Politics | Barack Obama Obama Thanks McCain for Calming Crowd But criticizes him for unwillingness to take on the economy By Kevin Spak Posted Oct 11, 2008 1:07 PM CDT Copied Barack Obama speaks at a rally at Vernon Park in Philadelphia, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Barack Obama took a moment this morning to thank John McCain for attempting to rein in his angry crowd yesterday. “Senator McCain tried to tone down the rhetoric,” Obama told a rally in Philadelphia today. “I appreciate his reminder that we can disagree while being respectful of each other.” McCain had asked his crowd to exercise such respect and quickly cut off a supporter who called Obama “an Arab terrorist.” As soon as Obama had praised McCain for his military service, he got back to business, criticizing GOP campaign manager Rick Davis for saying that the campaign is “not a CNBC news show on the stock market.” Obama argued that the candidates must discuss the market and the crisis. “When it comes to the economy,” he said, “Senator McCain still doesn’t get it.” Read These Next Somebody just shot Charlie Kirk. FBI says 'person of interest' in Kirk killing is in custody. Charlie Kirk's death has been confirmed. NYC police encountered a horrific scene after a fire was reported. Report an error