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Posts in August 2008

August 1	Wal-Mart warning workers off Democrats The chain has been holding mandatory briefings for some employees; "they were telling me how to vote," one says. Bill O'Reilly, music industry expert The Fox News host badly misrepresents reality as he claims victory in his latest public feud. House GOP candidates given go-ahead to run against party Rep. Tom Cole, who chairs the NRCC, said given the GOP environment candidates should feel free to criticize their colleagues. Report: Clinton won't ask to be nominated at convention Some supporters want her to be formally nominated and included in a roll-call vote, but Hillary Clinton has apparently ensured that it won't happen. Happy anniversary, Rush Three members of the Bush family, and Vice President Cheney, congratulate the right-wing radio host for being on the air 20 years. New McCain Web ad mocks Obama as false Messiah Despite the criticism it's been taking lately, John McCain's campaign didn't bother with restraint in making its latest video. The old John McCain Just a few months ago, John McCain was singing a very different tune about how this campaign should be conducted.
August 2	Clinton: "No decisions have been made" Some of Hillary Clinton's die-hard supporters seize on newly released video footage, claiming she says in it that she will put herself up for nomination at the Democratic convention.
August 4	Obama and the new poll, Part 1 For reasons that go much deeper than his appeal, the news in a Post/Kaiser/Harvard poll is mixed for Barack Obama. Obama and poll results, Part 2 Computing the share of the white vote nationally the Illinois senator will need to win this November. Two Obama developments The Democratic nominee agrees to fully seat the Michigan and Florida delegates and debate McCain thrice this fall. The stable map The more maps change the more they stay the same. Senator Sanctimony Joe Lieberman is better than you, smarter than you and knows more about what's good for America than you do. Is it Bayh time? There are new indications that Obama could pick the Indiana senator to be his vice president during a trip to the state this week. McCain is race-baiting smartly His ad campaign may be offensive, but that doesn't mean McCain's attacks won't work or shouldn't be responded to -- in kind -- by Obama. The Perot-Nader-Paul axis What these three seemingly unrelated pols have in common is an appeal concentrated in the West. Newsweek's shoddy analyses Dickey and Meacham rely on convenient tropes and anecdotes to arrive at some convenient but misleading conclusions about the South.
August 5	Novak retires The Prince of Darkness is hanging it up, and here's hoping that his spot in the conservative chattering class is filled with a sensible substitute. Clinton denies being racist Somewhat unprompted, the former president manages to inject race into the presidential race by expressing anger over being labeled a racist. White House ordered forgery Courtesy of Ron Suskind comes more news from the Department of Not Even Shocking Anymore With This White House. Cheney will go to his bunker It's bad enough the Republicans have to let Bush speak at their convention, but they're not going to compound that mistake by letting Cheney out of his bunker. Debates doubling as "Meet the Press" tryout? The presidential debate schedule is announced, and the four hosts have all been mentioned as possible replacements for Tim Russert. McCain's Bush-ectomy The senator attempts a separation process by admitting that the country is worse off than it was four years ago but, interestingly, not eight years ago. Turn around, Obama The new Zogby poll is way early and possibly imperfect, but suggests Obama needs something to turn things around. Those other forged documents Ron Suskind charges that the Bush administration used a forged document to buttress the case for invading Iraq. It wouldn't be the first time. The mother's milk of Nebraska politics Former Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns gets a can of nonevaporated whup-ass opened on him in a cow-milking contest in the state's Senate race.
August 6	Well, I know who I'm voting for Finally, a real celebrity enters the race for the presidency. Split verdict in first Guantánamo trial A military jury convicts Osama bin Laden's former driver on a charge of supporting terrorism, but acquits him of conspiracy. New McCain ad brings back celebrity theme Apparently, Paris Hilton hasn't deterred the McCain campaign from attacking Obama as "the biggest celebrity in the world." Clinton supporters plan parade for Denver On the day Clinton might speak at the convention, her backers plan to rally for her and for putting her name in nomination. Wanna write a bestseller? Just bash Obama Several new anti-Obama books are flying off the shelves. From your cold, dead hands Despite plenty of evidence to the contrary, the NRA is warning its members that Barack Obama wants to ban all handguns. Iraqi parliament adjourns without passing key law Lawmakers couldn't come to an agreement on a provincial elections law, which is considered important enough that President Bush was personally pushing for a deal.
