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Posts in September 2008

September 1	Hurricane politics Three years after the Republicans suffered a great blow to their reputation for managerial competence, the GOP reverts to election-year attention levels. Palin: Forbesian, Buchananite...or Paulian? The answer may depend on the presidential cycle in question. Sarah inhaled The Alaska governor has admitted she doesn't have that kind of Bill Clinton problem. Clinton's conundrum Why picking Palin should make Hillary work harder for Obama -- or not. OMG: Palin's daughter now pregnant Amid rumors about cover-up of earlier pregnancy, this one is for real and confirmed. Thought for the opening day of RNC Imagining the media fallout if the pregnancy news were on the other side of the partisan ledger. Abstinence-only educators Bristol Palin and the double standard on abstinence-only education. Conservative reaction to Palin pregnancy The right seems mostly to be stunned into silence. Obama statement on Palin pregnancy The Democratic nominee says everyone should back off. GOP convention adjourns for the day After making a show of patriotism, and claims of non-partisanship in talking up the efforts of Republican governors, Republicans brought a shortened session to a close. GOP convention getting back to normal With Hurricane Gustav having caused less damage than originally feared, it appears that Republicans are ready to get back to business.
September 2	Republican family values: Episode 5,728 Pregnant Palin lived separately from her parents and sibs, with aunt in Anchorage. McCain was rushed, got sloppy How this sordid tale epitomizes the worst elements of the entire Republican governing project. Conservatives react to Palin Frum and Krauthammer are worried, but good ol' Fred Barnes is predictably devoted to his Republican talking points. He shoots, he scores The father of Bristol Palin's baby is a superb hockey player, a self-professed redneck ... and a bit of a potty mouth. The other 49 Sarah Palin was once a member of the Alaskan Independence Party, which advocates secession from the Union. Republican convention back on schedule tonight With President Bush, the first lady, Senator Sanctimony and actor-politician-actor-politician Fred Thompson on tap. Alaska (and Wasilla, especially) on the teat Why would Alaskans, and Wasillans, want to secede, given how much they cheerily accept from the feds? Barack Obama breaks 50 The first time a three-day Gallup rolling average has Obama above the magical threshold. More Palin-tological finds Get out your shovels, folks, because the unearthing process seems to be endless. The stable map Taking a break from all Palin, all the time, notice how similar the map looks compared with the last two cycles. How the conservative media duped McCain The coverage of the Democratic convention goaded the imprudent McCain into making a rash choice for his running mate. Sarah Palin is your new Segway Oh, one more post today ... because this is just too fun not to share. Father of Bristol Palin's child to attend GOP convention Palin's boyfriend, Levi Johnston, has left Alaska and is bound for St. Paul. Republicans don't stop believing The GOP takes a musical interlude as the convention begins. Convention crowd is sparse There were plenty of seats in St. Paul for the Republicans' first night of real convention business.
September 3	It's Giuliani time Rudy Giuliani will take his turn at the Republican convention Wednesday night, along with vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin. What Clinton problem? A new poll shows that more supporters of Hillary Clinton are now ready to back Barack Obama. McCain camp now refusing to discuss Palin vetting Talking about the process involved in vetting Sarah Palin didn't help John McCain's campaign any -- so now it's going to try not talking about it. Is Obama ready to make nice with Fox News? After a meeting with Rupert Murdoch, Obama will appear on "The O'Reilly Factor" Thursday. New McCain ad: Palin an "Alaska maverick" The spot argues that Sarah Palin has earned her reputation for reform, and says Barack Obama hasn't. Quote of the day What would happen if it were Barack Obama's child who was pregnant, unmarried and the center of attention? Mitt Romney, meet George W. Bush Excerpts of the speech Mitt Romney plans to give Wednesday night indicate that the former governor will be making at least one boldly counterintuitive argument. Former top McCain strategist trashes Palin pick Mike Murphy and conservative commentator Peggy Noonan are caught on a live mike delivering some harsh assessments of Sarah Palin and John McCain's campaign. Previewing Palin's speech In her address, Sarah Palin takes at least one shot at Barack Obama -- and tries to deflect some of the criticism she's come in for of late. Mitt Romney goes back ... to the future! The former presidential candidate railed against a Washington controlled by liberals and a Europe mired in economic despair -- what decade is he living in? Hiring advice from Rudy Giuliani? Really? The former mayor of New York City asks voters to think of the election as a choice between two candidates for a job, but his record on that leaves something to be desired. How did Sarah Palin do? The Republicans' vice-presidential nominee had a lot riding on her speech tonight. Did she pull it off? It's the size that counts The new argument from Republicans touting Sarah Palin's experience? Alaska may not have many people -- but it's really, really big. Palin's army Sarah Palin rallies the faithful in the biggest speech of her lifetime.
