Obama campaign hones in on the economy

The Obama campaign held a conference call with two of Sen. Barack Obama's congressional Democratic colleagues from Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin and Congressman Rahm Emmanuel, the Chairman of the Democratic Caucus. The two spoke about new ads being released to day by the Obama campaign that highlight the economy as the number one issue in the presidential race.

Durbin spoke about the economic indicators that are down. Citing job loss and the housing crisis Durbin said that Obama's opponent, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is divorced from the reality of American families. Durbin said that McCain has the same "failed policies" of the Bush administration.

Durbin said that the Obama economic plan will bring tax relief to 95 percent of American families who are middle income, "They are the ones who need a helping hand," he said.

Emanuel, referencing recent self deprecating commentd made by McCain said that, "John McCain is right about John McCain." Emmanuel argued that Barack Obama is not a product of the entrenched Washington experience.."There's one authentic agent of change in Washington and that's Barack Obama," he said.

Emmanuel also said that with the McCain/Paline ticket the American people would be getting a two for one deal "George Bush's economic policies and Dick Cheney's foreign policies."

When asked if Obama was being "swiftboated" by a statements made by the Republican vice presidential nominee Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, Durbin said that the Democrats have lived through one swiftboat experience and that they're not about to do it again. Emmanuel said that be watching Palin voters will see not only Palin's lack of experience but also "McCain's lack of judgement."

Former GOP Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney Endorses Senator John McCain (R-AZ)

Romney threw his support behind McCain today at a rally in Boston, Massachusetts where McCain just arrived to accept the endorsement.

It was his first joint appearance with McCain since his withdrawal from the race last week. He asked his 286 delegates to support McCain and said that McCain's "caliber" of a man was "apparent." He also commended his service in Vietnam saying that his suffering showed his loyalty to the country. He said that the Democrats are "skilled at striking heroic poses."

McCain spoke next thanking Romney for the "hard, intensive, honorable, [and] fine" campaign that he ran for his party's nomination. He said he is grateful to Romney for running his campaign because it helped him become a better candidate. He said that there will be stark differences between the Republicans and Democrats in the presidential race and that he is "very honored" to have Romney and Romney's supporters by his side.