Speaking to volunteers at an Orlando phone bank, Obama ribbed McCain for taking the campaign into the gutter. ÒWhen we started this campaign, we were hoping for a more elevated debate. I mean, imagine Ñ at a time when we face more challenges than at any time in our lifetime, these guys are running ads with Paris and Britney,Ó he said. ÒThatÕs frivolous. ItÕs desperate.Ó

Obama said the campaign tactics are a sign of a lack of imagination over at Team McCain. ÒItÕs a sign that they donÕt have anything to offer to the American people so theyÕre just going to try to call folks names like you did in 5th grade,Ó he said. ÒYou remember that, back in 5th grade? You know, peopleÕd be calling each other names and getting into these petty fights. We donÕt have time for that.Ó

One might think that the Illinois Senator, who has two grade-school aged children himself, wouldnÕt want to bring the freshness of youth to the 72-year old McCain, whose age is seen as a liability Ñ although Obama did tell the crowd that McCain Òwants to do the same old thing.Ó Never a bad idea to get the word ÒoldÓ in a McCain riff.