Obama Criticizes Gramm; Shows Softer Side to Women Voters

3972703From CBS News' Maria Gavrilovic:

(FAIRFAX, VA.) Barack Obama poked fun at McCain campaign economic adviser Phil Gramm today for suggesting that Americans are going through a "mental recession".

"I guess what he meant was that it's a figment of your imagination, these high gas prices. Senator Gramm then deemed the United States, and I quote, 'a nation of whiners'," Obama said with a gasp as the crowd jeered.

He joked, "I want all of you to know that America already has one Dr. Phil."

Obama's comments came at a town hall meeting here, where a crowd of a couple thousand listened to his plan to achieve economic security for women. Since becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee, Obama has been courting Hillary Clinton's female supporters, as has John McCain. Today Obama drew on his own life experiences as he tried to convey his understand women's struggles.

"As the son, grandson and husband of hard-working mothers, I also don't accept an America that makes women choose between their kids and their careers," Obama said.

Obama spoke about tucking his daughters in bed, as well as his wife, Michelle.

"Yes, I tuck Michelle in too because she usually goes to bed earlier than I do," he explained. He also said he still finds time to read to his daughters, because "it's important."

"Can I just say this without bragging, over the course of the last four years, I made time to read all of the Harry Potter books, out loud, to my daughters, Malia, even when I started running for president," Obama said, "you can find some time to read to your kids, if you decide that it's important."