GOP attacks echo primary criticisms

WASHINGTON, June 19 (UPI) -- Attacks used by the Republican Party against U.S. Sen. Barack Obama are similar to those used during the Democratic primaries, officials say.

Former New York Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani said Republicans have begun attacking the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee using points initially used by Obama's chief primary opponent, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., The Washington Times said Thursday.

"We could point to many, many examples during the debates where the words 'irresponsible' and 'naive' were applied to Senator Obama, but not by a Republican, but by Hillary Clinton. She'll probably be in a different position now, but these are issues that Hillary Clinton very dramatically pointed out during the Democratic primary," Giuliani said Wednesday.

The Times said the Republican National Committee has actually issued thanks to Clinton for first publicizing the political weaknesses now being hammered by presumptive Republican presidential candidate John McCain.

"I never thought I'd compliment Clinton, but she actually made some solid points in the primary about Obama's weak judgment," committee spokesman Alex Conant said.