Clinton Calls Edwards a "Fighter"

From CBS News' Fernando Suarez:

LEWISTON, MAINE -- During a town hall meeting today, Hillary Clinton opened the floor to questions and a woman, who identified herself as a former supporter of John Edwards, told Clinton she is now supporting her.

The woman said she hopes Clinton will “consider John’s policies and his fighting spirit when you get to the White House.”

Clinton, who had mentioned Edwards' work on health care in her speech (something she has not done in quite a while), told the woman she and Edwards “have a lot in common.” Clinton called Edwards a “fighter” and told the woman, “I will be a fighter and I intend to ask John Edwards to be a part of anything I intend to do in the White House.”

Edwards has not formally endorsed any candidate since dropping out late last month. But both Clinton and Barack Obama have said they intend to court his base of supporters - in fact, Obama told reporters he spoke to Edwards a few days ago but wouldn't elaborate on their conversation.

When asked whether Clinton’s comments on Edwards were calculated, her campaign denied that the reference to Edwards earlier in her speech was planned.

CBS News' Maria Gavrilovic contributed to this report.

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/02/09/politics/fromtheroad/entry3812519.shtml