John McCain's "Toxic" Campaign Ad

The latest political ad from Senator John McCain's presidential campaign tells us that his Democratic rival, Senator Barack Obama, is a celebrity on the level of Britney Spears and Paris Hilton, and is not ready to lead the country. Besides, they say, he'll raise your taxes and say no to offshore oil drilling.

Just for comparison's sake, has the Illinois senator ever had hit records with titles such as " . . . Baby One More Time" and "Oops, I Did It Again"? Traded a smooch with Madonna during the MTV Video Music Awards? Performed with a snake? Married an itinerant dancer, divorced him, then gave up custody of the kids? Been in and out of rehab? Voted for President George W. Bush in the last election? That's Britney Spears.

Does Obama also want to be compared to a woman whom no one has figured out what she's famous for, besides being an heiress to a hotel chain? Trademarked her catchphrase? Allegedly appeared in a sex tape that somehow turned up on the Internet? Co-starred on the reality TV show The Simple Life with another daughter of privilege, Nicole Richie? Spent time in jail on an intoxicated-while-driving charge? That's Paris Hilton.

Obama deserves praise for taking the high road so far in this campaign. Unfortunately, we live in an era where negative political advertising has been the difference between winning and losing an election, and if you don't fight fire with fire, you're toast. Remember Willie Horton? Michael Dukakis in a tank? The Swift Boat Veterans for Truth?

Seriously, folks. The McCain campaign shouldn't be going down this road, not when you're comparing your opponent to two women who aren't known for using their brains.

Besides, wasn't Miley Cyrus available?