September 4	Noonan aplogizes for Palin remarks -- sort of The conservative columnist says part of what she said about the Republican vice-presidential nominee was taken out of context. Quote of the day Roger Simon explains why we in the media are so, so sorry for -- having done our jobs. Those liberal elitists Thank God for real populists, like small-town mayor Rudy Giuliani and Cindy McCain, who wore an outfit this week that's estimated to have cost $300,000. Sarah Palin, decider She has been talked up as commander in chief of her state's National Guard, but Palin hasn't personally issued any orders as governor. Ex-NFLer Gibbs: Hail to John McCain The longtime coach of the Washington Redskins will appear at the Republican convention Thursday night, while his former team kicks off the football season Obama responds to the Republican convention "You wouldn't know that this is such a critical election by watching the convention last night," the Democratic nominee says. The Sarah Palin money bomb Palin's speech has apparently energized donors, on both sides of the aisle. McCain: "Change is coming" In his speech tonight, John McCain will hit some familiar themes. Karl Rove, flip-flopper Like some of his fellow Republicans, Karl Rove seems to have experienced a miraculous change in parts of his worldview when Sarah Palin joined the ticket. Palin camp claims Dems attacking her family, can't name any A fundraising solicitation accuses "Obama/Biden Democrats" of "vicious" attacks against the Palins, but her campaign hasn't been able to produce any evidence. Protesters disrupt McCain speech Antiwar demonstrators heckle John McCain and disrupt his big moment at the Republican Convention. McCain and Palin party down Balloons, confetti and rather literal music help bring the Republican convention to an end. Clinton: "No way, no how, no McCain-Palin" Hillary Clinton was tapped to provide the first official Democratic response to John McCain's speech, and she came out swinging. No home run for McCain On his big night, John McCain gave at best an uneven speech; even a moving segment about his time as a prisoner of war may not have saved it for him.
September 5	Poll: Half say Palin isn't experienced enough to be president A new survey shows Americans think more highly of Joe Biden's experience than of his Republican counterpart's. It's the economy, stupid Obama, McCain react to August jump in unemployment rate. Quote of the day: Oprah on Palin Talk show host won't interview veep candidate before election. Woodward: Don't credit surge for Iraq turnaround In his new book, the investigative journalist credits covert ops with reducing violence in Iraq. More dirt on Palin on the way? The National Enquirer is reporting that Sarah Palin had an affair with her husband's business partner, who reportedly just tried to have his divorce records sealed. McCain knocks Obama as "celebrity" again But Paris Hilton doesn't make an appearance in this new ad. Sarah Palin's pastor problem Move over Jeremiah Wright
September 8	Poll: McCain over Obama, 54-44 A new survey shows John McCain got a big boost from his party's convention -- will it last? New McCain ad touts "original mavericks" With the addition of Sarah Palin to his ticket, John McCain is repositioning himself yet again; this time, trying to return to his roots. Obama camp responds to "Mavericks" ad "McCain and Palin will say or do anything to make people believe that they will change something besides the person sitting in the Oval Office," a spokesman says. Cracks appearing in Palin's "reform" facade The Republican vice-presidential nominee is being portrayed as a change agent, but recent reports throw that image into question. You can't kill a dead bridge Yes, Sarah Palin pulled the plug on the "Bridge to Nowhere." But it was already finished by the time she got to it. Quote of the day In a potential battleground, the issue of race rears its head. List of books Palin wanted banned is fake It's gone viral, but the list of books Sarah Palin supposedly wanted banned when she was mayor of Wasilla is made up. Koch: Giuliani looks like he'd kill old woman in wheelchair The former mayor of New York City attacks his successor, saying that in his speech at the Republican Convention Rudy Giuliani resembled a killer from an old film. Surprise: Bush doesn't really listen to the commanders George W. Bush says that when it comes to Iraq, we should listen to the generals, not the politicians -- easy for him to say, considering he picks and chooses which generals to listen to. New Obama ad attacks McCain-Palin "maverick" claim The spot goes after John McCain's attempt to reclaim his famous image and Sarah Palin's claims regarding the "Bridge to Nowhere."
