Campaigning in Pennsylvania, Obama said that as president he would offer former Vice President Al Gore -- who has not endorsed a candidate -- an administration position that would focus on climate change, the issue that won Gore the Nobel Peace Prize last year.
"I will make a commitment that Al Gore will be at the table and play a central part in us figuring out how we solve this problem," Obama said. "He's somebody I talk to on a regular basis. I'm already consulting with him in terms of these issues, but climate change is real."
McCain also looked ahead, saying he has a list of about 20 potential vice presidential running mates. Asked about timing, McCain said he would "love to do it earlier than later" to avoid the mistakes of nominees who he said "waited until the last minute, and then it was kind of rushed."
"Sometimes you get unintended consequences," McCain said, citing President George H.W. Bush's choice of Dan Quayle, who he said had not been briefed and prepared for some of the questions.
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maeve.reston@latimes.com
noam.levey@latimes.com
Reston reported from Annapolis, Md., and Pensacola, Fla., and Levey from Washington. Times staff writer Scott Martelle in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
