Obama Says He's More Electable Than Clinton
LOS ANGELES -- Barack Obama said today that he believes he is in a better position than Hillary Clinton to beat John McCain in the general election.
"In terms of electability, I believe that I am attracting new voters and independent voters in a way that Senator Clinton has not been able to do," Obama said.
"If Senator McCain is the nominee, we can't start off with the same playing field and expect to win."
He cited the Nevada caucus as an example of the fact that he can reach a greater variety of voters than Clinton and said that her supporters are more likely to side with him, if he is the nominee.
"I am confident that I will get her votes if I am the nominee, it's not clear that she would get the votes I got if she were the nominee," Obama said.
Obama praised McCain for his service, but said that he has "tethered himself to Bush policies and the American people, particularly independents are looking for a different approach."
He was asked if he has pursued endorsements by former Democratic opponents John Edwards and Bill Richardson. Obama said that he spoke to Edwards on the day that he pulled out of the race and that he asked for his endorsement.
"He and I shared a fundamental view that it is not enough to change political parities in the White House," Obama said. "You've got to bring about more fundamental change."
Obama, who is on his way to New Mexico, said that he is not expecting a Richardson endorsement today but that he would "love to be pleasantly surprised."