September 9	Obama's money troubles Barack Obama's campaign may not end up enjoying the financial advantage it expected. Top Lieberman staffer quits On his boss's first day back on Capitol Hill, Joe Lieberman's legislative director turned in his resignation; he doesn't have another job lined up. Quote of the day A new motto for the McCain campaign when it comes to defending Sarah Palin: If at first you don't succeed, lie, lie again. Gore looking to 2012? The former vice president is heading to Iowa for a dinner that has become a ritual for Democratic presidential hopefuls. Lies, damn lies and Bill O'Reilly Even while interviewing Barack Obama, the Fox News host couldn't get his facts straight. Sarah Palin and the glass ceiling While crying foul over Joe Biden's attacks on the Alaska governor, one Republican suggests that there'll never be a female president.
September 10	Palin's the real winner of earmark race Sarah Palin has criticized Barack Obama, saying he's requested nearly $1 million in earmarks for every day in office -- but she's keeping pace with him, and more. Troopergate: Palin was warned to stop "disparaging" sister's ex The judge overseeing the divorce of Palin's sister and her husband, the state trooper now at the center of the scandal, compared verbal attacks on the trooper to "child abuse." The South will not rise again Barack Obama's campaign had talked of making a play for a couple of Southern states, but that dream seems to be fading away. Paul says McCain camp asked him for endorsement Ron Paul told reporters he turned down the surprise request; he encouraged Americans to vote for an independent candidate instead. Hypocrisy alert: Palin questioned legislators' per diems Sarah Palin claimed a per diem when staying at her own home, but complained about the cost when legislators had similar expenses. Poor Sarah Palin The McCain camp puts out an ad decrying "completely false" and "misleading" attacks against Palin, but it's the ad itself that's badly misleading. No, Sarah Palin, Katie Couric wasn't talking about you At the request of CBS, YouTube removes McCain's "Lipstick" ad, which took some of Couric's comments out of context. Strange bedfellows indeed What Sarah Palin said during her convention speech about the "honesty and sincerity and dignity" of small-town people is a quote from a notorious anti-Semite. Biden: Clinton might have been the better running mate At a town hall, Joe Biden -- famous for not quite knowing when to keep quiet -- said, "Hillary Clinton is as qualified or more qualified than I am." McCain camp responds angrily to S.C. Dem Carol Fowler, who heads the state's Democratic Party, had said that Sarah Palin's "primary qualification seems to be that she hasn't had an abortion." Quote of the day Who's the celebrity now? Former pastor: Palin's beliefs being downplayed The former pastor of the church Sarah Palin attended for years says Republicans are reluctant to discuss her religion; given her positions, maybe there's a good reason.
