Democratic presidential candidates (L-R) former U.S. Senator John Edwards (D-NC), U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), and U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL), applaud prior to the start of a debate at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire June 3, 2007. (Xinhua/Reuters File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush said Tuesday that Sen. Hillary Clinton's experience as first lady has prepared her to handle the "pressure" of a presidential race and the White House.

    "No question, there is no question that Sen. Clinton understands pressure better than any of the candidates, you know, in the race," the president said at an interview with ABC News.

    However, the president emphasized, "I do believe our (Republican) candidate will beat her, if she happens to be the nominee."

    Bush refused to speculate on the Republican presidential field, calling it a "wide-open" race.

    Nevertheless, the president described the former first lady, who is the front-runner among Democratic presidential candidates, as a "very formidable candidate."

    Laura Bush, who was also interviewed, said experience as first lady would be "very helpful" in the White House.

U.S. President George W. Bush waves to onlookers as he returns via helicopter from a weekend visit at Camp David to the White House in Washington, November 4, 2007. (Xinhua/Reuters File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>