Obama: Florida win would ensure victory

MIAMI, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama says if he can win Florida in the general election he will be headed to the White House.

During a campaign appearance in Miami this week, the presidential hopeful told supporters Florida could be the key for victory over Republican presidential candidate John McCain, CBS News reported Saturday.

"I'll tell you, we can win this thing without Florida, but boy, it's a lot easier if we win Florida," the Illinois senator said Friday night. "If we win Florida, it is almost impossible for John McCain to win."

The White House hopeful also spoke out against President George Bush, criticizing him for not acting to stem the national economic instability.

"Here we have the greatest crisis probably since 9/11 and our president was absent," Obama said.

CBS News said the Democratic leader also linked his opponent in November's election to Bush, saying McCain routinely borrows ideas from the president and other top Republicans.