September 11	Palin exaggerated her record on pipeline Sarah Palin has presented a new oil pipeline as one of her chief accomplishments -- but it may only ever exist on paper. Drill, baby, drill The "culture of ethical failure" in one Interior Department agency has serious implications for the Republicans' offshore-drilling plans, so why aren't Democrats making it an issue? Ethics advisor warned Palin on Troopergate Sarah Palin was counseled to apologize and cooperate with the investigation; instead, her administration is now threatening to try to quash subpoenas. Why Palin's important to McCain: Foot soldiers All of a sudden, Republicans are lining up to volunteer for the McCain-Palin campaign. Dems going off message, again As usual, Democrats are not proving themselves masters of message discipline. And the award goes to ... CREW has released its fourth annual tally of the most corrupt members of Congress; there are a lot of familiar names on the list. Palin and Gibson go head to head Early excerpts of Sarah Palin's interview with ABC's Charlie Gibson have been released, and it appears Gibson wasn't the patsy some predicted he'd be. Palin doesn't know what Bush Doctrine is For all her preparation, Sarah Palin got caught napping on perhaps the key facet of the Bush administration's foreign policy. So is Palin "naive" on Pakistan? The position Sarah Palin took in her first interview on American intervention in Pakistan sounds remarkably like Barack Obama's, which John McCain has repeatedly attacked.
September 12	New Obama ads about change -- and McCain's age Barack Obama's campaign, coming off a bad week, starts battling back with two new ads. McCain camp broke 9/11 truce Despite a pledge not to campaign as normal, John McCain released a new attack ad; unsurprisingly, it's filled with distortions. Plouffe: "Today is the first day of the rest of the campaign" Barack Obama's campaign manager lays out his strategy for the weeks to come, and promises to fight back and reclaim "change." Palin's next inteviewer: Hannity Sarah Palin will be retreating back to friendly ground next week for a two-part interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity. Shhhh! McCain will raise taxes too A McCain aide admits that regardless of who wins the election, the next president is going to have to raise taxes. Troopergate investigator wants subpoenas The former prosecutor investigating Sarah Palin's firing of her public safety commissioner has asked for the power to subpoena 13 witnesses and for phone records. Palin flip-flops on global warming In her interview with Charlie Gibson, Sarah Palin contradicted her previous statements on the issue. Palin vs. Gibson, the rematch In a segment to air Friday night, Sarah Palin defends her statements on the Bridge to Nowhere and earmarks. Palin admits truth on Bridge to Nowhere In an interview, Sarah Palin essentially admitted to the real story -- so will she keep lying on the trail? Clinton supporter to Palin: "spare us the phony sentiment" A Democratic congresswoman who was a staunch backer of Hillary Clinton during the primaries hits back at Sarah Palin.
September 15	Obama, Dems go after McCain's honor With a new ad and a new message, Democrats are trying to push back against John McCain's campaign tactics. "Reformers" to the rescue A new ad says "only proven reformers John McCain and Sarah Palin can fix" the economy. The anti-establishment columnist With his fist in the air, Bill Kristol takes the fight to The Man. Biden goes on the offensive Stepping into one of the primary roles for which he was tapped, Joe Biden has some tough words for John McCain. New McCain ad is false in any language A Spanish-language ad blames Barack Obama and Democrats for the failure of an immigration reform bill last year. It was actually Republicans who blocked it. On Palin, sexism's in the eye of the beholder A well-timed Pew survey shows the reversal in attitudes brought about by Sarah Palin's presence on the Republican ticket. "Hockey Moms for Truth" John Kerry had the Swift Boat Vets, now Sarah Palin has the hockey moms coming for her. Has McCain peaked? New polls seem to indicate that John McCain's recent bounce is flattening out. McCain: Obama didn't call Palin a pig After all the frenzy whipped up by his campaign was over with, John McCain finally spoke up. Quote of the day The list of qualifications for the vice-presidency grows longer -- and odder.
September 16	Obama camp goes after McCain's "fundamentals" comment A new ad portrays John McCain as out of touch for saying that "the fundamentals of our economy are strong." Antiabortion 527 group attacks Obama The group's new ad criticizes Barack Obama for opposing a bill to protect babies who survive abortions, but the truth is not so simple. Quote of the day Why do partisan bloggers hate vitamin D? MoveOn: McCain's "friends" are lobbyists As outside groups get more involved in the campaign, the liberal group is using John McCain's characteristic "my friends" tic against him. Alaska legislators sue to stop Troopergate investigation The McCain campaign pushes hard against the inquiry into Sarah Palin's conduct, while some state legislators take matters into their own hands. Obama campaign accuses GOP of planning voter suppression Democrats respond to a report that the Michigan GOP planned to challenge voters whose homes were foreclosed on. Does McCain really oppose golden parachutes? John McCain's commitment to his recent rhetoric on the economy seems shaky, especially given the identity of one of his top surrogates. Republican Jewish group conducted anti-Obama poll The group's head says the poll, which asked unusually negative questions, was aimed at "understand[ing] why Barack Obama continues to have a problem among Jewish voters."
