Obama hits McCain on economy...Palin sticks by charge...Germany takes action

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) Barack Obama is blaming John McCain and President Bush for what he calls "disastrous" economic policies.

And at a rally in Asheville, North Carolina, he said the Arizona senator has a health plan that would benefit insurance companies more than people.

BURLINGAME, Calif. (AP) sarah palin says, "The heels are on, the gloves are off." She's defending her claim that Barack Obama, quote, "pals around with terrorists," saying his association with a '60s radical is an issue that is "fair to talk about." Obama denounces her criticism as "smears" designed to divert attention from such real problems as the economy.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) Germany has become the latest European country to allay fears about the financial meltdown, guaranteeing private bank accounts. Chancellor Angela Merkel (AHN'-geh-lah MEHR'-kuhl) says no citizen should fear for the safety of their investments.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) Bureaucrats in oil-rich Venezuela can expect fewer expensive SUVs, top-of-the-line cell-phones and whiskey-fueled parties next year. The country's finance minister says Venezuela's 2009 budget "will have significant restrictions" as the government keeps a close watch on slumping international oil prices.

MILWAUKEE (AP) The Philadelphia Phillies found plenty of power to go with their pitching, right in time for the NL championship series. The Phillies beat the Milwaukee Brewers 6-2 today and clinched their first trip to the National League Championship Series since 1993.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-05-08 1548CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list