McCain opens new aggressive Obama attack

WASHINGTON, July 31 (UPI) -- In a new aggressive attack, Sen. John McCain seeks to paint Sen. Barrack Obama as an arrogant, out-of-touch celebrity unready to lead, campaign officials say.

The move comes In response to the massive publicity fed by the apparent Democratic Party presidential candidate's trip to Europe and the Middle East. McCain, the presumed GOP nominee, is picturing Obama as a, self-centered celebrity of the Paris Hilton, Britney Spears ilk, The New York Times reported.

The negative campaign phase is carried on a concerted volley of television interviews, news releases and e-mail, attacking Obama on a wide range of issues.

Further, the Republican National Committee has begun an anti-Obama Web site called "Audacity Watch," a play on Obama's book title,"The Audacity of Hope."

McCain's campaign is under the leadership of members of U.S. President George Bush's re-election campaign, including Steve Schmidt, the Bush war room commander who led the assault on Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., the Times said.

"I would say that it is beyond dispute that he (Obama) has become the biggest celebrity in the world," Schmidt said in a conference call with reporters Wednesday. "The question that we are posing to the American people is this: 'Is he ready to lead yet?' And the answer to the question that we will offer to the American people is: 'No he is not.'"