September 17	Obama speaks on economy in two-minute ad In the spot, Barack Obama talks directly to the camera and lays out part of his plan to deal with the economic crisis. Clinton nixes joint appearance with Palin When she agreed to attend a rally protesting the presence of Iran's president at the United Nations, Hillary Clinton wasn't told Sarah Palin would be there too. McCain: Obama's fix for economy is "talk and taxes" In a new ad, John McCain says he'll "reform Wall Street and fix Washington" -- though he doesn't say how he'll do that. Former Clinton fundraiser endorsing McCain Lynn Forester de Rothschild, a member of the DNC's platform committee, said she thinks Obama is "an elitist." State employees won't testify in Troopergate Alaska Attorney General Talis Colberg, a Palin appointee, says 10 state employees won't comply with subpoenas, and asked the state's Legislature to withdraw them. Was Palin's e-mail hacked? A Web site claims to have exclusive images from one of Sarah Palin's private e-mail accounts. Quote of the day Barack Obama employs a little bit of humor as he goes on the offensive against John McCain. For new ads, Obama uses McCain's base against him New Spanish-language spots released by Obama's campaign remind voters of Republicans' rhetoric and record on immigration. Palin goes up against Hannity In an interview to be broadcast Wednesday night, Sarah Palin contends with the toughest interviewer she'll ever face -- just kidding, it's Fox News' Sean Hannity. Hannity films McCain-Palin campaign commercial Even by Sean Hannity's standards, the interview the Fox News host conducted with Sarah Palin was an embarrassment.
September 18	Rove says Palin was political choice The former advisor to President Bush also told the Associated Press he believes Palin-mania will subside soon. McCain ad portrays Obama as tax-and-spend liberal With the focus of the campaign shifting, for now, to the economy, McCain falls back on some old Republican arguments. Sarah Palin, anointed by God A new chain e-mail says "Sarah is that standard God has raised up to stop the flood. She has the anointing." Rift between Bush administration and congressional GOP? House Minority Leader John Boehner is upset because, he says, the administration "refused" to have a representative brief House Republicans on the economy. McCain caught overpromising on SEC chairman John McCain said Thursday that if he were president now, he'd fire SEC chairman Chris Cox -- only problem is, the president doesn't technically have that power. Come for Palin, stay (or not) for McCain Twice this week, crowds have left McCain campaign events after hearing Sarah Palin speak. Nader is on the ballot in 45 states and D.C. The consumer advocate and perennial candidate is polling in the high single digits in some key states. Obama, McCain tied in key states A new poll covering states that are home to Big Ten schools shows the two neck-and-neck in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and more.
September 19	Palin's peculiar lie Sarah Palin told a story about asking her kids to vote on her run for vice president, but it doesn't match with official accounts, or the timeline. McCain flubs call for SEC chairman's head, again John McCain has been blaming Chris Cox for the economy's woes, but twice in two days he has made embarrassing mistakes in doing so. WSJ editorial board takes on McCain The paper's famously conservative editorial page has some harsh words for John McCain's recent rhetoric on the economy. No charges for Foley The former Congressman reportedly won't face any criminal charges stemming from the scandal that brought him down. Limbaugh: Obama "stoking racial antagonism" Rush Limbaugh responds to the Obama campaign's having used quotes from him in a recent anti-McCain ad. Palin takes a tumble The last week hasn't been good to Sarah Palin, as several polls have shown voters revising their opinion of her. "Hillary Sent Me!" Hillary Clinton launches a new grass-roots organizing program with the goal of helping elect one-time rival Barack Obama. Sarah Palin, energy expert John McCain says Palin "knows more about energy" than anyone in the U.S., but she couldn't even manage a logical answer to a question about oil exports.
