Obama Says Republicans Are Trying to Scare Americans

From CBS News' Allison O'Keefe

(ROLLA, MO) – During two town hall meetings in Missouri today, Barack Obama accused John McCain of scaring the American public.

"They know that you're not real happy with them. And so the only way they figure they're going to win this election is if they make you scared of me," Obama told a crowd of about 1,000. Obama has referenced this theme before but today it was with significantly more energy.

"So what they're saying is 'well, we know we're not very good but you can't risk electing Obama. You know, he's new, he's… doesn't look like the other presidents on the currency."

From the beginning of the campaign, Obama refers to his "funny name" when speaking about hope and opportunity for everyone.

The McCain campaign was quick to weigh in calling Obama's comments a "typically superflous" response to criticism.

"Like most celebrities, he reacts to fair criticism with a mix of fussiness and hysteria," McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds said in a written statement

There was a lot of buzz today about McCain's new ad titled "Celebrity," which mocked the hype surrounding Obama's candidacy. And in response, the Obama campaign released a new ad of their own titled, "Low Blow."

The 30-second ad criticizes McCain for "practicing the politics of the past" and goes on to highlight Obama's ideas for the future.