A White House spokesman revealed Friday that President Barack Obama is supporting City Comptroller William Thompson's bid for mayor, but word did not come from Obama himself.

At the end of a daily press briefing, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs failed to mention Thompson by name, but said the Democrat has the president's support.

"The president is the leader of the Democratic Party and as that would support the Democratic nominee," said Gibbs. "The president obviously has had a chance throughout campaigning and in his time as a candidate and as a president to meet, know and work with Mayor Bloomberg and obviously has a tremendous amount of respect for what he's done as well. But as the leader of the Democratic Party, he supports the Democratic nominee."

Thompson said he was pleased with the news.

"It is a great honor and it can only help," said Thompson. "The president is incredibly popular and we all respect him. And for him to take the time out on a day where he's received the Nobel Prize makes it even more special."

It remains to be seen whether Obama will throw his weight behind Friday's endorsement, either by campaigning with Thompson in person, or recording television advertisements or phone calls on his behalf. Thompson says those details are yet to be worked out.

"I haven't seen the president since the last time he was in New York," said Thompson. "I expect I will see him when he's in town on the 20th. And we continue to talk to the White House about additional steps and the next steps we'll be taking."

Asked about Obama's support for Thompson, Bloomberg said Friday his relationship with the president is not about partisan politics.

"Well, look, I'm not surprised that the president supported the nominee of his party, that I think is to expected," Bloomberg said. "And, as the White House, I'm told, said today, we have had a very good working relationship, and I look forward to continue to work closely with him for all New Yorkers on issues like health care and the economy and fighting terrorism."

As to whether the president's support can overcome Bloomberg's large lead in most recent polls, Thompson says it can only help.