(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-04-28 10:34

"Both the Obama campaign and the Clinton campaign are absolutely committed to coming together at the conclusion of this process, coming behind whoever the nominee is, and enthusiastically supporting that person," he said on "Face The Nation" on CBS.

Retired trucker Robert Galloway, center and his daughter Holly Galloway and wife Helen Galloway, gather at Gables Truck Stop in Harrisburg, Pa., Saturday April 26, 2008, to rally against the high price of fuel. The group is preparing to travel to a rally in Washington, on Monday, April 28, 2008. [Agencies]

Campaigning in North Carolina, Clinton said she regretted Obama had not agreed to a one-on-one debate without a moderator before the Indiana vote.

"Tough questions in a debate is nothing like the tough decisions you've got to make in the White House," said the former first lady who would be the first female president of the United States.

Obama turned her down to concentrate on meeting voters but said on Sunday he would be "more than happy to consider" another debate after Indiana.

Obama's comments on race came as his former pastor, Jeremiah Wright, began a series of public appearances to combat criticism of his controversial sermons that have, among other things, suggested the United States deserved some blame for the September 11 attacks.

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Obama again denounced Wright's offensive comments but said, since he had a long relationship with the pastor, voters had a legitimate interest in him. "I don't think that the issue of Reverend Wright is illegitimate," Obama said. "I just think that the way it was reported was not ... a reflection of both that church that I attend and who I am."

In Miami, McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, said that while he had not commented on the controversy he is disturbed what he has heard of some additional remarks by Wright.

"Senator Obama himself says it's a legitimate political issue, so I would imagine that many other people will share that view and it will be in the arena," he said at a news conference. "But my position that Senator Obama doesn't share those views remains the same."

Obama's appearance on "Fox News Sunday" came after host Chris Wallace started running a clock showing how long it had been since the Illinois senator said he would appear on the show -- 772 days up to Sunday.

"It takes me about 772 days to prepare for these questions," Obama joked as he opened the show.

Many Democrats say Fox is too conservative and Republican-oriented and some have refused to appear on the network.

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