Obama's campaign is trying to win Indiana for a Democratic presidential candidate for the first time in 40 years, at the same time, forcing McCain to spend precious money in a crucial swing state. After Tuesday night's strong showing in the debate, Obama is still trying to turn McCain into a clone of /*President Bush*/.
"Back in 1980 /*Ronald Reagan*/ asked the electorate whether you were better off than you were four years ago. At the pace things are going right now, you're going to have to ask whether you're better off than you were four weeks ago," said Senator Obama.
Running mate /*Joe Biden*/ was back on the trail after a few days off for his mother-in-law's funeral. Biden went after /*Sarah Palin*/ for trying to link Obama to a former 1960s radical.
"To have a vice-presidential candidate raise the most outrageous inferences, the ones that John McCain's camp is condoning, is simply wrong," said Senator Biden.
That candidate was Republican nominee Sarah Palin, who accused Obama of "palling around" with former radical /*William Ayers*/ in Chicago -- a man she called "a known terrorist."
Palin's criticism of Obama was mild Wednesday in Pennsylvania.
"The choice between some inspiring words and inspiring deeds, and the choice between a guy who's just kind of trying to talk his way into the White House," said Governor Palin.
Polls show McCain lost Tuesday night's debate and that McCain is behind in most polls. The attacks against Obama are much sharper.
"In short, who is ready to lead in a time of trouble and danger for our country?" asked Senator McCain.
The most pointed and bitter attack came from Cindy McCain. The McCains have a son who is serving in Iraq.
"The day that Senator Obama decided to cast a vote to not fund my son when he was serving sent a cold chill through my body, let me tell you," said Cindy McCain.
Obama has said he voted against funding when it was not linked to troop withdrawals. Obama's campaign criticized McCain's $300-billion mortgage bailout plan. The campaign said it would guarantee taxpayers lose money. It would come out of the $700-billion rescue plan.
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