Obama: Nuclear weapons to fight al-Qaida 'not on the table'

WASHINGTON — Presidential hopeful Barack Obama says nuclear weapons won't be part of his anti-terrorism arsenal, a position that's drawn the ire of some Democratic rivals.

The Illinois senator Thursday declared he would not use nuclear weapons “in any circumstance” to fight terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan. He says it would be a “profound mistake.”

Obama was responding to a question by The Associated Press about the subject. Obama says his position includes tactical nuclear weapons.

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton criticized Obama for addressing hypothetical questions and says presidents should never make such blanket statements about weapons use. Clinton says it's a bad idea to telegraph one's intentions.

Senators Joe Biden of Delaware and Christopher Dodd of Connecticut also took Obama to task for recent foreign policy statements.

Obama's spokesman says the campaign is surprised that others would disagree.