Obama Ads Hone Attack in Key States

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.” (More attack ad stories.)