WASHINGTON - The gloves are off in the countdown to the American election.
Republican John McCain is attempting to set the economic crisis aside and renew his attacks on the character and judgment of his Democratic rival, Barack Obama.
McCain's running mate Sarah Palin is repeatedly raising questions about Obama.
She's referring to Obama's former associate William Ayers, a member of the Vietnam-era Weather Underground, as a `former terrorist.'
She also reminded Americans about Obama's links to the radical Rev. Jeremiah Wright, who once made anti-American statements.
The Obama campaign fired back, releasing an Internet advertisement showcasing McCain's involvement in the so-called Keating Five scandal of 20 years ago that left 20,000 mostly elderly investors without their life savings.
