Spin Cycle

After all, the best defense is a good offense. So with the Palin pick encountering some choppy waters, the RNC and McCain put out an ad attacking Obama and the Dems. That's a likely approach as the convention proceeds, too.

Remember: It is critical for the GOP that this election be a referendum on Obama. Right now, it threatens to become a referendum on Sarah Palin, and McCain's judgment. They are smart to push attention back on Obama.

The ad quickly references the Obama/celebrity attack by mentioning the crowds and the chants, but then tries to weigh down Obama with the tax and spend policies ("costly words) of the rest of the Democratic Party -- Chris Dodd, Harry Reid, Pat Leahy, Chuck Schumer. (No Hillary, no Teddy).

Accuracy? The GOP can't imagine not attacking Dems on taxes, but the fact is that right now Obama's plan cuts taxes for more Americans than McCain's. And, given Bush's fiscal record, it's ironic to see the Republicans blaming the Dems for deficits.