Republican presidential candidate John McCain compared Barack Obama to socialist leaders in Europe on Saturday, saying his rival wants to raise taxes on the wealthy to give money to the poor.
McCain, an Arizona senator, tried to erode the advantage Obama has built on the issue of the economy as he spent the day campaigning in traditionally Republican states that are now up for grabs -- North Carolina and Virginia, reported Reuters.
Obama, who drew his biggest crowd of the campaign at a St. Louis rally, dismissed McCain's criticism as a misleading attack on a plan that would give tax breaks to workers.
Appearing at the iconic arch in St. Louis before 100,000 people, Obama said McCain was putting the interests of the well-connected above those of waitresses and janitors.
In a radio ad, McCain said Obama would raise taxes on some people in order to give government checks to others.
"Barack Obama's tax plan would convert the (Internal Revenue Service) into a giant welfare agency, redistributing massive amounts of wealth at the direction of politicians in Washington," the Republican candidate said.
"At least in Europe, the socialist leaders who so admire my opponent are upfront about their objectives. They use real numbers and honest language. And we should demand equal candor from Senator Obama," McCain said.
McCain was referring to Obama's promise of a tax cut to families earning less than $250,000. Some workers who do not earn enough to owe federal income taxes would get a refund on money they contribute in Social Security payroll taxes.