McCain was at his headquarters in Washington, where aides said he was working the telephones over the Wall Street bailout, the Los Angeles Times reported. Mark Salter, a senior member of McCain's staff, said the senator was "calling members on both sides, talking to people in the administration, helping out as he can."

Obama's staff said he talked to Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass.

In Greensboro, N.C., Obama addressed an estimated 20,000 supporters, accusing McCain of ignoring the concerns of the middle class.

"The truth is, through 90 minutes of debate, John McCain had a lot to say about me. But he had nothing to say about you," Obama said. "Didn't even say the words 'middle class.' Didn't say the words 'working people.' You see, I think Sen. McCain just doesn't get it. He doesn't get this crisis on Wall Street. He doesn't get the fact that it hit Main Street long ago."