Obama issued an assault on John McCain's healthcare proposal
06 10 08 - 20:37
Obama attacks McCain's healthcare proposal
Sen. Barack Obama addresses supporters during a campaign rally at Victory Landing Park in Newport News, Virginia today.
It's a shift in focus after weeks sparring on the economy. McCain, preparing to debate, has no public events.
By Maeve Reston and Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers
NEWPORT NEWS, VA. -- As the presidential campaign entered its final month, Democrat Barack Obama issued a sharp assault on Republican John McCain's healthcare proposal Saturday, arguing it would lead to higher taxes for some families and knock as many as 20 million people out of their current insurance plans.
The topic provided a new focus for the campaign, as Obama launched four television ads in battleground states criticizing McCain's plan. The candidates have spent the last two weeks sparring over the nation's financial crisis.
McCain held no public events Saturday as he prepared at his retreat near Sedona, Ariz., for Tuesday's debate.
The McCain healthcare plan would significantly alter the way many Americans get their healthcare coverage. It would eliminate tax breaks on employer-sponsored healthcare benefits and instead give Americans healthcare tax credits -- a $2,500 credit for individuals and a $5,000 credit for families.
Obama called the plan "radical" several times Saturday.
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