McCain decries Obama's 'socialism'

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By Joseph Curl

WOODBRIDGE, Va.

Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain on Saturday accused Democratic rival Sen. Barack Obama of pursuing a socialist agenda and seeking to hide his intention to redistribute wealth as part of a massive government welfare program.

Mr. McCain repeatedly cashed in on the October surprise of Joe the Plumber on the campaign trail Saturday, and also used his radio address to make the taboo "socialism" charge against Mr. Obama based on his candid admission to the Ohio blue-collar worker that he wants to "spread the wealth around."

"Joe, in his plainspoken way, said this sounded a lot like socialism. And a lot of Americans are thinking along those same lines. In the best case, 'spreading the wealth around' is a familiar idea from the American left. And that kind of class warfare sure doesn't sound like a 'new kind of politics,' " Mr. McCain said in the weekly address.

"At least in Europe, the socialist leaders who so admire my opponent are upfront about their objectives," he said. "We should demand equal candor from Senator Obama. Raising taxes on some in order to give checks to others is not a tax cut; it's just another government giveaway."

Mr. Obama, addressing an estimated 100,000 supporters in the traditionally Republican "red" state of Missouri on Saturday, said Mr. McCain was describing the Democrat's plans for middle-class tax relief as government "welfare."

"The only 'welfare' in this campaign is John McCain's plan to give another $200 billion in tax cuts to the wealthiest corporations in America. ... That's who John McCain is fighting for," Mr. Obama said in a rally under the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

"But we can't afford four more years like the last eight. George Bush and John McCain are out of ideas, they are out of touch, and if you stand with me, in 17 days they will be out of time," Mr. Obama said.

In Prince William County, a bedroom community to the District that the Democrat is targeting as he seeks to win the bright-red state of Virginia, the Republican repeatedly referred to the Holland, Ohio, plumber, Joe Wurzelbacher, just as he did last week in his final debate and in other stops Saturday in Florida and North Carolina.

"He's the only person to get a real answer out of Senator Obama about his plans for our country. Congratulations Joe. That is an impressive achievement," Mr. McCain said to thunderous cheers from several thousand supporters packed into a courtyard on a chilly day.