August 7	McCain ads hurting Obama? A top advisor to Obama, and a former McCain advisor who quit rather than work against Obama, say the McCain camp's strategy is working. Quote of the day This time, harsh criticism of Karl Rove's latest column is coming from the right. Judge OKs protest zones for Dem convention Advocacy groups and the ACLU challenged plans to keep protesters far away, but a federal judge says the security measures are constitutional. 87 percent of Fox News viewers plan to vote McCain A new poll shows a connection between the network voters watch and the candidate they favor. Obama weighs in on ugly Dem primary Challenger Nikki Tinker has run nasty attacks on her fellow Democrat, and Obama has condemned them. Hamdan sentenced to 5 1/2 years Prosecutors had sought at least 30 years for bin Laden's former driver; instead, he'll be eligible for release in six months. ExxonMcCain '08? Maybe not John McCain has taken in more money from the oil industry generally, but Barack Obama's leading in contributions from Exxon employees.
August 8	Report: Bill Clinton to speak at convention The decision is apparently intended to defuse talk of tension between the Clinton and Obama camps. Cohen beats Tinker after nasty primary battle Nikki Tinker had turned the race so ugly that even Barack Obama had to step in, but incumbent Rep. Steve Cohen held on for a big victory. Cheney to speak at Republican convention after all The announcement comes after rumors that the unpopular vice president wouldn't even attend. Suskind releases interview transcript In the transcript, a former official talks about the CIA's being ordered to forge evidence, and says he thinks the order came from Cheney's office. Quote of the day Apparently, Barack Obama is even more inspiring than we'd realized. Edwards admits to affair The former senator tells ABC News he lied when he denied reports of a relationship with Rielle Hunter, but says he is not the father of a rumored "love child." What's next for Edwards? The former candidate's admission of an affair puts his political future, and a potential speaking slot at this year's convention, in jeopardy. Edwards: "Being 99 percent honest is no longer enough" In a statement, John Edwards discusses his affair, saying it "is inadequate to say to the people who believed in me that I am sorry." The National Enquirer responds The paper, which broke the story of John Edwards' affair, is definitely taking the moment to gloat. Edwards finance chair paid Hunter expenses Fred Baron told a local paper Friday that, without Edwards' knowledge, he paid for Rielle Hunter to move out of North Carolina. After these messages, we'll be right back I'm heading off on vacation, but don't worry -- War Room will still be here.
August 11	Michelle on Monday The Obama campaign announces a risky choice: That the nominee's wife will be the featured speaker on the first night of the convention. Veep alert = cash call The Obama campaign comes up with yet another new-media gimmick to raise some cash. Youth vote 2008 Will young voters carry the day this November? Don't bet on it, says electoral analyst Nate Silver. Blow blows up race race A New York Times columnist discusses how white America sees race issues today, and what it might mean for the presidential election. No crush by Obama In a Salon conversation today, I ask Ben Ginsberg, Mark Murray and Tom Edsall why Obama is running behind national Democratic expectations. Uncle Charlie stories Three stories confirm that Obama should play price-tag politics with Iraq as much as possible. Crying Wolfson Here we go again: Break out your list of unfair reasons why Hillary Clinton lost the Democratic nomination so we can add another. Abortion politics Thus far abortion has been a quiet, almost secondary issue this political season, but maybe that is about to change. Liberals spending unwisely Once again, a Democratic PAC is wasting big money.
