McCain, Obama battle into the homestretch

McCain stays focused
McCain was trying to stay focused on his uphill battle amid new distractions.

In the past few days, there has been finger-pointing inside the GOP over who is to blame for McCain's struggles; reports of friction between his top advisers and aides for running mate Sarah Palin; and the continued fallout of the Republican National Committee's $150,000 purchase of high-end clothing for the Alaska governor and her family.

Even so, McCain appeared undeterred in Iowa, where public surveys show Obama comfortably leading. He also campaigned in the toss-up state of Ohio, followed by Pennsylvania on Monday, where Obama has the advantage.

In the TV interview, McCain said of the race, "We're going to win it, and it's going to be tight, and we're going to be up late" on election night.

He dismissed the Palin wardrobe flap and said many of the clothing items were immediately returned. Aides said that was for a variety of reasons, including the wrong sizes, and said the rest will be donated to charity.

"I don't defend her. I praise her. She is exactly what Washington needs," McCain said.

McCain also worked anew to distance himself from the unpopular Bush.

"The fact is I am not George Bush. The fact is I was not popular in my own party," McCain said. Then, he added: "Do we share a common philosophy of the Republican Party? Of course."

Obama pounced on that comment, telling his Denver audience, "I guess that was John McCain finally giving us a little straight talk, and owning up to the fact that he and George Bush actually have a whole lot in common."

He noted that Bush already has cast his vote for McCain and said, "We're not going to let George Bush pass the torch to John McCain."

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