Waukesha - Republican nominees John McCain and Sarah Palin greeted a roaring crowd in Waukesha today, at what they called a Straight Talk Town Hall meeting.

Republican Congressman Paul Ryan opened the meeting, saying that this presidential race was one between a show horse (Obama) and a work horse (McCain).  Obama may be a good speaker, but America does not need a show horse, Ryan explained.

Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson got the crowd fired up as he vibrantly expressed his thoughts on Palin as the vice presidential nominee.

"People in Washington come up to me and ask if I like Palin.  What's there not to like?  A governor that gets things done, a homemaker who takes care of her children and still gets the job done ... Can she do both? ... You bet she can," he roared.

The crowd cheered as a sea of pink McCain/Palin t-shirts painted the stands.

Palin introduced McCain, saying he has practical solutions to the current problems the country is now facing.

McCain began by addressing the current economic situation, calling it the "greatest financial crisis in our lifetime. "

He also addressed problems with health care and insurance, and government spending.  If Obama is elected, said McCain, he has proposed $860 billion in new spending.

McCain also promised to inspire a generation of Americans.

"I will reach across the aisle ... we must come together as one," he stated.

McCain and Palin took questions from the audience, further addressing health care, the bailout, and abortion, among other issues.

Both McCain and Palin reached out to Wisconsin voters.

"I have to give a kudos, a thumbs up, to this community," said Palin.  "This area was voted one of the top 100 places to live in the entire United States ...  you guys have to start asking the questions and hold people accountable ...tell your friends and neighbors and demand straight talk from the candidates."