Paul Galanti, a former Vietnam POW and chairman of Veterans for McCain, says the prospect of a Barack Obama presidency is more frightening than flying in combat.

"What I see on the scene, the alternative, is the most scary thing I've ever seen," Galanti said today during a rally at McCain-Palin headquarters in Henrico County.

"It's scarier than going into Hanoi, scarier than flying combat," Galanti said.

"If we don't win, if we don't pull this off for John McCain . . . it makes "1984" look like a Sunday school picnic," Galanti said.

About 125 McCain supporters gathered at the Republican's Henrico County headquarters across the street from J.R. Tucker High School, where Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., is scheduled to appear later this afternoon.

Bayh is subbing for Democratic vice presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden Jr., who canceled events today in Roanoke and in Henrico because his mother-in-law is seriously ill.

Matthew Horn, 18, of Louisa County, was in the crowd holding a sign that said "Hillary Democrats for McCain."

Horn said he puts country above party and he believes McCain has the necessary experience to be president.