Bill’s stump speeches are helping lay the foundations of a 2016 campaign. His presence on the campaign trail, often in parts of the country where Obama is not so popular, reinforces the 2008 argument that the Clintons (in terms of power politics, it is fruitless to view them separately) can reach places Obama cannot.

It also shows that the wounds of the epic Obama-Clinton battle of 2008 have not healed. Conspicuous by his absence from Española was Bill Richardson, the current New Mexico governor, who was publicly branded a “Judas” by James Carville, the Clinton consigliere, for endorsing Obama. Richardson was never even mentioned by Denish or the former President.

After trying something new and shiny in the person of Obama and being disappointed, many Democrats are now indulging in Clinton nostalgia. “We Miss the Thrill of Bill” read one prominent sign in Española.

“He let me hug him!” exclaimed Loyda Martinez, 57, after the event.