NORTH CAROLINA -- Sen. Barack Obama is firing back at his former pastor, and Sen. Hillary Clinton heats up the campaign with a new attack ad.
As the battle between the Democratic candidates drags on, Barack Obama is trying to put the controversy over his former pastor behind him.
Before holding a town hall meeting in North Carolina, Obama made his strongest comments yet on the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
"I've known Wright for 20 years and the person that I saw yesterday was not person I met 20 years ago. I don't subscribe to the views that he expressed. I believe they are wrong. I think they are destructive," Obama said.
Fresh off an endorsement from North Carolina's governor and superdelegate Mike Easley, Hillary Clinton is running a new attack ad in North Carolina and Indiana.
"Now gas prices are skyrocketing and she's ready to act again. Hillary's plan uses the windfall profits of the oil companies to pay to suspend the gas tax this summer. Barack Obama says no -- again," the ad says.
Obama said he he doesn't think the plan offers enough financial help and, instead, supports a tax cut for middle class families.
"The problem is not just gas -- it's buying eggs, and buying a loaf of bread and paying electricity bills," Obama said.
Presumptive Republican nominee John McCain does support the temporary gas tax suspension, but is focusing his campaign efforts this week on healthcare.
"We want a system of health care in which everyone can afford and acquire the treatment and preventative care that they need and peace of mind which comes in knowing they are covered," McCain said.
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