September 22	McCain: Cuomo for SEC chairman Republican nominee makes naked bid to appeal to independents and soft Democrats by showing a willingness to appoint big-name Democrat to Cabinet. First dude The Washington Posts leads its front page with a story on Sarah Palin's hubby. New Obama ad slams McCain as deregulator The Obama people are going to town on McCain's talk of deregulating healthcare. Sarah's foreign policy crash course After meeting with Karzai and Bono, she should be ready for heartbeat-away status. Forget about a governing majority in 2008 Obama's once-expanding map continues to contract as Election Day approaches. Whither the wedge issues If the National Rifle Association fires a gun in the woods and nobody is there to hear it, does it make a sound? Never enough of "enough is enough" Obama gets right down to the heart of economic matters in Green Bay. The name dropper In Scranton, name-dropping John McCain says he's "deeply uncomfortable" about Secretary Paulson's proposed bailout plan. Obama's Chicago machine New McCain ad plays the urban card on Obama. Palin channels her inner Hagee and Hillary The Republican vice-presidential candidate laced the speech she never delivered in New York with coded appeals to Jews and women.
September 23	Tipping state: Colorado or Ohio? If you could know the result of one state on Election Day, which would it be? New state polls look good for Obama Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota and Pennsylvania show improvements for Democratic nominee. Joe Biden's "better" instincts Perhaps his modest upbringing explains why Biden runs his mouth too much. Debate prep Candidates spar with stand-ins in preparation for upcoming debates. Sarah Palin, ornery Alaskan Well, maybe Gov. Palin is not, but Alaska sure is the nation's most disagreeable state. Women not giving to McCain as much Obama is receiving a far higher share of donations from female contributors. Credit crunch No, credit should not be a civil right -- nor should it be a corporate right, either. Uh-oh: McCain spending in Indiana Now in retreat mode, John McCain must spend to defend the Hoosier State.
September 24	McCain aide's firm being paid by Freddie Mac John McCain said Sunday that his campaign manager hasn't been involved with the company for several years, but the aide's firm is only now being removed from the payroll. Dems will let offshore drilling ban lapse Congressional Democrats are conceding on what had become a big issue in the campaign, and Republicans are rejoicing. McCain campaign manager Davis ducking the press Rick Davis, who's been hit hard by articles detailing his company's ongoing relationship with Freddie Mac, skips out on a lunch with reporters. Quote of the day Sarah Palin dodges yet another question from a reporter. Report: "Obama's baby mama" producer out at Fox The producer of the Fox News show that ran a chyron describing Michelle Obama as "Obama's baby mama" has reportedly been fired, and moved on to CNBC. McCain is suspending his campaign to work on bailout The Republican presidential nominee announces that he's putting his campaign on hold -- and asks that the first debate be delayed. Obama camp: "The debate is on" A senior official in the Obama campaign told ABC News that the Democratic nominee still plans to debate Friday, and the commission in charge is going ahead. Reid: McCain, Obama "would not be helpful" in negotiations Democratic leader Harry Reid releases a statement saying that John McCain's move to suspend his campaign won't help. Obama: "This is exactly the time" for a debate At a press conference, Barack Obama dismisses John McCain's idea to postpone Friday's debate. Did bad polling news make McCain jumpy? The campaign's momentum has been shifting to Obama, as polls show a nearly universal lack of faith in the economy, and support for Obama as the man to fix it. Will McCain's gamble pay off? John McCain has taken a risk by suspending his campaign to work on a bailout plan, but there's some reason to believe it was a good political move. Obama, McCain issue joint statement John McCain's bombshell earlier in the day made the show of unity essentially moot, but the two put together a statement anyway.