August 12	Internal Clinton campaign memos: Post your questions The inside story of how Hillaryland came apart, chronicled by the Atlantic's incomparable Josh Green. Did Elizabeth Edwards know? A blogger provides the latest scoop -- plus pictures -- on John Edwards, his wife and his lover. (There is no cook or thief involved, sorry.) McCain's exurban woes Are those voters who squeezed Bush past the finish line in 2004 bailing on McSame? Peter Wallsten wonders. Republicans for Obama A new group affiliated with the Obama campaign announces its formation Tuesday. Answers to your questions about the Hillaryland memos Josh Green, author of a new Atlantic piece about the crackup in Hillaryland, answers five questions from Salon's readers. Penn to Obama: Attack McCain The Clinton strategist has taken his share of abuse for gumming up Hillary's campaign, but he is right about Obama's need to attack. Congressional three-ways With all the focus on Nader and Barr, don't look now but third-party candidates could muck up a few House races. One-term McCain presidency? From the Department of Potentially Stupid Campaign Ploys come whispers, likely entirely unfounded, about the Republican nominee pledging to give up power to gain power.
August 13	Mark Warner will give keynote speech for Democrats Will it make him the rising star Barack Obama became four years ago? When Libertarians attack Bob Barr goes after John McCain for spending public money on the GOP convention. Could attacks like that make him the Ralph Nader of the right? Obama's new ad hits back at McCain A new TV commercial shows a harder edge than Barack Obama's recent ads, linking John McCain and George W. Bush on the economy. No return for Jeremiah Wright? Jeremiah Wright may not be publishing a book this fall, despite a recent report he would. McCain aims young Meghan McCain, that is -- her children's picture book about her dad will be published during next month's GOP convention. It's hard out there for a political spouse An overenthusiastic handshake leaves Cindy McCain with a sprained hand. Right-wing smear job, the sequel The author behind the Swift Boat Veterans takes on Barack Obama in a new book that's full of holes. Quote of the day Colin Powell sums up the world's feelings on Bill Kristol.
August 14	McCain sends pals to war Joe Lieberman and Lindsey Graham are off to save Georgia, on John McCain's orders. The Olympic ad battle Are Barack Obama's cheery ads more in tune with the atmosphere of the coverage from Beijing than John McCain's? Dems agree to put Clinton's name in nomination Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama will be recognized, for the sake of party unity, before Obama officially claims the nod. Karl Rove's election predictions Bush's former top strategist sees most of the action this fall coming in Virginia, Colorado, Michigan and, just for old time's sake, Ohio. Obama aide: Corsi "a discredited liar" Barack Obama's campaign prepares a 39-page response to an error-filled new book by the man behind the Swift Boat Vets. And the shortlist dwindles ... or does it? Looking for clues about Barack Obama's running mate in the schedule of speakers at the Democratic convention may be fruitless. Obama's favorite lyricist: Obama? Barack Obama and John McCain pick their favorite tunes. A will.i.am one on Obama's list might seem familiar. Let the whining continue Phil Gramm reappears among John McCain's top aides, a month after he quit the campaign for calling America a "nation of whiners" about the economy.
August 15	McCain, Obama keep up the ad wars Both campaigns are running harsh new TV commercials about taxes and the economy. McCain raises record cash In his second-to-last month raising money for the presidential campaign, John McCain took in $27 million, leaving him $21.4 million in the bank. Players win, and winners play Politicians' new favorite tactic: Give money and get a chance to win a prize. How did campaigns turn into glorified raffles? Corsi: Hey, I'm just doing my job The conservative hatchetman says his Obama book is an important piece of scholarship, just like some of his other weird theories. More money, more problems Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens faces new accusations in a federal criminal case that threatens his political career.
August 18	Saddleback up It's not clear who won the Rick Warren evangelical grilling Saturday night, and maybe McCain cheated. De-"(br)othering" Obama in Denver The New York Times has the key piece Monday about how the Obama camp will use the Democratic National Convention to recast its nominee in eyes of wary voters. Musharraf steps down The Pakistani president, yielding to growing presssure, resigns as jubilation breaks out in many quarters of the country. Macaca-versary A pioneering political videographer reminds us that two years ago the Internet politics era changed forever. The attention-driven Warren The power play we saw at Saddleback proves that when it comes to self-regard the difference between preachers and politicians is a matter of style, but not degree. McCain's McMansions There's a new video about the real elitist running for president. But don't count on McCain ever being subjected to John Edwards-level personal scrutiny. The attention-driven Warren, Book II Warren gets defensive when pressed again about the "cone of silence." The attention-driven Warren, Book III Fishers of men need the right bait, and Rick Warren's television show had two presidential nominees on the end of the line.
