'Minnesota Nice': McCain Calls for Calm

McCain's apparent defense of Obama followed several days of hyped-up crowds at his events, and the events of his running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin. At one event in Bethlehem, Pa., Wednesday, crowd members could be heard yelling "No-Bama," a regular chant at rallies, but also "He's a radical!" and, in one case, "Off with his head!"

Obama Saturday thanked McCain for the tone of the Town Hall.

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"I want to acknowledge that Sen. McCain tried to tone down the rhetoric in his town hall meeting yesterday," Obama told a crowd in Philadelphia, "and I appreciated his reminder that we can disagree while still being respectful of each other."

Some voters Friday remained frustrated by what they perceived as McCain's relative lack of fervor in opposing his opponent.

"I think people are growing a little impatient with that, they want to see him jump, they want to see him fired up like we are when we get passionate about something," said Pilar Liebl, of Lakeville, Minn, who attended the rally.

"I think he needs to be more forceful, and let the people know what we're up against," said Marylyn Steele of Minneapolis.

A senior campaign advisor argued that McCain pulled no punches on policy issues during the event. McCain did talk about Obama's relationship with former Weather Underground leader Bill Ayres, and maintained his criticisms of Obama's tax and health care plans.

Asked if he was disappointed with McCain's tone at town hall, Kevin Grubey, of Oak Park, Minn., said no, with an added "but."

"You know it's Minnesota nice, and [McCain] would fit right here, but the gloves have to come off, and he's got to do more to let people know about that."