Obama agrees to more debates

OMAHA - Democratic US presidential hopeful Barack Obama agreed on Thursday to hold two more debates with rival Hillary Clinton before March 4, officials from his campaign said.

One debate will take place on February 26 in Cleveland, Ohio. The other will take place in Texas on a date to be determined.

Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas and Vermont hold nominating contests on March 4.

Clinton had pushed to hold five debates in that period, but Obama rejected that, saying he needed to spend more time at campaign events with voters.

Candidates usually take time out of their campaign schedules to prepare on the days that debates are held.

- REUTERS