August 19	No October surprise by Rev. Wright A correction to my original post about Jeremiah Wright's book publishing plans. Subject, verb, POW If McCain stole the cross-in-the-sand story from Solzhenitsyn he is not going to admit it, but he will express outrage at the insinuation and play the POW card, again. What Obama needs most Beyond readiness to assume the presidency, there are other things Obama needs to consider as he makes his veep decision. Obama bares teeth in Orlando Finally, the senator realizes that sometimes he will need to show a bit of anger if he wants to win this thing. Gore to speak on final night After much anticipation as to when Gore would speak, the former veep gets an unusual and unusually potent spot: Thursday night. AP gets prickly with Lieberman Talk about your Freudian slips. Major wire service tells us how it really feels about Senator Sanctimony. Moser's blue Dixie If anyone can make the case for Democrats' refocusing on the South it is Bob Moser, but the region that has really turned -- and keeps turning -- blue is the Northeast. Afghan attack on French troops More bad news from that other, forgotten war. The big convention bounce Nate Silver and Mark Penn argue that the conventions may be pageants, but they are pageants with payoffs.
August 20	Is McCain winning? A new poll shows John McCain with a 5-point lead over Barack Obama. Oh, Hillary's brother, where art thou? Hillary Clinton's brother Tony Rodham meets with McCain advisor Carly Fiorina in Pennsylvania. So much for party unity? Obama drops a veep hint -- maybe Barack Obama refers to his vice president as "he," spurring speculation about the pick to dizzying new heights. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones critically ill The Ohio Democrat, one of Hillary Clinton's staunchest supporters, had an aneurysm Tuesday night and was rushed to the hospital. No more "sleepovers" for Ohio voting machines Sorry, Ohio election officials -- the secretary of state says you can no longer store voting machines in your homes. Sayonara, superdelegates Barack Obama's campaign wants to revise the rules for the Democratic primaries for 2012. There would be fewer superdelegates and later elections. Ralph Reed makes cameo in Obama ad A new commercial in Georgia links a John McCain fundraiser with the GOP lobbyist -- and with Jack Abramoff. Poll: McCain's running a negative campaign An NBC/Wall Street Journal poll shows voters think John McCain, not Barack Obama, is running a negative campaign. So why is it working? Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones dies The five-term Democrat from Ohio, 58, had suffered a brain aneurysm Tuesday night. Are Obama supporters planning 9/11 fundraiser? An e-mail invites supporters to join Warren Buffett at a campaign event in D.C. on the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Clinton team will shut down protests Hillary Clinton's aides are assembling a 40-person "whip team" to keep her supporters from disrupting the convention next week.
August 21	McCain-Lieberman The Times' Gail Collins gives her take on the "bipartisan" possibilities. Less dessert Obama gets back to basics with some long-overdue, Hillary Clinton-style messages for kitchen-table voters. Debate formats announced Campaigns agree to format and rules for the three presidential debates. 1980 vs. 1988 With the polls tightening, it's time to pause and reflect on whether 2008 is going to be more like Reagan's first election -- or his third. Waiting for Cheney Tarmac delays are sinful and insulting to regular people, but only if you're a liberal. How many homes do you have? The Politico finally busts John McCain. Veep too late Whomever he chooses, Obama should have moved earlier to select his running mate. Hammering homeboy Talk about rapid response: The Democratic Party and candidate already have materials and video out pummeling homeboy.
