Elizabeth Alexander has been commissioned to write a poem for Inauguration Day. But the checkered history of the form suggests it's an almost impossible task.
Current News & Politics
Joe Biden steps up for Obama The energized vice-presidential candidate uses Saturday's rally to chain John McCain to George W. Bush and propel the Democratic ticket toward the convention. By Mike Madden
Nobody's yes man By picking Joseph Biden as his running mate, Barack Obama chooses experience over hope. By Walter Shapiro
GOP: Here's to Hillary's big party! Nothing would delight Republicans more than for the Clintons to upstage Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention. By Walter Shapiro