WebProNews

CBS News has forced YouTube to remove an online ad by John McCain's campaign that the network described as "misleading" in its use of Katie Couric.

The ad titled "Lipstick" says that Barack Obama implied McCain running mate Sarah Palin of being a lipstick-wearing pig. At the end of the ad it features a quote from Couric that laments the "continued and accepted role of sexism in American life." Couric at the time was referring to Democratic Primary coverage of Senator Hillary Clinton.

The ad closes with a picture of Obama and a caption reading, "Ready to lead? No. Ready to smear? Yes."

The link on the ad on YouTube now gives this message," This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by CBS Interactive Inc."

CBS expressed its disapproval of the ad. "CBS News does not endorse any candidate in the presidential race," CBS spokeswoman Leigh Farris said in a statement. "Any use of CBS personnel in political advertising that suggests the contrary is misleading."

Copycat ads have been uploaded to YouTube minus the unauthorized footage of Katie Couric.

The "Lipstick" ad appears to have been taken down from the John McCain campaign Web site as well. WebProNews contacted the campaign to get confirmation the ad had been pulled from the site but did not receive a response.