August 22	Mittmentum? One report suggests that John McCain has settled on former rival Mitt Romney as his running mate. McCain camp strikes back on houses issue With a nasty ad, John McCain's campaign tries to shift the focus on to Barack Obama -- and Tony Rezko. Quote of the day One reporter puts the proper perspective on the question of elitism in the presidential race. Reports: Clinton wasn't vetted, Chet Edwards was One Democratic source says Hillary Clinton "was not asked for a single piece of paper" by Barack Obama's team. Obama ad: McCain "out of touch" The latest spot put out by Barack Obama's campaign takes a swipe at John McCain's many houses. Clinton still carrying heavy debt Hillary Clinton has apparently barely made a dent in her campaign's sizable debt -- in fact, she raised only $2 million in July. Setting expectations for Obama, McCain camp fuzzy on facts Badly twisting history, John McCain's campaign says Barack Obama should get a 15-point bounce from the convention. Biden our time Nothing for sure yet, but all signs at this late hour on Friday night point to an Obama-Biden ticket. Report: Biden gets Secret Service protection The signs keep pointing to Joe Biden as Barack Obama's running mate, with the hours dwindling before that text message shows up. It's Biden Barack Obama has picked Joe Biden as his running mate, CNN reports and the AP confirms.
August 23	Republicans are already going after Obama-Biden The text message announcing Biden was joining Obama's ticket went out around 3 a.m. Eastern, and by 6 a.m., McCain had a new attack ad. Oops Both Barack Obama and Joe Biden made odd slip-ups in their speeches Saturday.
August 24	Hillary volleys Clinton fires back at a John McCain ad invoking her words and images, and Joe Biden issues a video call to action. Dems restore full voting rights for Florida and Michigan The party's credentials committee gives full votes to both states' delegations, which had been punished for holding early primaries. Republicans slink into Denver The GOP has set up a 24-hour rapid-response operation at the Democratic convention, complete with a fence and security guards. Report: Clinton will release her delegates Wednesday Hillary Clinton is reportedly expected to tell her pledged delegates they're free to vote for Barack Obama.
August 25	Texas GOP uses Obama's half brother for attack ad The spot references George Obama's poverty and asks, "If Obama cares so much about your family, why doesn't he take care of his own family first?" Clinton, Obama camps reportedly still feuding A fight is said to be brewing between the former rivals -- it focuses, in part, on the content of Bill Clinton's convention speech. New Obama ad attacks McCain on economy The spot uses Sam Cooke's "Wonderful World" to hit McCain for admitting that "economics is not something I've understood as well as I should." Salon in Denver: Previewing the convention Salon's Rebecca Traister and Caitlin Shamberg report from the scene that was the Pepsi Center on the eve of the convention's opening day. McCain ad features former Clinton delegate The spot highlights Debra Bartoshevich, a delegate who lost her convention slot after saying she'd vote for John McCain over Barack Obama. McCain scores major endorsement Reggaeton musician Daddy Yankee officially announced his support for John McCain at an event in Phoenix on Monday. Obama cancels Sept. 11 fundraiser Barack Obama's aides realize raising money on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks might be a bad idea -- too bad they'd already sent out the invitations. Dems working on deal for roll-call vote The AP reports that the deal, as currently structured, would involve Hillary Clinton's getting some votes before Barack Obama is nominated by unanimous consent. "It's in your hands, Nancy" Antiwar protest group Code Pink stole the show from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who spoke in Denver on Monday. Dean gavels in convention With a few short words from DNC chairman Howard Dean, the Democratic convention has now officially begun. Streets of Denver: Bandanna-clad kids clash with cops, one arrested A confrontation between police and protesters contrasted with what have been mostly uneventful protests. In downtown Denver, rumors fly about roll call Supporters of Hillary Clinton share tidbits of information about possible scenarios for a vote at the convention, and are worried. Ted Kennedy to speak tonight? The ailing Senator is now widely expected to at least make an appearance as he's honored at the convention, and maybe even to address the crowd. Denver cop convention Police in full riot gear are out in force in downtown streets. What'd you think of Michelle Obama's speech? It's the big question of the night -- I think she gave a great speech, and did exactly what she needed to, but I'm interested in knowing how Salon's readers felt about it.
