President Obama's campaign has launched its first Medicare-themed attack ad against the GOP ticket.
The popular health entitlement has been in the political spotlight since Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) debuted as Mitt Romney's running mate, renewing debate over proposals by Ryan to reform Medicare.
Ryan's plan to offer recipients the choice of subsidies to pay for private insurance is unpopular in polls, but the GOP has sought the upper hand in the debate by attacking cuts to Medicare in Obama's healthcare law.
The Obama campaign ads airing in several swing states argue Ryan's plan would "undermine Medicare and could lead to higher costs for seniors." It refers to the private subsidies as a voucher plan.
"Experts say Ryan's voucher plan could raise future retirees' costs more than $6,000," the ad's narrator says.
"The nonpartisan AARP says ObamaCare cracks down on Medicare fraud, waste and abuse and strengthens guaranteed benefits."
The spot will air in New Hampshire, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Iowa, Colorado and Nevada, according to Obama's campaign.
