Dodd criticizes Dem frontrunners

Democratic presidential candidate Chris Dodd criticized two of his party's frontrunners on Friday, arguing that Hillary Rodham Clinton is too divisive to govern effectively and that Barack Obama lacks experience.

Dodd, speaking during a taping of "Iowa Press" on public television, raised questions about Clinton's chances of winning a general election.

Although she leads in national polls of Democrats seeking the party's nomination and is in the top tier of candidates in Iowa polls, Clinton also has a high negative rating.

"I think those questions are legitimate. I think people want to move on," Dodd said. "I think the melodrama and all, we need to get behind us."

Dodd, a Connecticut senator, said Clinton's persistently high negative ratings are an issue that won't go away.

"That's a reality. Everyone knows this and no one wants to talk about it," he said. "The reality is there is a continuing fight. Frankly the country is tired of fighting."

Dodd said he was simply giving voice to worries he hears from Democrats everywhere he travels.

Asked about Obama, Dodd predicted that if nominated he would be vulnerable to charges that he lacks experience. Obama will be only three years into his first U.S. Senate term at the time of the next election.

In addition, Dodd _ a former head of the Democratic National Committee _ warned against those who look at President Bush's sagging poll numbers and assume Democrats will win back the White House.

"I don't underestimate the political abilities of the opposition," said Dodd. "Anyone who assumes this is just going to be a cakewalk, I think is mistaken.