Barack Obama (web|news|bio) and John McCain (web|news|bio) launched into new attacks Wednesday, just hours after wrapping up what the Politico labeled the "worst debate in modern history."

"I thought it was a very unsatisfying debate when you compare the gravity of the moment -- world financial markets in freefall, two unresolved wars -- next to the insubstantiality of last night's exchange," said Politico Editor-in-Chief John Harris. "To my mind, it was the worst debate in modern history."

Meantime the candidates are battling over money. Barack Obama reportedly attended a fundraiser at Al Gore's suburban Nashville home after the debate last night. He gave a 4 minute speech and collected another $900,000 in contributions, reports indicate.

Obama needs the money to finance his huge television advertising campaign. In Virginia, during the last 10 days alone, Obama has outspent McCain on advertising 4 to 1. Obama has spent $2,057,000 to McCain's $547,000, the Atlantic reported. While McCain has considerably less money to spend, he's doing so mostly in the southern part of the commonwealth, where advertising time is cheaper.

Meantime, both candidates were back on the campaign trail Wednesday, and back on the attack:

"It's an old Washington game called it the bait and switch: he gives you a tax credit with one hand, and raises taxes with the other," said Obama.

"Rather than answer his critics, Senator Obama will try to distract you from noticing that he never answers the serious and legitimate questions he's been asked," said McCain.

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