One of McCain’s economic advisers called Obama’s economic plan “plagiarism” from Hillary Clinton yesterday. But I’m looking at Obama’s pitch to automakers, while visiting an auto plant in Wisconsin Wednesday, and I’m reminded of another candidate…

“This can be America’s future. I know that General Motors received some bad news yesterday, and I know how hard your Governor has fought to keep jobs in this plant. But I also know how much progress you’ve made – how many hybrids and fuel-efficient vehicles you’re churning out. And I believe that if our government is there to support you, and give you the assistance you need to re-tool and make this transition, that this plant will be here for another hundred years.”

Does that tone and pledge remind you of anyone? I’m reminded of Mitt Romney, in Michigan, on January 14:

“Detroit can only thrive if Washington is an engaged partner, not a disinterested observer. The plan is going to have to include increases in funding for automotive related research as well as new tax benefits including making the Research and Development Tax Credit permanent.
…Of course, taking off those burdens is only part of the solution. If we’re going to be the world’s greatest economic power, we also have to invest in the future. It’s time for us to be bold. I will make a five-fold increase – from $4 billion to $20 billion – in our national investment in energy research, fuel technology, materials science, and automotive technology. Let’s invest in our future.”

Of course, there are differences. Mitt Romney’s speech was full of specific proposals of how he would help the auto industry. Some of Obama’s proposals had price tags, but other lines in the speech, like a pledge to ”provide funding to help manufacturers convert to green technology and help workers learn the skills they need for these jobs” didn’t.