Advertisement

US Dems 'didn't build broad support base'

US President Barack Obama says he regrets not being able to transfer his own political success into Democratic races across the country.

The president is acknowledging the failures of his party - and himself - to build up a broad base of support during his tenure.

He says the party must do a better job of reaching out to all voters, even in states and counties they are unlikely to win.

"That's something I would have liked to have done more of but it's kind of hard to do when you're dealing with a whole bunch of issues here in the White House," Obama said on Friday at his annual year-end news conference.

Democrats have lost more than 1000 seats in congress, state legislatures and governor's mansions during Obama's two terms.