EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- Chelsea Clinton tangled with a Barack Obama supporter who asked whether she would advise her mother Hillary Rodham Clinton to accept the No. 2 spot on the ticket if Obama wins the presidential nomination.

AP

Chelsea Clinton

"Well, sir, you make a lot of assumptions," Chelsea Clinton said, drawing laughter and applause from the Oregon Democrats on hand Saturday to hear the former first daughter make a campaign pitch for her mom.

The exchange, which took place at the state Democrats' platform convention, began when Lane Community College theater arts student Matt Keating stepped to a microphone and began by saying "With all due respect..."

"Oh dear," Chelsea shot back.

Undeterred, Keating then went on to ask what advice Clinton would give her mom if Obama offered her the vice presidential spot on the ticket.

The younger Clinton indicated she thought the question was premature, given that voters in Oregon and other primary states have yet to vote on a presidential nominee.

But she also made it clear she fervently is backing her mom's bid for the White House.

"I do believe that when people put this election in the context of their own lives, I believe they will reach the same conclusion that I have -- that my mom's the strongest candidate and would be the best president."

Afterward, Keating gave Chelsea Clinton a backhanded compliment.

"Maybe she should have a career in politics, because she certainly gave a political answer. It was pretty funny," he said.

Eugene was the first of three Oregon stops Chelsea Clinton was to make Saturday to tout her mom's candidacy in advance of Oregon's May 20 primary. Later appearances were planned at Oregon State University and Portland State University.

She's the third member of the Clinton family to campaign in the Oregon contest against Obama. The New York senator made stops in Hillsboro and Eugene last weekend. Former President Bill Clinton was in the state earlier.

On Friday night, the 350 Democrats who are gathered for their party's convention heard from an Obama supporter, Hawaii Congressman Neil Abercrombie.

Schedule:

6:15 p.m. PDT

Chelsea Clinton Hosts an “Our Economy, Our Future” Event

Portland State University, Larry Smith Memorial Union

Browsing Library

1825 SW Broadway

Portland, OR