Hillary’s brother meets McCains

In a further blow to Barack Obama's already flagging campaign, Hillary Clinton's brother has met with Republican aides to Senator John McCain, fuelling speculation that the Clinton camp is briefing against the Illinois senator.

Tony Rodham, who held a fundraiser for his sister in Pennsylvania during the Democratic primaries, met McCain's senior economic advisor, Carly Fiorina this week.

Rodham has already expressed his disgust at the decision by Democratic officials to ban his sister's challenge earlier this year to the overturning of primary results in Michigan and Florida.

The McCain team has made a big push to woo disgruntled Clinton supporters and the news that her brother has met with the 'enemy' will be a huge boost for the Republican candidate.

Meanwhile, it emerged that Mrs Clinton would be enforcing discipline among her supporters at next week's Democratic Convention in Denver.

The Clinton team will deploy 40 supporters on the floor of the event to ensure that none of her supporters disrespect the Illinois senator.

But a further 40 will also be charged with maintaining Clinton's presence there, and will be handing out signs supporting the New York senator.