BARACK Obama was last night accused of comparing Republican rival Sarah Palin to a pig.

The Democratic presidential candidate triggered outrage as he jibed: “You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig.”

Republican vice president hopeful Mrs Palin had claimed at her party’s convention last week she was “a pitbull wearing lipstick”.

Last night a furious row erupted between the parties. Republican presidential candidate John McCain rushed out an ad campaign targeting Obama, saying: “Ready to lead? No. Ready to smear? Yes.”

His camp accused Obama of sexism and demanded an apology for the “offensive and disgraceful” remarks.

But Obama insisted he was NOT referring to Mrs Palin. His supporters said McCain was making a “pathetic attempt to play the gender card”.

Meanwhile, PM Gordon Brown was forced to correct a diplomatic blunder after praising Obama but failing to mention McCain in a magazine article.

Last night he insisted: “I have admiration for both these distinguished senators. The decision is for the American people.”