Former McCain Strategist Blasts New Ad

Former John McCain strategist John Weaver remains one of the Arizona Senator's regular confidants. Apparently, McCain won't have to wait until their next conversation to learn what Weaver thinks of his friend's new attack ad that likens Barack Obama's popularity in Europe to that of Britney Spears' celebrity. Via Marc Ambinder:

"John's been a celebrity ever since he was shot down," Weaver said. "Whatever that means. I recall Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush going overseas and all those waving American flags."

And...

"For McCain to win in such troubled times, he needs to begin telling the American people he intends to lead us. That McCain exits. He can inspire the country to greatness."

But...

"There is legitimate mockery of a political campaign now, and it isn't at Obama's. For McCain's sake, this tomfoolerly needs to stop."

Tommy Christopher elucidates on why the "don't vote for Obama, he's too popular" line of thought is a dead end. But Greg McNeilly thinks Obama's rebuttal ad doth protest too much (hey, what's wrong with being likened to Paris Hilton?). Me, I'm siding with Weaver.