EUGENE, Ore. - Barack Obama pulled punches for his rival Hillary Clinton and focused the fury of his rhetoric on Republican John McCain and the Bush Administration in front of a crowd of 8,000 people outdoors at the University of Oregon.

Obama dismantled why he thinks suspending the gas tax this summer will cost America jobs while failing to save Americans much money - if any.

"What's the likelihood that the oil and gas companies actually reduce the rates at the pump by the 5 percent of the gas tax?" Obama asked. The crowd answered with vigorous cheers.

But Obama pinned the proposal on McCain by saying the Arizona senator was the first candidate in the race to propose what Obama called "a dumb idea."

In doing so, he diverted criticism from Clinton, who ran heavily on the proposal in Indiana and North Carolina. Obama did note voters in those states didn't fall for the "gimmick," however, and suggested voters in Oregon wouldn't, either.

Clinton and Obama campaigned in Oregon May 9 in advance of the state's May 20 primary. Clinton worked her way north from Central Point May 8 to Portland, where she stumped on health care issues across town from Obama, who spoke at an educational software company.

Obama arrived in Eugene after appearances in Beaverton and Albany.

UO officials estimated the crowd at 8,000. Organizers ringed the stage outside the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art with volunteers and supporters.

Obama rarely mentioned Clinton, instead focusing on why Democrats would unify behind their candidate in November. He set up the comments by noting he'd been introduced by both basketball coaches from UO and rival Oregon State University, where his brother-in-law Craig Robinson is head coach.

UO coach Ernie Kent, who introduced Oregon Reps. David Wu and Peter DeFazio, predicted a President Obama would return to watch the Ducks and Beavers play - in McArthur Court.

The mention of the venerable arena, slated to be replaced by a new facility, caused the crowd to erupt in cheers.