McCain sticks up for Clinton

DENVER -- John McCain's campaign suggested Sunday that rival Barack Obama snubbed Hillary Rodham Clinton as his running mate because of her criticism during the battle for the Democratic nomination. Obama's campaign dismissed the claim as the candidate praised Joe Biden, the man he did choose.

Campaigning in Wisconsin, Obama said he was "absolutely convinced" that Biden, a fellow senator, was right for the job.

"He's got the passion to lift up middle-class Americans, he hasn't forgotten his working-class roots, he has the expertise that will make him a great counselor on international crises that might come up," Obama told reporters before boarding his plane in Eau Claire, Wis.

Earlier, speaking at a barbecue in Eau Claire, Obama said both he and Biden had humble roots. He predicted the veteran lawmaker from Delaware would be "one of the greatest vice presidents in the history of the United States."

Meanwhile, a new McCain ad challenged Obama's motives in passing over Clinton and choosing Biden, who dropped out of the presidential contest after a poor showing in Iowa, the first contest. Chief Obama strategist David Axelrod said Biden was "a better fit."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Biden "has challenged the status quo. And he's even criticized Senator Obama, so it's a tribute to Senator Obama that he's not just choosing a yes man but a person who will speak what he believes."

Since Biden's selection Saturday, the McCain campaign has come out with two campaign ads addressing Obama's choice.

The latest, released by the campaign early Sunday, features clips of Clinton during the primary battle saying critical things about Obama, including, "Senator Obama's campaign has become increasingly negative."

A voiceover says, "She won millions of votes but isn't on the ticket. Why? For speaking the truth."

Responding to the ad, Clinton spokeswoman Kathleen Strand said the New York senator's "support of Barack Obama is clear."