Candidates Use Different Lines of Attack

Oct. 10, 2008— -- With 25 days to go until the election, Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama both are fighting to be seen as the candidate who can fix things -- but they are taking markedly different approaches.

All week long, McCain has hammered Obama's record and alleged past associations with former Weather Underground figure Bill Ayers -- raising questions about Obama's character and ability to lead.

Obama, campaigning in the battleground state of Ohio, placed blame on the Republicans for the current state of the financial crisis. But at times, in an attempt to look "presidential," his aides say, Obama tried to disassociate himself from the mudslinging and appear "calm."

"You've believed in yourselves, you believed in each other, and I want you to believe in the future we can build together," Obama said. "Now is the time for resolve and steady leadership. We can meet this moment."

While Obama might claim to be apolitical, he also played clear political angles, labeling McCain as "erratic" and "unsteady" on the economy, and asserting the economy is a bigger issue than whatever barrage of charges McCain is making about his ties to Ayers.

"I know my opponent is worried about his campaign," Obama said. "But that's not what I'm concerned about. I'm thinking about the Americans losing their jobs, and their homes, and their life savings."

With the latest ABC News poll showing Americans trust Obama more to handle the economic situation, it is clear the Obama campaign will attempt to keep the focus on the economic crisis, while the McCain campaign may try to redirect it.

On the trail and in campaign ads, McCain tried to cut into Obama's growing lead in polls by making the case that voters can trust him, but that they shouldn't trust Obama.

On the stump in La Crosse, Wis., McCain reiterated his line of attack from Tuesday's second presidential debate: Obama is "dangerous," and voters should be nervous.

"Rather than answer his critics, Sen. Obama will try to distract you from noticing that he never answers the serious and legitimate questions he has been asked," McCain told the crowd. "And which candidate's experience -- in government and in life -- makes him a more reliable leader for our country and commander in chief for our troops? In short, who is ready to lead? In a time of trouble and danger for our country, who will put our country first?"