Obama promises a better NASA

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., Aug. 2 (UPI) -- Likely Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, at a forum in Florida, said he would not cut the NASA budget if he is elected.

Obama, campaigning in the state for a second straight day, spoke in Titusville near the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida Today reported.

"Under my watch, NASA will inspire the world once again and is going to help grow the economy right here in Brevard County," Obama said.

At a news conference, Obama also repeated his support for a bipartisan compromise on energy that would allow some additional offshore drilling, The New York Times said. He told the St. Petersburg Times Friday that he supports the proposal crafted by senators from both parties.

"If we come up with a genuine bipartisan compromise, where I have to accept some things that I don't like in order to get energy independence," Obama said, "that's something I will have to consider."

Responding to a claim by likely Republican nominee John McCain's campaign that he had brought race into the campaign, Obama said he thinks McCain is "cynical" but not racist.

Offshore drilling is a touchy question in Florida. Recent polls have shown state residents have become more willing to accept it as gas prices have risen, but many officials in the state want Florida to be able to veto drilling off its coasts.