Barack Obama expanded his critique of presidential rival John McCain's healthcare proposal, claiming it would signify cuts to Medicare.

Democratic nominee Barack Obama accuses his rival of looking for "cuts in benefits, eligibility, or both." It is unquestionable that senior citizens would pay attention to such claims, as they will hear them several times a day, in a 30-second TV ad.

Obama referred to an article that was published in the Wall Street Journal earlier this month, an article that said Senator McCain would pay for his health care reform plan with significant cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, in order to keep his plan "budget neutral." The reductions to the government health programs for the poor and elderly could total an estimated $1.3 trillion over 10 years, according to independent analysts.

As stated by Obama at a rally that took place in Virginia on Friday, it seems that republican McCain would pay for part of his healthcare proposal “by making drastic cuts in Medicare,” – about $882 billion worth. This number was estimated by the Democratic-leaning Center for American Progress.

McCain wants to eliminate the employer exclusion, so the health care proposal aims at getting rid of tax breaks on employer-sponsored healthcare benefits and, in return, tax credits will be given to U.S. citizens in order to help them pay for insurance - a $2,500 credit for individuals and a $5,000 credit for families, paid directly to the insurer they opt for.