Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama (web|news|bio) spoke with ABC 7/NewsChannel 8 Friday in an exclusive interview about his campaign.

The first topic: a brewing controversy involving West Virginia coal miners and gun control. Some miners reportedly staged a work stoppage when their employer allowed the NRA to make an anti-Obama ad telling miners that Obama opposes the Second Amendment.

Obama says the NRA knows he supports lawful gun ownership.

"For them to try and scare people -- which for them has been a standard tactic directed against Democratic candidates each and every election cycle -- I think is something that people are tired of," Obama said. "Since the miners support me, I would say to the NRA lobbyists in Washington, 'Cut it out!' You know what you're saying is not true."

The interview happened just after the House passed the $700 billion bailout package. Senator Obama questioned to his aide, 'By how much?" The wide margin gives both candidates some cover. but Obama insists his administration will go further to fix the economy -- with tax breaks for the middle class and tax incentives for health care, education, and alternative energy.

"Since we started this campaign, we've been talking about change," he said. "We're not just talking about it since we've been in a crisis. I've consistently said that if we don't change the fundamentals of our economy, then we're going to have crisis."

Obama talked a great deal about Virginia voters. He's campaigned in the commonwealth often, trying to win the key battleground state. He told us he thinks it's overrated to suggest some Virginia voters may secretly vote against him based on race.

"The fact of the matter is people have been continually looking for how race will impact this campaign and yet I'm here, 30 days out. Competitive in Virginia!"

ABC 7/NewsChannel 8 interview McCain on Wednesday. CLICK HERE for that interview.