McCain backer calls Obama 'Arab'

WAUKESHA , Wis., Oct. 10 (UPI) -- Supporters in Wisconsin urged John McCain to get tougher on Democratic rival Barack Obama, but McCain chided a woman for calling Obama an "Arab."

During a joint town hall meeting, Republican presidential nominee McCain and running mate Sarah Palin heard supporters vent frustration about the financial crisis and concerns that Obama is not being scrutinized for his congressional record and associations with questionable people, The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Friday.

"I am begging you, sir. I am begging you. Take it to him!" radio host James Harris told McCain during a Waukesha event.

Another supporter called the Illinois senator, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and other Democrats "hooligans," adding he "I'm really mad."

Criticizing Obama's record and his 1990s association with 1960s anti-war radical William Ayers, McCain and Palin used their joint appearances in Waukesha and Mosinee to charge that Obama is a risky choice.

McCain called Obama's voting record on abortion "radical far left," and termed his record on crime issues "very, very weak."

However, at a subsequent rally, a woman told McCain: "I don't trust Obama. I have read about him and he's an Arab."

Some in the crowd booed when McCain told the woman Obama is "a decent family man" and a "citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues." Then there was some applause when McCain said, "That's what this campaign is all about."

A statement from the Obama campaign said McCain would "rather launch angry, personal attacks" than discuss the economy or his plan that calls for the treasury secretary to buy bad mortgages and renegotiate them at new-home values that would be more affordable.