August 26	Plot to kill Obama? Four people are under arrest, and authorities suspect they were planning to try to kill Barack Obama on Thursday night. New McCain ad: "Hillary's right" On the day of her speech to the Democratic convention, McCain's campaign recycles some of Clinton's attacks on Obama. Swing state poll shows McCain doing better than he should Voters want to elect a generic Democrat, polling in three key states shows, but that doesn't mean they'll choose Obama over McCain. Hillary Clinton called Michelle Obama Clinton, who not so long ago was in Michelle Obama's position, left a message. Clinton to aim at McCain Hillary Clinton's speech will bring the red meat on John McCain's economic policies. Mitt Romney joins the mile-high club John McCain's former rival shows up in Denver to slam Barack Obama and, officially at least, not audition for the GOP's vice-presidential nod. Clinton vs. Warner Tuesday night (and 2012?) There is an opportunity for one or both of the main speakers to leave a big impression on the Democratic delegates. Sorensen, former JFK speechwriter, speaks For the second day in a row, there was a passing of the torch from the Kennedys to Barack Obama, as Sorensen directly tied the presumptive nominee to his former boss. Clinton makes the rounds Before her big speech tonight, Hillary Clinton spent the afternoon addressing events organized by women's groups. "Happy Hour for Hillary" Salon travels, video camera in tow, to an event the McCain campaign organized in hopes of winning over some die-hard Clinton supporters. Kucinich gets standing ovation at convention Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich, who ran for president earlier this year, brought down the house at the Pepsi Center Tuesday afternoon. McCain to announce veep choice Thursday night? Some advisors are reportedly discussing the idea of announcing McCain's running mate on the night Barack Obama accepts the Democratic nomination. The opening act for the Hillary show Mark Warner and Brian Schweitzer take different approaches to warming up the DNC crowd for the night's main event. What'd you think of Hillary Clinton's speech? She may not have given the keynote address, but it was unquestionably Clinton's night, so tell us, what's your reaction to her speech?
August 27	Novak's back, warning against McCain-Lieberman ticket The ailing columnist pens a missive arguing that the choice of Joe Lieberman as John McCain's running mate would be disastrous for Republicans. Quote of the day Former Democratic presidential candidate Michael Dukakis blames himself for Bush. Greek columns? Really? The stage for Barack Obama's speech is being set up, and it looks like the design could have been a lot smarter. Fired up for party unity After Hillary Clinton's speech on Tuesday night, we pulled out the video camera to check in with Obama and Clinton delegates and supporters. Lieberman camp pushing back on Novak report Sources close to Joe Lieberman are reportedly issuing strenuous denials of a story that he has told John McCain not to choose him as his running mate. On the reaction to the columns for Obama's speech Bloggers are criticizing the press for discussing this, but such things are the reason the actual issues become less important, and that's not solely the media's fault. Clinton releases her delegates Meeting with delegates pledged to her, Clinton doesn't tell them how to vote, but does say she cast her ballot for Barack Obama. Clinton rules Some in the media just can't give up on the idea that the Clintons plan to undermine Barack Obama. Clinton supporter tapped to second Obama nomination As the roll-call process gets under way, a prominent congressional backer of Hillary Clinton's speaks on behalf of Barack Obama. Arkansas for Obama The delegation from Clinton's adopted home state, which she won in a landslide in the primaries, gave all its votes to Barack Obama. Florida, Michigan delegations go for Obama The disputed states, which had voted for Hillary Clinton in primaries that violated primary rules, ended up giving the majority of their votes to Barack Obama. Obama wins New Hampshire (eight months later) The Granite State casts all its votes at the convention for Barack Obama, in a sign of unity after Hillary Clinton won its primary. It's official: Barack Obama is the Democratic nominee His former rival brought the roll call to an end by successfully moving that Obama be nominated by acclamation. How it happened The roll call at the Democratic convention was brought to the symbolic end that was expected when Hillary Clinton asked that Barack Obama be nominated by acclamation. "Barack Obama is ready to be president" Defying the expectations of naysayers, Bill Clinton delivers an enthusiastic endorsement of Barack Obama. Biden, officially the vice-presidential nominee, takes the stage On Wednesday night, Joe Biden showed why Barack Obama chose him as his running mate.
