Democrats are head-over-heels infatuated with the former president. Every delegation will be vying for their time and attention."

Sunday night's 500-guest tribute to the Clintons, hosted by Democratic benefactor Elaine Schuster, will be held at the State Room, the 33d-floor ballroom atop a State Street building. Schuster is seeking other sponsors for the lavish event. The following morning, the former president, whose memoir, "My Life," is due out on June 22, is expected to sign copies in the same ballroom, according to people familiar with the week's schedule. His wife, whose last Massachusetts book-signing drew 1,200 fans, will probably join him, felt-tip pen in hand.

On Monday night, the former president is set to address the convention. The next day, the New York senator will appear at a luncheon to raise money for women in politics. And on Wednesday night, the couple are expected at a 2,000-guest bash for the New York delegation at the Lansdowne Street nightclub Avalon. Their presence will be coveted at scores of other events, too, as organizers vie for the couple's star power and Massachusetts Democrats seek shoulder-brushes.

That star power might be vital to television audiences, too, as the party urges networks to stay with the Democratic convention, which, like the Republican one, promises to be devoid of suspense.

"Anything that can draw attention to the convention from Kerry's point of view is good," said Stephen Hess, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. "You want some sparkle, and Bill Clinton is still sparkle."

Rick Klein of the Globe staff contributed to this report. Yvonne Abraham can be reached at abraham@globe.com.