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Dodd expects the presidential election to be close - not a cakewalk for Democrats as some people assume. That's all the more reason why electability is important, he said, touting his three decades of experience in Congress and an ability to get things done.
Dodd noted that party rivals Barack Obama and John Edwards have much less experience.
He chastised them and Clinton for saying during a debate Wednesday night they can't guarantee a pullout of all U.S. combat troops from Iraq by the end of the next presidential term in 2013.
"The others are not doing enough to lead" on the issue, said Dodd.
On another topic, the Senate Banking Committee chairman said the housing meltdown and credit crunch affecting much of the country could end in a recession.
"I think it's very bad and it could go a lot worse," Dodd said.
Dodd also touched on his newly announced plans for giving rural America an economic boost through improvements in farm programs, trade, health care, renewable energy and high-speed Internet access.
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