On Friday, the Hawaii-born senator launched a fierce counterattack against suggestions that he would go easy on terrorist leaders.

He accused President Bush and Republican John Mccain of fear mongering and he defended his foreign policy, which would include direct talks with countries like Syria and Iran.

"I believe we need to use all elements of power including tough, principled and direct diplomacy," said Obama.

"Does he want to talk to them about his stated position that israel is a stinking corpse or the export of weapons that are killing young americans," said Mccain.

Democrats are accusing Mccain of hypocrisy, saying he has indicated he might meet with the militant Palestinian group Hamas.

While the punches continue, Hillary Clinton is sticking to the campaign trail, meeting with voters in Oregon ahead of next week's vote.

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