PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Campaigning a few miles from each other Friday, Barack Obama trained his eye on November and the GOP, while Hillary Rodham Clinton battled for her political life, trying to hang on a bit longer in hopes of denying him the Democratic presidential nomination.

Obama, increasingly confident that Clinton cannot overtake his lead, ignored her in his prepared remarks at a Portland-area workplace. Instead he pointedly criticized Republican Sen. John McCain’s economic, health and Iraq policies, saying the probable GOP nominee would continue failed Bush administration priorities.

When asked about Clinton, Obama heaped more praise than criticism on the New York senator, continuing his efforts to avoid antagonizing her or her supporters. Speaking later with reporters, Obama hinted that he might help Clinton retire her campaign debt if he prevails.

Also campaigning in Portland, ahead of Oregon’s May 20 primary, Clinton took the opposite tack, knowing she can’t take on McCain unless she somehow derails Obama. At a round-table at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, she criticized Obama’s health care plan for promising universal coverage to children but not adults.

‘‘An artificial distinction between children and adults is unworkable,’’ Clinton said. ‘‘You’ve got to have a seamless health care system which covers every single person. My plan does, my opponent’s doesn’t.’’

She added, ‘‘This is a big difference in this campaign.