STAYING ON THE OFFENSIVE…. This morning in Daytona Beach, Florida, Barack Obama immediately picked up on Paul Krugman’s key find, and in general, gave every indication that he enjoys staying on the offensive.
On McCain’s support for treating healthcare like the banking industry:
“My opponent actually wrote in the current issue of a health care magazine — the current issue — quote — ‘Opening up the health insurance market to more vigorous nationwide competition, as we have done over the last decade in banking, would provide more choices of innovative products less burdened by the worst excesses of state-based regulation.’ So let me get this straight — he wants to run health care like they’ve been running Wall Street. Well, senator, I know some folks on Main Street who aren’t going to think that’s a good idea.”
On McCain’s attacks regarding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac:
“The same day my opponent attacked me for being associated with a Fannie Mae guy I’ve talked to for maybe 5 minutes in my entire life — the same day he did that — the head of the lobbying shop at Fannie Mae turned around and said wait a minute — ‘When I see photographs of Senator McCain’s staff, it looks to me like the team of lobbyists who used to report to me.’ Folks, you can’t make this stuff up. So when you hear John McCain talk about taking on the ol’ boy network in Washington — know this, on the McCain campaign, that’s called a staff meeting.”
And on Social Security:
“Millions would’ve watched as the market tumbled and their nest egg disappeared before their eyes. Millions of families would’ve been scrambling to figure out how to give their mothers and fathers, their grandmothers and grandfathers, the secure retirement that every American deserves. So I know Senator McCain is talking about a “casino culture” on Wall Street — but the fact is, he’s the one who wants to gamble with your life savings.”
This message matters everywhere, but it’s particularly significant in Florida.
[Updated with video]
