"Sesame Workshop is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization and we do not endorse candidates or participate in political campaigns," the show said in a statement. "We have approved no campaign ads, and as is our general practice, have requested that the ad be taken down."

The Obama campaign told CBS that the ad, released Tuesday morning, is to run on national television.

The Romney campaign said Obama hasn't been tough on Wall Street or Seasme Street.

About 2 percent of Seasme Street's budget comes from federal funds. The person who plays Big Bird earned more than $314,000 in 2011, though the organization is losing money.

The Republican National Committee research director Joe Pounder tweeted, "Didn't think Chicago could do it but they ended up turning Big Bird against them."

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