Republican John McCain took straight aim at Democrat Barack Obama’s economic policies during a stop in St. Charles. McCain criticized Obama as someone who believes in redistributing wealth, not in growing the economy. McCain hammered Obama for his statement that his administration would cut taxes for 95% of Americans, pointing out that nearly 40% of Americans don’t pay income taxes. He said that would force Obama to give those who don’t pay income taxes a tax credit pay for by those who do.
The housing crisis must be solved to bring the country out of its economic tailspin, according to McCain. McCain stated the biggest goal must be to help homeowners keep from defaulting on their mortgages.
McCain also said he would withdraw troops from Iraq in a way that insures victory, not in a reckless manner which he accuses Obama of advocating.
McCain made three stops in Missouri. He spoke in St. Charles and Belton. In between, McCain made a stop in Columbia to sample Buckingham Smokehouse BBQ for lunch where he spoke to small business owners.
Missouri is considered a swing state which seemed to favor McCain, until lately. Public opinion polls indicate that Obama has caught and passed McCain and now holds a slight lead in the state. McCain’s visit comes on the heels of Obama’s quick campaign in Missouri. Obama drew record crowds. In St. Louis, between 80,000 and 100,000 people attended an Obama rally with an estimated 75,000 in Kansas City.