Obama: He and Clinton to work together

TROY, Mich. (AP) - June 2, 2008 On the eve of the final two primaries, Obama told a rally and town hall-style meeting in this Detroit suburb that he understands there have been "some worries about whether the Democratic Party will be divided when it's all over."

"There's been thinking, well, are the Clinton folks going to support the Obama folks and are the Obama folks going to get together with the Clinton folks," said the Democratic front-runner.

"Senator Clinton has run an outstanding race, she is an outstanding public servant and she and I will be working together in November," Obama said. He did not elaborate.

Obama campaigned in Michigan two days after being awarded delegates for a state in which neither he nor any other major Democratic candidate campaigned. In fact, Obama's name wasn't even on the ballot. Both parties see Michigan as a key swing state in the general election.

Obama focused on the ailing economy, especially in this hard-hit industrial state.

He said Republican presidential contender John McCain would "double down" on a Bush economic plan that he said contributed heavily to the nation's current economic distress.

"While we've been talking about a recession in this country for a few months now, Michigan has been living it for a very long time. Michigan has the highest unemployment rate in the nation and workers and communities across this state have been struggling for years with the downturn that all of America is feeling today," Obama said.

"In fairness, some of these challenges are the product of larger forces beyond the control of government. But there is no doubt that the Bush economic policies have done little to help the working families of Michigan or build a better future for America," he said.

A young man who said he was a new driver asked Obama, "When will gas prices go down?"

"We are not going to be able to lower gas prices immediately," Obama said. He said he recognized this caused problems in the short term when "just getting to work is hard these days."

Obama talked about moving toward cleaner energy, and investigating whether energy companies were engaging in price-gouging and market manipulation. "If that's what they're doing ... I intend to go after them as president of the United States," he said.

Ahead of Obama's talk, two more Michigan superdelegates endorsed him.

Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence told the crowd at Troy High School waiting for Obama's arrival that she was supporting the Illinois senator. Obama thanked her for her support when he took the stage.

Michigan Education Association President Lu Battaglieri said he also is endorsing Obama. That gives Obama seven Michigan superdelegates, tying the number Clinton has in the state.

It was Obama's second visit to Michigan in three weeks to introduce himself to voters.