According to the Aspen Times, Clinton "blamed the Democratic candidate's soft stand on security" for his defeat.

He recalled that while campaigning on behalf of the Massachusetts Democrat last October, "it was clear even Kerry's supporters weren't clear on the candidate's position on national security."

"I think, in the end, he lost in a close race because of the security issue," Clinton told Isaacson.

He also said Kerry didn't do enough to reach out to rural voters, who were likely to support Bush.

"You can't win an election in this country unless you talk to people who you think aren't for you," Clinton said. "A person who wants to be president has to be at home with issues and people when he knows he's on the losing side."

Clinton was accompanied to Aspen by his wife, 2008 presidential hopeful and Kerry rival Hillary Clinton. Sen. Clinton was scheduled to address the Aspen Ideas Institute Sunday afternoon.

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Sen. Hillary Clinton
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