John McCain says Barack Obama has failed to lead during financial crisis
As the two campaign in battleground states, McCain delivers a sharply worded attack, saying Obama is 'watching from the sidelines'
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Republican John McCain today used some of his strongest language yet to attack rival Sen. Barack Obama, accusing the Democratic nominee of failing to lead during the current economic crisis.
With about five weeks before voters choose the next president, McCain and Obama campaigned today in key battleground states. Arizona Sen. John McCain and running mate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin held a rally here, while Illinois Sen. Obama campaigned in Colorado.
As he did throughout the weekend, McCain defended his move last week to suspend his campaign and go to Washington to help with the proposed $700-billion bailout legislation. Democrats have accused McCain of staging a political stunt.
Even though there have been questions from both sides of the aisle about his effectiveness, McCain insisted he had shown leadership.
"Some people have criticized my decision, but I will never, ever be a president who sits on the sidelines when this country faces a crisis," McCain said today. "Some of you may have noticed, but it's not my style to simply 'phone it in.' "
McCain then criticized Obama.
"At first he didn't want to get involved," McCain said. "Then he was 'monitoring the situation.' That's not leadership, that's watching from the sidelines. And watching from the sidelines is exactly what got us into this mess. It was the lack of accountability and oversight that put your tax dollars on the line."
McCain blamed Obama for votes in the Senate that the Republican said showed the Illinois Democrat was in favor of higher taxes and against tax relief. The Obama campaign, backed by journalists who researched the issue, have said repeatedly that McCain has misrepresented the votes, yet the Arizona senator has continued to level the charge.
Ohio is an important state for the Republicans because 20 electoral votes are up for grabs. Polls show that McCain is in a statistical dead heat in the state against Obama, the Democratic presidential nominee, and his running mate, Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware.
Four years ago, President Bush narrowly carried Ohio, 50.7% to 48.3%. But Democrats this year are pushing hard, hoping to swing the state to their column.
Obama will campaign in Colorado, where nine electoral votes are at stake. Some polls there show him running ahead of McCain, but the margin varies, and the outcome could be close.
