McCain, Obama promise better times

WASHINGTON, July 4 (UPI) -- The presumptive Democratic and Republican presidential nominees each blamed the other party Thursday for the latest bad economic news.

The two senators, Democrat Barack Obama of Illinois and Republican John McCain of Arizona, responded to a report that 62,000 jobs disappeared in June by detailing their plans to improve the economy, The Hill reported.

Obama called for tax cuts for the middle class, government spending on infrastructure and energy and plans to make education and healthcare more affordable. He blamed the Bush administration for the bad news.

McCain suggested that Democrats are to blame for the high cost of gas. He said Obama wants to raise taxes and impose more regulations.

Acknowledging that times are tough for many in the United States, McCain said he supports policies that will lead directly to job creation.