Clinton salutes Obama as Dems at convention cheer

DENVER – Hillary Rodham Clinton summoned the millions of voters who supported her in the primaries to send Barack Obama to the White House Tuesday night, and drew thunderous applause at the Democratic National Convention when she declared her one-time rival is “”my candidate and he must be our president.””

“”We don’t have a moment to lose or a vote to spare,”” said the former first lady, writing the final chapter in a quest for the White House every bit as pioneering as Obama’s own.

She followed others to the podium who ripped into Republican John McCain as indifferent to the working class and cozy with big oil.

Obama’s formal nomination was set for Wednesday night. First came Clinton, calling herself a “”proud supporter of Obama.”” Clinton dismissed Republican John McCain with a few choice words. “”No way. No how. No McCain,”” she said as the hall erupted in cheers. “”We don’t need four more years … of the last eight years,”” she added.

Marty Stuart to start country music TV show

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Marty Stuart thinks there’s room on TV for the style of country music he remembers from “”The Porter Wagoner Show,”” “”Flatt & Scruggs”” and, of course, “”Hee Haw.”” So Stuart decided to create his own show.

“”The Marty Stuart Show”” will begin airing Sunday nights come November on cable’s RFD-TV.

Each episode will feature music by Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives, as well as his wife, Grand Ole Opry star Connie Smith, and guests.

Stuart will host and produce the 30-minute episodes. Grand Ole Opry announcer Eddie Stubbs will be his sidekick. His show will be part of the prime-time lineup with “”Hee Haw”” reruns, “”Postcards from Nebraska”” and “”Music & Motors.””

Manager: Spears not slated to perform on VMAs

LOS ANGELES – Britney Spears won’t perform on this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, according to her manager.

MTV confirmed there were talks to have Spears appear in some capacity. The rebounding pop queen is nominated for video of the year for “”Piece of Me.””

This VMAs will air live Sept. 7 from Paramount Pictures Studios in Los Angeles. Previously announced award show performers include Kid Rock, Lil Wayne, Pink, Rihanna, Paramore, T.I. and the Jonas Brothers.

Australia assessing visa for Snoop Dogg

SYDNEY, Australia – The immigration department said Wednesday it was conducting a character assessment of Snoop Dogg, including his criminal history, as Australia considers whether to grant the rapper a visa for a concert tour later this year.

A department spokesman said the rapper applied for a visa in July and the department carried out a preliminary assessment. Snoop Dogg and fellow hip-hop star Ice Cube are planning an Australian concert tour in October.

Snoop Dogg withdrew his application for a visa to Australia last year when he failed to pass the character requirements after pleading no contest to gun and drug charges in the United States.