Politics led ABC and NBC. All three programs gave heavy coverage to McCain ad invoking Britney Spears and Paris Hilton.
ABC: Led with the presidential campaign "getting nasty." Recapped blizzard of attack memos and charges between campaigns, highlighting McCain ad comparing Obama to "empty celebrities" Spears and Hilton and Obama response ad. Report also mentioned GOP concerns about McCain's tone. Stephanopoulos said the McCain team is working to define Obama before Obama can define himself.
CBS: Led with falling gas prices. Six minutes in, ran piece on "air war" between McCain and Obama. Covered McCain ad that "turned [Obama's] celebrity against him" and reported that Obama "took the high road" in responding. Also ran preview of Obama ad "Low Road."
NBC: Led with McCain celebrity ad. Described it as an attempt at "defining the opponent" that could have "some backlash." Covered Obama camp's various responses and previewed "Low Road" ad. Chuck Todd gave his take on the veepstakes and said it is "possible that Obama announces next week."
