Republican Cheney says Clinton could win presidency

WASHINGTON - Vice President Dick Cheney said on Tuesday he thought Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton could win the White House in 2008 and that a potential Democratic opponent, Senator Barack Obama, was too inexperienced.

Clinton, a New York Democrat who is running for re-election, is considered a likely contender for the White House in 2008. Obama, serving his first term as a US senator from Illinois, has been touted recently as a possible candidate, something he said he would consider.

"I think Hillary Clinton is a formidable candidate, "Cheney said in an interview with Fox News Channel's "Hannity & Colmes" due to air on Tuesday evening US time.

"I think she could win. I hope she doesn't. I disagree with her on nearly all the issues, but nobody should underestimate her. She's a very serious candidate for president."

Cheney reiterated that he had no intention of running for president. "I'm not coy about it. I made my decision a long time ago, and it's firm, final, fixed, irrevocable."

He said though Obama was an attractive candidate, "I think at this stage, my initial take on him was he's been two years as a senator. I think people might want a little more experience than that, given the nature of the times we live in."

In Sarasota, Florida where he was stumping for Republicans, President Bush said Democrats appeared to be anticipating big victories in the November 7 congressional election when they will try to win control from Republicans of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

"The Democrats have made a lot of predictions," Bush said. "As a matter of fact I think they may be measuring the drapes. If their electoral predictions are as reliable as their economic predictions, November 7 is going to be a good day for the Republicans."

Bush spoke at a campaign event that raised US$375,000 for Republican businessman Vern Buchanan's attempt to win the House seat being vacated by Katharine Harris, who played a role in Bush's 2000 victory in Florida. Harris is now in an uphill battle for a Senate seat.

- REUTERS