5:33 PM: Obama takes shots at McCain in Waukesha
WAUKESHA -- Barack Obama expressed surprise Wednesday that John McCain was taking shots at him over the economy and said the Republican had traded in his principles by now claiming to support President Bush's tax cuts.
Sharpening his lines against the likely GOP nominee, Obama said McCain has acknowledged his own ignorance about the economy and suggested he would continue the Bush tax cuts if he becomes president.
Obama pointed out McCain once opposed those same cuts.
"Somewhere along the line, he traded those principles for his party's nomination," Obama said.
Obama hit several economic themes in his appearances around Wisconsin today. His commented turned to the amount of debt American is building up because of the war in Iraq.
"We can't keep on spending money that we don't have on a war that never should have been fought or authorized," he said.
His speech otherwise touched on his usual campaign themes of universal health care and ending the war in Iraq.
He spent time explaining to the 1,750 attendees that with universal health care they would have the same benefits at the same prices as the government employees. Obama is also calling for the separation of the Food and Drug Administration and the drug companies.
His plan is similar to Clinton's except that no one will be required to buy the coverage, but it does contain subsidies for those with a greater insurance need. He reference Clinton's own attempt at passing a universal health care bill in 1993 and said the bill was "dead" before it ever had a chance because of special interest groups.
The crowd got to their feet and cheered when he mentioned ending the war in Iraq. He made no mention of a withdrawal plan for the troops. He did praise the troops.
Other issues that were covered were a fair tax code, better work and safety standards, living wage, emissions cap, and ending lobbyist gifts.
Obama Supporters Gov. Jim Doyle and Waukesha Mayor Larry Nelson were also in attendance.
-- By Samantha Hernandez
Labels: 2008 spring primary