MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., Jan. 21 (UPI) -- The three Democratic presidential front-runners said Monday that John McCain is the one they must prepare to beat given the Republican's recent resurgence.
Sens. Hillary Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois and former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina each said they can beat the longtime Arizona senator in a head-to-head race if he becomes the GOP nominee, RTT News reported.
"I believe I can inspire new people to get involved in the process ... to reach out to independents and, yes, to some Republicans who have lost trust in their government," Obama said.
Because of his Southern roots, Edwards said, "I think I can go everywhere and compete head-to-head with John McCain."
For her part, Clinton pointed to polls showing she could beat McCain in a head-to-head match-up. She also said her experience in Washington gives her an advantage over her Democratic rivals, particular on national security issues.
McCain, who won Saturday's pivotal Republican South Carolina primary, said he was "aware that for the last 28 years, the winner of the South Carolina primary has been the nominee of our party."
