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Obama Ads Hone Attack in Key States

Wave of negative ads slams McCain on the economy

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 20, 2008 9:52 AM CDT

(Newser) – Barack Obama has launched a wave of hard-hitting ads attacking John McCain ads in key states, the New York Times reports. The ads, reflecting a new get-tough Obama, lambaste McCain for being out of touch with Americans' economic struggles. Some have criticized the ads for misleading voters, but Democratic strategists say it's time for Obama to strike back after relentless attacks from McCain.

One Obama ad, running in states pummeled by the economic downturn, features McCain saying America is having "a pretty good, prosperous time with low unemployment"—although the quote is taken from January, when the economic outlook was rosier. A second spot highlights a mock book Economics by McCain that suggests supporting "George Bush 95% of the time, spending $10 billion a month for the war in Iraq.”

[Images (4)]

[Videos (1)]

[Quotes (2)]

A new wave of ads from Barack Obama accuse John McCain of being out of touch on the economy. (AP Photo)

Barack Obama waits as he introduced to speak at a town hall meeting at the North Carolina State Fair Grounds in Raleigh, N.C., yesterday. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

John McCain greets DHL employees during a visit to the Kelly Center, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008 in Ohio. An Obama ad has been criticized for linking McCain to possible shutdown of a DHL hub.. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Barack Obama looks for a question as he speaks at a town hall meeting at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, N.C., yesterday. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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Barack Obama's 'Fix the Economy' ad. (campaigntvads)

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It’s game on, the money’s in the bank, we’re going to have a huge financial advantage, let the McCain campaign chase us around the country, if they can find us. - Steve McMahon, a Democratic advertising strategist

With a partisan record that doesn’t measure up, Barack Obama’s been reduced to a sucker-punch strategy, shirking his ‘new type of politics’ in favor of a more negative campaign. - McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds

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Obama Ads Hone Attack in Key States