Campaigns Attack On Taxes In New Ads

Both the Obama and McCain campaigns are out with new attack ads this afternoon.

The McCain campaign's effort, "Tax Cutter," is built around the claim that "Senator Obama voted ninety-four times for higher taxes." FactCheck.org has called this claim "inflated and misleading." The spot will be "televised nationally," according to the campaign.

"Who is Barack Obama?" an announcer asks as the spot opens, before video of Obama saying he is a "tax cutter" is shown.

"Really?" the announcer continues. "Senator Obama voted ninety-four times for higher taxes. Ninety-four times. He's not truthful on taxes. At least Congressional liberals admit they want to raise your taxes. Add billions in new spending. And oppose offshore drilling. Congressional liberals. The truth hurts you."

The Obama campaign's spot is called "Prescription." The campaign says it began airing in "key states" this week. It echoes an argument Joe Biden made in last night's debate.

"John McCain talks about a five-thousand dollar tax credit for health care," an announcer says in the spot. "But here's what he's not telling you. McCain would make you pay income tax on your health insurance benefits. Taxing health benefits for the first time ever. And that tax credit? McCain's own website said it goes straight to the insurance companies, not to you. Leaving you on your own to pay McCain's health insurance tax. Taxing healthcare instead of fixing it. We can't afford John McCain."