McCain, Obama trade jabs on economy, taxes

WASHINGTON — Republican John McCain accused Democrat Barack Obama on Tuesday of backing measures that would increase both the costs and the taxes paid by small business, and he told a group of owners, "The federal government shouldn't make your work any harder."

"Unfortunately, Senator Obama has a habit of talking down the value of our exports and trade agreements. He even proposed a unilateral re-negotiation of NAFTA — our agreement with Canada and Mexico that accounts for 33 percent of American exports," McCain said.

He added that under Obama's tax plan, "Americans of every background would see their taxes rise — seniors, parents, small business owners, and just about everyone who has even a modest investment in the market. He proposes to eliminate the Social Security earnings cap, and thereby to increase the tax on employers."

In an appearance before the National Federation of Independent Business, he also said Obama wants to eliminate the secret ballot for union votes, and to raise the minimum wage as inflation rises, "which is a sure way to add to your costs and to slow the creation of new jobs."

Obama, who criticized McCain over his economic proposals on Monday, said his rival's remarks were misleading.

Speaking to reporters in St. Louis, he said he would eliminate the capital gains tax "for the small businesses and start-ups that are the backbone of our economy." His income tax plans, Obama said, would cut taxes for 95 percent of U.S. workers, while rolling back the Bush administration's tax reductions for the highest-earning 5 percent.

McCain "wants to add $300 billion more in tax breaks and loopholes for big corporations and for the wealthiest Americans, and he hasn't even explained how he'd pay for it," Obama said.

Economic issues have taken center stage in the presidential race, with many Americans staggered by gasoline prices exceeding $4 a gallon.

McCain said small businesses would bear the brunt of Obama's proposed tax increases. He called for phasing out the alternative minimum tax and allowing businesses to write off some new investments.

"I don't want to send any more of your earnings to the government," the Arizona senator said.