SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama said Wednesday that his Republican rival John McCain “thinks we’re on the right track,” drawing a chorus of boos from a swing-state audience vocal about the status quo.
“These anxieties seem to be growing with each passing day,” Obama said on a campaign trip in this economically ailing battleground state. “We can either choose a new direction for our economy or we can keep doing what we’ve been doing. My opponent, John McCain, thinks we’re on the right track.”
That elicited boos from some of the 1,500 people who filled a Springfield high school gymnasium.
“We don’t need the same old tired answers,” Obama said. “We need something new.”
McCain will resort to tired Republican charges that he’s a big-spending liberal, arguing his tax cut plans are aimed at the middle class, Obama said.
Obama compared himself to Wild West legend Wild Bill Hickok, who he said fought a duel in Springfield.
“I’m ready to duel John McCain on taxes right here, quick draw,” he said. That drew a quick retort from a McCain aide.
“If Barack Obama wants this so- called duel, then why did he and his entourage run for the hills when John McCain challenged him to 10 town halls?” said McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds.
Obama responded after shaking hands at a restaurant in Lebanon.
“I don’t hear very much positive from Sen. McCain,” he said. “He seems to be only talking about me. You need to ask John McCain what he’s for, not just what he’s against.”
