The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Biloxi

Democrat Barack Obama Monday ridiculed talk by his White House rival Hillary Clinton that he could run as her vice presidential nominee, as their next clash loomed in Mississippi. Obama, who is ahead in delegates after 45 Democratic contests, mocked verbal gymnastics by the Clinton camp arguing that he is unfit to be commander-in-chief, but could be the number two on a "dream ticket." "If I'm not ready, how is it that you think I should be such a great vice president? Do you understand that?" he said, drawing laughter from supporters at a rally in Columbus, Mississippi on the eve of the state's primary. The Illinois senator said the Clinton team was "trying to hoodwink you." "With all due respect, I've won twice as many states as Senator Clinton. I've won more of the popular vote than Senator Clinton. I have more delegates than Senator Clinton," he said. "So I don't know how somebody who is in second place is offering the vice presidency to the person who's in first place."