New Clinton Ads Spotlight Gas Tax Debate, Maya Angelou

Hillary Clinton's campaign has released a pair of new ads, one of which takes direct aim at her Democratic rival, Barack Obama.

In that ad, called "Trouble," an announcer says, "The economy's in trouble. When the housing crisis broke, Hillary Clinton called for action. A freeze on foreclosures. Barack Obama said no."

He continues: "Now, gas prices are skyrocketing and she's ready to act again. Hillary's plan: Use the windfall profits of the oil companies to pay to suspend the gas tax this summer. Barack Obama says no – again. People are hurting. It's time for a president who's ready to take action now."

(Here's a good Washington Post fact check on the gas tax debate.)

The spot prompted a rebuttal from the Obama campaign, which called it the "First TV Attack Ad of the Indiana Primary."

The campaign writes: "Picking up where they left off in Pennsylvania, the Clinton campaign today launched 'Trouble,' a misleading attack ad that's emblematic of why Washington has failed to make progress on the tough issues that face Indiana families: It puts political point-scoring ahead of progress."

You can read the entire point-by-point rebuttal here, and watch the ad below:

The other new spot from the Clinton campaign, which is airing in North Carolina, features Maya Angelou discussing why she is supporting Clinton.

"Hillary Clinton is a prayer of every American who really longs for fair play," Angelou says in the 60-second spot, "Maya."

"She intends to help our country become what it can become," Angelou adds. "She dares to say human beings are more alike than we are unalike. I watched her become interested in public health and in education for all the children. And I watched her stand."

Watch it: