McCain rips Obama on taxes

Republican John McCain, trying to rebut Democratic rival Barack Obama's accusation that he "just doesn't get" the struggles of middle class Americans, declared today that Obama "just doesn't get it" on the corruption of Washington.

In a toughly-worded speech, McCain accused Obama of lying about his record on taxes and spending, and mocked Obama saying that his plan will give tax cuts to 95 percent of Americans. "It’s going to hurt 100 percent of us by growing government, slowing growth, and destroying jobs," McCain told supporters in Columbus, Ohio.

UPDATE: The Obama campaign responded to McCain's assault on taxes: "Senator McCain’s angry diatribe today won’t make up for his erratic response to the greatest financial crisis of our time. John McCain knows that the budget he's talking about didn’t end up raising taxes on a single American, and the lie he told the American people today is all the more outrageous a day after he admitted that his health care plan will increase taxes on some families. When Senator Obama is President, no family making less than $250,000 will see their taxes increase, and 95 percent of all workers and their families will get a tax cut,” Obama campaign spokesman Tommy Vietor said in a statement.

"In 36 days your vote in the great state of Ohio will determine the next president of this great country that we all love," McCain said. "I think the differences between Senator Obama and myself are pretty clear.

"A vote for me will guarantee immediate pro-growth action: tax cuts for America’s hard working families, strong support for small businesses which are the backbone of our economy, and an end to pork barrel corrupting spending in Washington, D.C.," he added.

"A vote for Barack Obama will guarantee higher taxes, fewer jobs, and an even bigger federal government. These policies will deepen our recession.

"A vote for me will guarantee that the forces that have brought down our economy will be out of business. I'll end the corrupt practices on Wall Street and the back room deals in Washington D.C. I will hold accountable those responsible for the oversight and protection of consumers, taxpayers, and homeowners.

"A vote for Senator Obama will leave this country at risk during one of the most severe challenges to America’s economy since the Great Depression. You see, when it comes to growing the economy and protecting you from the corruption of Wall Street and Washington, Senator Obama just doesn’t get it."

"So, that’s how we see this election: Country First or Obama First, and I have a feeling I know which side you’re all on."

McCain ad libbed a retort to Obama's attack that McCain never mentioned the middle class during Friday night's first debate.

Speaking of Obama and the Iraq war, McCain asked, "Did you ever hear the word 'victory?'"