September 25	Another bad interview for Palin Sarah Palin's sit-down with CBS's Katie Couric was just one more missed opportunity for Palin to appear competent and knowledgeable. The Obama/Barr debate Libertarian Party candidate Bob Barr offers to step in and fill the void left by John McCain. Obama speaks about economy in new ad Barack Obama hasn't suspended his campaign; instead, he's speaking directly to voters again. A little perspective on running mates Sarah Palin isn't the only one who can prove embarrassing. Deal reached on bailout Maybe John McCain wasn't needed so urgently after all; lawmakers have come to an agreement in principle on a plan for a bailout. House Republicans say no deal A bailout for Wall Street is almost ready to go, but the House GOP is still balking. A meeting at the White House is coming up soon. McCain bringing campaign advisor to White House meeting Barack Obama was reportedly told not to bring any campaign staffers to the Thursday afternoon meeting, but John McCain will be accompanied by one of his campaign's economic advisors. Will McCain debate? There's been significant progress toward a bailout, but the McCain camp still isn't saying whether the GOP nominee will be at Friday's debate. Palin digs herself in deeper Katie Couric asked the vice-presidential candidate to explain her claim that Alaska's proximity to Russia is a foreign policy credential; the answer didn't go well. McCain, Obama on newscasts tonight Both candidates will appear on all three network news shows. Bailout bill might need a bailout A meeting at the White House yields little progress towards a deal on a big Wall Street bailout, and House Republicans are now pushing their own plan. Obama suggests McCain at fault for snag in negotiations In an interview with CBS, Barack Obama implies presidential politics got in the way of an agreement. Reid: McCain "only hurt the process" Prominent Democrats say McCain contributed little during a White House meeting and showed no desire to participate in negotiations Thursday night. McCain campaign manager held fundraising dinner Wednesday Only hours after John McCain announced that he was suspending his campaign, Rick Davis was meeting with about a dozen top fundraisers. A bad night for McCain-Palin Both members of the Republican ticket were interviewed for newscasts Thursday night; neither performed particularly well.
September 26	Palin's pastor (and witches) problem In 2005, Sarah Palin received a blessing from a pastor that included a prayer to protect her from witchcraft. The debate is on John McCain will attend tonight's presidential debate; in announcing the decision, his campaign blames Barack Obama and other Democrats for the stalled negotiations on a bailout. McCain facing political disaster Before he resumed his campaign, John McCain seemed to be standing in the way of progress on a bailout; that could hurt him, badly, and his team seems worried. McCain wins! Who needs to debate when you can just declare victory hours in advance? Conservative columnist tells Palin: "Bow out" A former supporter of Sarah Palin's has come around after watching her recently; Kathleen Parker now says Palin is "out of her league." GOP consultant: "Hail Mary passes rarely connect" One GOP operative tells Salon John McCain "can't claim victory," but there is a "glimmer of an upside" -- maybe. House GOP whip: McCain "stopped a deal from finalizing" John McCain can probably do without the kind of praise one member of the House Republican leadership gave him Friday. The ACORN canard Republicans are attacking the bailout proposal by falsely claiming that a substantial amount of money could go to a progressive community organizing group that's unpopular on the right. Palin's mysterious trade missions Sarah Palin claims to have earned foreign policy credentials through trade missions with Russia, but evidence that they actually happened is hard to come by. Live-blogging the debate, No. 1 Chime in with your comments on the first Obama-McCain debate here. Live blogging, initial reactions In opening statements, it's all about domestic issues as McCain plays the Kennedy card, and Obama criticizes McCain. Live blogging: Oh snap -- pork barrel, that! Obama is so totally right about pork-barreling. Say "Nevada!" Language matters in debates, and Barack Obama has missed a big opportunity. Live blogging: Sen. McCain was wrong about Iraq Obama ticks off the things McCain is wrong about, but McCain just tugs on military heartstrings. Attack on Iraq Obama should have gone after McCain's judgment on Iraq after all those "Obama doesn't understand" cracks.
September 27	Saturday morning debate roundup Next-day results, responses and reactions to the first presidential debate. Sarah Palin to die for in swimsuit I can't help thinking of Nicole Kidman's movie character. David Plouffe talks about debate Obama campaign manager shares reactions about Friday night's first debate. Paul Newman dead Really sad news about a good liberal who surely wanted to know what will happen this November.
