LIVONIA, Mich. (AP) - President Bush is cranking up his criticism of Democrats as he campaigns for John McCain.

In the crucial swing state of Michigan, the President accused Democrats of "running on empty" on energy policy and "acting like teenagers with a new credit card" on federal spending. He said Democrats pay more attention to warnings from anti-war groups Code Pink and MoveOn.org than those from Osama bin Laden.

The president never mentioned McCain's rival Barack Obama by name.

A crowd of 300 paid about $1,000 a person to listen to the president stump for his one-time rival. Those wanting a photo with the president shelled out $5,000.

Across the street, around a dozen protesters gathered, holding signs such as "We need jobs" and "Fair trade, not free trade."

While the crowd waited for Bush to come into the room, Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox tried to warm up the room, saying that his understanding from the media was that Obama was "born in a manger."


(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)