WASHINGTON, June 9 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on Thursday called Senator Elizabeth Warren, a female leader of the progressive wing within the Democratic Party, "qualified" to be her running mate, said local media.

"I think she (Warren) is an incredible public servant, eminently qualified for any role," said Clinton in an interview with U.S. daily Politico.

"I look forward to working with her on behalf of not only the campaign and her very effective critique of Trump, but also on the issues that she and I both care about," said Clinton.

Politico reported that when asked if her rival Bernie Sanders had earned a place on the ticket, Clinton disagreed.

"His passion for the issues that he promoted has been good for the Democratic party and for the country," said Clinton in the interview. "I look forward to talking with him when our campaigns can find a time that works with both our schedules."

As the darling of the progressive wing of the party, Warren's endorsement, which was among the most sought-after ones in this Democratic primary season that had so far prioritized progressive agenda, was yet to be granted to any candidate.

However, Warren is scheduled to come off the sidelines and formally endorse Clinton on Thursday night in her interview with MSNBC, the network confirmed on Thursday.

U.S. President Barack Obama also formally threw his support behind Clinton for president early Thursday, declaring that he did not think there's "ever been someone so qualified to hold this office."