NEW PHILADELPHIA, Ohio Senators Barack Obama and Joseph R. Biden Jr., in separate but coordinated appearances on Wednesday, criticized their Republican rivals for not focusing on the economy during the first night of speeches at their partys convention in Minnesota.
You did not hear a single world about the economy, Mr. Obama told an audience here. Not once did they mention the hardships that people are going through.
The Democratic presidential and vice-presidential nominees, as they appeared in Ohio and Florida, also seized on a remark by Senator John McCains campaign manager to portray Republicans as divorced from the concerns of middle class Americans. They noted that the campaign manager, Rick Davis, said on Tuesday that the election is not about issues and suggested that it was a contest based on character and biography.
Not about issues? Mr. Biden asked incredulously at an appearance in Ft. Myers, Fla. Well, let me tell ya. That means to them that this election is not about whether or not youre able to scrape up the tuition money to send your kid to college. Its not about whether or not youre going to fill up your gas tank.
He spoke of the economic insecurities of working Americans, including high home foreclosure rates in Florida and across the nation and the rising cost of health insurance everywhere.
In my neighborhood, where I come from, thats an issue, Mr. Biden said. He then said that Mr. McCain the man he refers to as my good friend John may be a war hero and a great colleague, but he is out of touch with the concerns of most Americans and thus not suited to the presidency.
You can have the best personality in the world, you can have the greatest character in the world, Mr. Biden said, but if youre not going to give me a fighting chance to be able to keep my job, I love you but I dont want you as my president
Here in Ohio, Mr. Obama declared, The truth of the matter is the other party and John McCain dont get it.
As Republicans were poised to nominate their partys first female vice presidential candidate, Mr. Obama stressed how his candidacy would help women struggling in the economy. It was a message, though, intended for a local audience in this stretch of eastern Ohio.
The sharpest critique was left to Mr. Biden, who clearly is relishing his role as combatant and Mr. Obamas envoy to middle America in the campaign. He took aim at oil companies, President Bush and a number of his Senate colleagues. He also mocked former Senator Fred Thompson of Tennessee, who addressed the Republican convention on Tuesday night.
I heard my friend, and by the way he is my friend, I heard Red October up there hunting for votes, Mr. Biden said, imitating Mr. Thompsons gravelly voice and alluding to one of his acting roles. Fred got up there and he said well, the Democrats are going to raise your taxes.
Mr. Biden said that the Democrats tax plan would raise taxes only on some corporations and the wealthiest Americans, including successful actors.
Fred, look at me. Were going to make sure you dont get another tax break because Ive going to give a tax break to the people right here in this room.
He also took note of Senator Joseph I. Liebermans appearance at the Republican conclave Tuesday night.
Joe Lieberman, hes my friend but the next time I see him Im going to ask him to go down to the gym with me, Mr. Biden said. He also made one of his regular verbal slips, referring to the Biden administration, before quickly correcting himself to say the Obama-Biden administration.
Believe me, that wasnt a Freudian slip, he said, laughing and crossing himself. Oh lordy day, I tell ya.