McCain Accuses Obama of "Exploiting" Financial Crisis

(CBS)

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – In his first public address since last night's presidential debate, John McCain accused Barack Obama using the current financial crisis for political gain.

"It was clear that Sen. Obama still sees the financial crisis in America as a national problem to be exploited first and solved later," McCain said. "I am determined to help achieve a legislative package to help avoid the worst, and to set our economy back on the path of stability, confidence, and growth."

Although he was scheduled to appear live at the 12th annual "Save Our Heritage Rally" in Columbus, Ohio, McCain spoke via satellite from Washington, D.C., because he said was working on the bailout legislation. Sponsored by the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, a hunting and fishing organization, McCain also invoked Obama's now infamous comments from last April when he said small-town Pennsylvania voters "cling to guns or religion."

"You can also tell a lot about a man by how he speaks when you're not around," McCain said. "Earlier this year, Sen. Obama gave us all a little insight into his opinions of gun owners when he was among friends in San Francisco. He was in a room full of rich liberals, right at home. And he reported on some of his findings from his encounters with ordinary Americans. He said that in places like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and elsewhere, people are 'bitter.' And that is why, in his clinical opinion, you folks 'cling' to your guns and religion."

The Obama campaign attempted to change the subject to an infamous McCain comment. "John McCain should be careful throwing rocks in his eight glass houses," said Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor.