Barack Jabs Back

Back at you: In response to John McCain's attack ads, especially this little celebrity ditty, Barack Obama releases a new ad accusing McCain of taking the "low road" and "practicing the politics of the past."

• Taking the name in vain: Tom Cruise is named in a $250 million lawsuit filed by a former Scientologist, Peter Letterese, who claims members of the church harassed him after he left the fold. Letterese says Scientology leader David Miscavage is "aided and abetted by the actions of Tom Cruise, his right-hand man for foreign and domestic promotion, as well as for foreign and domestic lobbying. He has assisted the syndicate in acquiring funds and made his own donations of money believed to be in the multiple tens of millions of dollars."

• Love isn't the drug: The House approved a bill yesterday that would give the Food and Drug Administration the authority for the first time to regulate tobacco as a drug. Makes sense. Bush is expected to veto it.

START YOUR THURSDAY BY CLICKING HERE: Britney back in court; Rush Limbaugh wants to play; and luxury friends!