Obama Campaign Responds To McCain’s Britney, Paris Ad

A spokesperson for presidential hopeful Barack Obama has responded to the latest campaign ad, which pits Obama as a celebrity akin to sometime-troubled stars Britney Spears and Paris Hilton.

“On a day when major news organizations across the country are taking Senator McCain to task for a steady stream of false, negative attacks, his campaign has launched yet another. Or, as some might say, ‘Oops! He did it again,’” a statement from Obama campaign spokesperson Tommy Vietor read.

McCain’s ad, which made the rounds today begins with video footage of Spears and Hilton intercut with footage of Obama, before a female announcer says, “He’s the biggest celebrity in the world, but is he ready to lead?”

The ad continues attacking Obama’s position on offshore drilling and claiming he will raise taxes before McCain’s voice is heard saying he “approves” the ad spot.

Vietor defended Obama’s campaign platforms against the ad.

“Our dependence on foreign oil is one of the greatest challenges we face. In this election the American people have a real choice — between Obama’s plan to provide tax rebates to American families while creating a renewable energy economy in America that frees us from our dependence on foreign oil, and Senator McCain’s plan to continue the same failed energy policies by handing out nearly $4 billion in tax breaks to oil companies while investing almost nothing in the new energy sources that represent our future,” his statement continued.

Reps for Spears were unavailable for comment at press time; however, Access has uncovered that though her voter status is currently inactive in Louisiana, where she is registered, Britney is listed as a Republican.

As for Paris, Jason Moore, a rep for the celebutante said McCain’s campaign did not ask permission before using her image.

“In reference to the recent John McCain ad, Miss Hilton was neither asked, nor did she give permission, for the use of her likeness in the ad, and has no further comment,” Moore told the Associated Press.

When contacted by People, McCain’s campaign manager said they decided to use footage of Britney and Paris after doing a search for the biggest three celebrities in the world.