FLINT, Mich. (AP) – Al Gore says he is backing Barack Obama and will do whatever he can to help him get to the White House.

In a letter to be e-mailed to Obama supporters, Gore says Obama has united a movement over the past year and a half.

 The former vice president also asks for donations to help fund Obama’s effort – the first time he’s asked members of his Web site AlGore.com to contribute to a political campaign.

Gore is one of the most popular figures in the Democratic Party, but he kept a low profile in the primary campaign. He’s planning to appear with Obama at a rally in Detroit Monday night.