Click here to watch "New Energy."

Barack Obama is striking back against a TV ad (subscription) from the Republican National Committee that accuses him of offering "no new solutions" to the nation's energy situation, launching his own spot today. "New Energy" (subscription), which details the "Obama Energy Plan," will run in the same four swing states where the RNC ad is on-air -- Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

The spot seeks to discredit John McCain on energy issues by tying him to President Bush. "McCain and Bush support a drilling plan that won't supply a drop of oil for seven years," an announcer charges, as video of the two men hugging each other appears on screen. The ad emphasizes that McCain has been in Washington for 26 years and has voted with Bush "95 percent of the time," while suggesting that the Arizona senator "will give more tax breaks to Big Oil" if elected.

Obama, on the other hand, "will make energy independence an urgent priority," the announcer proclaims, in contrast to the RNC's suggestion that the Illinois senator is a "No" man when it comes to fixing the problem of rising energy costs. The spot goes on to detail Obama's proposals, including a $1,000 tax break "to help families as we break the grip of foreign oil."

Both candidates are focusing on the economy this week, seeking to portray themselves as more in touch with the needs and anxieties of working-class Americans amid continued grim fiscal news.