Obama hits McCain on healthcare

INDIANAPOLIS — Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama stressed the importance of resolute leadership to guide the nation through the economic crisis during his first post-debate appearance.

Rallying thousands at the fairgrounds in a red state where polls have tightened, Mr. Obama slammed Republican nominee Sen. John McCain.

“In last night’s debate, John McCain and I each had the chance to make the case for change,” he said. “But all we heard from Senator McCain was more of the same Bush economics that led us into this mess in the first place.”

Mr. Obama reprised his attack on Mr. McCain’s health care plan, saying that the previous evening revealed the Republican’s priorities.

“We were both asked whether we believe that health care should finally be the right of every American. I believe it should, but Senator McCain didn’t say that,” the Illinois senator said.

Mr. Obama said when taking stock of his opponent’s “radical” health care plan, “I can see why.”

For his part, Mr. McCain had advisor’s detail the plan he outlined at the debate to buy back bad mortgages in a conference call with reporters. He planned to rejoin his running mate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for campaign rallies in Ohio Wednesday afternoon.

The McCain campaign also released a list of 100 former U.S. ambassadors who are backing the McCain-Palin ticket and an Web video that details Mr. Obama’s 2007 ranking from National Journal as the most liberal senator.

They also highlighted in a warm moment from the debate when Mr. McCain thanked a veteran for his service and touched his shoulder in praise.

Mr. Obama attempted to keep an optimistic front despite bad news on Wall Street and a few hours after the Fed cut interest rates to try and stop the bleeding.

“I’m here to tell you that there are better days ahead,” Mr. Obama told a raucous crowd with less than four weeks to go before Election Day. “This isn’t the time for fear or for panic, this is a time for resolve and steady leadership.”

Most voters at the rally were protected by the grandstand covering at the fairgrounds here, but the people closest to the stage were forced to stand under gloomy skies in the mud as the rain poured down all morning.

Mr. Obama couldn’t get through five minutes without being interrupted by cheers, but also had to face some protesters who seemed to be from Code Pink shouting about the Iraq war.

Mr. Obama said that was a product of democracy, but his supporters in the crowd chanted louder to drown out the heckling.

Later in his speech, some voters didn’t like it when he used the phrase, “if I’m president,” presumably preferring he would say “when.”

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