September 28	McCain as founding father of ... the gambling industry The Times explains that the Arizona senator doesn't just love political gambles. Tina Fey crushes Sarah Palin again Fey's impersonation of Katie Couric interview is spot-on. Big Dog, both campaign heads on TV Will Bill Clinton deign to mention Barack Obama by name on "Meet the Press" today? John McCain vs. John McCain's campaign The Republican candidate and his campaign staff offer conflicting explanations for why he came back to D.C. during negotiations on a Wall Street bailout.
September 29	Bailout expected to pass There is general agreement in both chambers now and President Bush is on board. Krugman scorches McCain The columnist doesn't want the Arizona senator answering that 3 a.m. financial call. Movement toward Obama The latest three national polls all show the Democrat with a 5-point lead or larger. Bungee jumpers for McCain New ad uses bailout anxiety to push anti-Obama message. The youth surge Obama is doing well with the under-30 set and, increasingly, with voters even older than that. New Obama ad: "Parachute" Obama camp uses the bailout crisis to hit high-paid CEOs. Bailout bill fails in House In stunner, apparently Pelosi and Hoyer don't have bill whip counted properly. Missing Sarah Andrew Sullivan asks why two answers from the Couric interview were never broadcast. More details on bailout vote Democratic defections doomed it, with frosh and conservative Dems voting no. Republicans say it's Pelosi's fault House Republicans say Speaker Nancy Pelosi alienated their members with a little partisan rhetoric in the debate over a Wall Street bailout. Pelosi points finger back at GOP The speaker suggests that Bush's call to pass the bailout bill was ignored by fellow Republicans. McCain aide: "Obama failed to lead" John McCain's campaign says the failure of a Wall Street bailout bill is Barack Obama's fault. Don't bail on this opportunity, Obama This is a the chance for Barack Obama to do for real what John McCain faked last week. Frosh Dem Gillibrand explains nay vote The New York rookie says it's not up to taxpayers to correct Wall Street excesses. Bailout was kryptonite for vulnerable House members Very few House members in either party who face competitive races to hold onto their seats voted to bail out Wall Street. More money (lost), more problems Might falling stock prices persuade lawmakers to revisit the bailout bill soon?
September 30	The beginning of the end for McCain The fortnight that will be remembered as the turning point of the campaign. Rising doubts on the right about Palin David Frum spells out the risks very plainly to the New York Times. Racism, the Bradley effect and Obama New studies show that the effect is gone, even if the underlying racism is not. Time for a party-line vote? The Democrats might be able to pass a bailout bill by bringing in the dissenting poles of their party. But should they? GOP bailout ad at odds with McCain's position The RNC's independent expenditure unit is running an ad attacking the bailout plan that John McCain says he hoped would pass. McCain invokes Clinton (Bill, this time) again The senator enjoys playing the new wedge politics: Clinton vs. Obama. Debate tips from Mike Murphy With Palin's big debut two days away, the former McCain advisor talks debate preparation. McCain, the missing moderate His record confirms that he does defect from his party -- if he's around to vote at all. Obama asserts himself on bailout If Obama can broker a real deal with the necessary votes, will he be hero or goat? Southern states in play? My "Whistling Past Dixie" thesis could be in jeopardy.

Currently in War Room

Obama daughters going to Sidwell Friends

Sasha and Malia Obama are following in Chelsea Clinton's footsteps, and Salon's cadre of Quaker-trained writers are as pleased as sober-minded ascetics can be.

Saturday, Nov 22, 2008 02:19 EST

Report: Obama ready to announce economic team

The president-elect will reportedly be rolling out some big names Monday, including Tim Geithner at Treasury, Bill Richardson at Commerce and Larry Summers in the White House.

Friday, Nov 21, 2008 23:53 EST

Clinton to accept nomination?

The New York Times says Hillary Clinton has decided she's ready to become secretary of state; the Clinton camp says nothing's final yet.

Friday, Nov 21, 2008 23:15 EST

Another reason for Obama to ditch his BlackBerry

Verizon employees reportedly accessed the President-elect's old cell phone records.

Friday, Nov 21, 2008 23:00 EST