Addressing an election rally in New Orleans, Louisiana, shortly before 46-year-old Obama declared victory, the presumptive Republican nominee also sought to distance himself from President George W Bush on energy, military and economic policies.
The Vietnam war veteran told the crowd that they would listen a lot during the coming months that he represents third term of Bush but that is because the Democratic candidate has nothing to offer.
Briefly introducing McCain, Indian-American Governor of Louisiana Bobby Jindal praised him as a man of principles who would not give into special interests and would stand firm in the face of criticism.
Jindal, who is very close to McCain, is on the short list of names being considered by the Republican candidate for his vice president. Recently, McCain had invited Jindal to his house in Arizona along with some others who were being considered for that post.
Obama, McCain said, is an "impressive man" who makes a great first impression. "But he hasn't been willing to make the tough call, to challenge his party, to risk criticism from his supporters to bring real change to Washington".
