Former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman (R-Cincinnati) said Barack Obama's refusal to comment on the federal government's loan issuance to insurance giant AIG shows the Democratic nominee lacks leadership qualities. Portman also knocked Joe Biden's comment that paying more in taxes is "patriotic."

Obama's reaction to the AIG bailout was that it was the "final verdict on the failed economic philosophy of the last eight years" and that the government shouldn't bailout AIG shareholders or managers.

"My understanding is that Senator Obama continues to be indecisive about whether the federal-government backed rescue of insurance giant AIG was a good idea or not," he said, adding that Obama has hundreds of advisors who should be able to render an opinion.

"I think it's a sign of his indecisiveness that he has not come down on one side or the other yet," Portman said.

Portman said McCain reluctantly backed the AIG bailout as necessary to ensure economic stability.

As for Biden's comment that "it's time to be patriotic" for those who earn more than $250,000 to pay more in taxes, Portman said the Democrats don't agree with each other because Obama thinks higher taxes may hurt the economy and he may postpone tax increases.

"It's interesting that Senator Obama is saying he may postpone these tax increases because of the weak economy, whereas Senator Biden is saying it's patriotic not to have higher taxes. Maybe they should talk to each other because they're sending very different messages here in Ohio today."