August 28	MIA at convention: Anti-Bush swag All the Obama memorabilia is great, but why so few jabs at our supremely unpopular president? Report: McCain's veep choice to be notified today John McCain has reportedly picked his running mate; all that remains is to let that person in on the secret. Plouffe on McCain's "high-water mark" Barack Obama's campaign manager says that John McCain will only see his numbers dip from now on. But with the GOP convention coming up, is he right to be so confident? Bush might not make same mistake twice Will Gustav get in the way of President Bush's scheduled speech at the Republican convention next week? Obama delegates ready to celebrate On Wednesday, we took a video camera and checked in with delegates at the Pepsi Center to see how they were feeling about the convention. The next Barack Obama? Newark's Cory Booker wows the Vote Hope crowd with a call for Democrats to inspire voters -- and learn to deliver when they're elected. Cindy McCain's half sister will vote for Obama Even though he's from the party of "family values," John McCain is having trouble rounding up votes from some of his in-laws. MSNBC's meltdown The station's feuding anchors add an acrimonious subplot to the Democratic convention. In ad, McCain congratulates Obama John McCain says he's giving Barack Obama his day before the two get back to real campaigning, but the ad is evidence against that. "This election is our chance ... to keep the American promise alive" Read excerpts from Barack Obama's acceptance speech here. Gore compares Obama to Lincoln Before an adoring crowd, the former vice president also drew on his own loss to George W. Bush to make the case for electing Barack Obama. Celebrities don't hold campaign rallies Barack Obama's big night was a campaign event, and the people there weren't just fans. "With profound gratitude and great humility, I accept your nomination" Barack Obama delivered a blockbuster of a speech to bring the Democratic convention to a close on Thursday night. McCain camp responds A spokesman for the presumptive Republican nominee says Barack Obama's speech was "misleading" and "fundamentally at odds with [his] meager record." Republicans reportedly considering delaying convention The GOP convention may not start on time as a result of tropical storm Gustav, which might provide a reminder of another storm the party would like voters to forget.
August 29	Who is McCain's pick? John McCain's campaign tops even Barack Obama's impressive secret keeping over the vice-presidential nomination, as his choice is still unknown. Nets confirm: It's Palin John McCain has apparently chosen Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. Who is Sarah Palin? The governor of Alaska, now John McCain's running mate, is relatively new on the scene. Obama camp responds to Palin pick In a statement, a spokesman for Barack Obama slammed John McCain's choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. McCain introduces Palin, asks for money John McCain sends an e-mail to his supporters in which he calls his new running mate "a trailblazer and a reformer." Handicapping Palin pick Thoughts about how John McCain's choice of running mate alters the dynamics of the campaign. Brian Schweitzer interview Salon caught up with Montana's governor Thursday, a few hours before Barack Obama's acceptance speech. Another state not delivered Palin's selection confirms that the idea of picking a running mate to help deliver that politician's home state is officially dead. McCain, Palin go PUMA hunting At the first event for the McCain-Palin ticket, at least one reason why John McCain chose the running mate he did became clear. Gov. Palin and Iraq Asked about the surge in 2007, she said she hadn't "really focused much on the war in Iraq." Dobson says he'll vote for McCain-Palin The prominent evangelical leader has been reticent about supporting John McCain, so his move may signal how happy social conservatives are with the choice.
August 31	Bush, Cheney to skip Republican Convention With Hurricane Gustav bearing down, more changes to the convention's schedule are likely in the offing. Republicans limiting events for first day of convention Official word is that there will be some necessary business conducted, but no politics. Who said politics was on hold? Mitt Romney attacks Barack Obama while introducing John McCain at a political rally Sunday, after McCain said Hurricane Gustav would put the campaign on pause.

Currently in War Room

McCain-Palin rallies turning ugly

The Republicans' turn to the negative is prompting some crowd reactions that could backfire on the candidates.

Wednesday, Oct 8, 2008 00:35 EDT

McCain has his own unsavory links

In the 1980s, the Republican presidential nominee sat on the board of a group that was involved in Iran-Contra and had ties to neo-Nazis.

Tuesday, Oct 7, 2008 23:40 EDT

Quote of the day

Back in 1991, John McCain offered a prescient take on his involvement in the Keating Five scandal.

Tuesday, Oct 7, 2008 21:55 EDT

Rudy gets a smackdown

Obama campaign spokesman slams him for invoking Ayers.

Tuesday, Oct 7, 2008 21:29 EDT