44 - Politics and Policy in Obama's Washington - October 26, 2008

Cheney Endorsement of McCain Sets Off Round of Campaign Fire

After months of trying to tie Sen. John McCain to the Bush administration and paint him as portending a retread of the current presidency, Sens. Barack Obama and Joe Biden today jumped on footage of Vice President Cheney endorsing the McCain-Palin ticket at a Wyoming Republican event.

By Web Politics Editor | November 1, 2008; 8:45 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (40)
Categories: Barack Obama, John McCain, White House
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Palin Pranked by Sarkozy Impersonator

By Mary Ann Akers Two well-known Canadian pranksters tricked Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah...

By Web Politics Editor | November 1, 2008; 6:08 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (112)
Categories: Sarah Palin, White House
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McCain Mocks Obama for Feeling 'Vindicated' in Iowa

"My country has never had anything to prove to me, my friends," said McCain. "I have always had faith in it, and I have been humbled and honored to serve it."

By Web Politics Editor | November 1, 2008; 3:03 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (102)
Categories: Barack Obama, Battlegrounds, John McCain
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The Best Election I Ever Covered

Washington Post's David Broder explains why this is the best election season he's ever covered since the Kennedy-Nixon campaign.

By Web Politics Editor | November 1, 2008; 1:29 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (24)
Categories: Broder Remembers, Video Report
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Clinton's Continuing Debt to Mark Penn

As the Obama campaign has helped Clinton retire her primary campaign debt, the amount owed to former chief Clinton strategist Mark Penn's firm has not changed by a single penny since July.

By Web Politics Editor | November 1, 2008; 1:14 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (11)
Categories: B_Blog, Cast of Characters, Consultants, Hillary Rodham Clinton, The Green Zone
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Obama Campaign to Return Aunt's Donations

The Obama campaign will return the low-dollar donations made by Obama's aunt, who has been living in the United States illegally, according to a published report.

By Web Politics Editor | November 1, 2008; 12:16 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (557)
Categories: B_Blog, Barack Obama, The Green Zone
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McCain Supporters Praying for a Virginia Win

GOP presidential candidate John McCain kicked off his campaigning this morning with a rally full of religious overtones, as several speakers invoked the Lord on the senator's behalf.

By Web Politics Editor | November 1, 2008; 10:46 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (80)
Categories: Battlegrounds, John McCain
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Biden: Election Will Be 'a Lot Closer' Than People Think

Democratic vice-presidential candidate Joe Biden speaks at a campaign rally. (Tom Gannam/Associated Press) By Perry...

By Web Politics Editor | November 1, 2008; 10:20 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (27)
Categories: Battlegrounds, Joe Biden
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Obama Says 'Boo' to Reporters

Barack Obama spent Halloween with his family in Chicago, and he wasn't happy to see reporters among the trick-or-treaters.

By Washington Post Editor | October 31, 2008; 9:43 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (115)
Categories: Barack Obama
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Schwazenegger Derides Obama as a 'Skinny' Wealth-Spreader

Headlining an event titled "Judgment Day," California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger tonight delivered an impassioned pitch for electing GOP presidential nominee John McCain before a packed arena of supporters.

By Web Politics Editor | October 31, 2008; 8:34 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (54)
Categories: John McCain
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Hillary's Halloween Message

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) is spending Halloween at three campaign rallies across Ohio, where she won a key victory in the Democratic primary campaign.

By Web Politics Editor | October 31, 2008; 5:02 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (30)
Categories: Battlegrounds, Hillary Rodham Clinton
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Duberstein Abandons McCain

Former White House chief of Staff Kenneth Duberstein said today he was abandoning his support of John McCain and instead would back Barack Obama for president.

By Web Politics Editor | October 31, 2008; 4:52 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (19)
Categories: B_Blog, Barack Obama, Cast of Characters, John McCain
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Biden Barnstorming in Small Towns

By Perry Bacon Jr. KETTERING, Ohio -- While Gov. Sarah Palin is at the center...

By Web Politics Editor | October 31, 2008; 4:36 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Joe Biden
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McCain Mixes Up His Phillies

Sometimes when you're on the road a lot, it's hard to remember where you are.

By Web Politics Editor | October 31, 2008; 3:18 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (18)
Categories: John McCain
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Obama Back on Iowa's Hallowed Ground

"People of Iowa, I will always be grateful to you," Obama told 25,000 in Des Moines. "Think about the journey we've made."

By Web Politics Editor | October 31, 2008; 2:59 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (40)
Categories: Barack Obama
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McCain Lays Out His Top Cabinet Picks

John McCain has made it clear that Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson shouldn't expect to keep his job if the Arizona senator confounds the pundits and wins the presidency next week.

By Web Politics Editor | October 31, 2008; 2:41 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (29)
Categories: John McCain, Transition
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Rick Davis Sees "One of the Greatest Comebacks"

"We're a few points down, but we're coming back, and we're coming back strong," McCain tells Ohio supporters.

By Post Editor | October 31, 2008; 12:19 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (629)
Categories: John McCain
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Pollitis

Achenbach's latest seasonal malady.

By Post Editor | October 31, 2008; 12:08 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (17)
Categories: Joel's Two Cents
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Obama Extends Fight to Three New States

Buoyed by a huge turnout of early voters, Obama's campaign is buying advertisements in Georgia, North Dakota and McCain's home state of Arizona.

By Web Politics Editor | October 31, 2008; 11:09 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (27)
Categories: B_Blog, Barack Obama, Battlegrounds
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Washington Times Loses Seat on Obama Plane

Reporters for the New York Post and Dallas Morning News also lost their spots.

By Web Politics Editor | October 31, 2008; 10:51 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (142)
Categories: B_Blog, Barack Obama, Media Notes
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Vacations for Votes? Lindsey Graham Makes an Offer

At a rally this morning at an Ohio high school, Graham posed a simple question to the audience. "Anybody been to South Carolina?" Graham asked, as the crowd applauded. "If we win Ohio, you get a free weekend in Myrtle Beach."

By Web Politics Editor | October 31, 2008; 10:34 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (27)
Categories: Battlegrounds, John McCain
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Eagleburger: Palin Not Ready to Be President

"I don't think at the moment she is prepared to take over the reins of the presidency," the former secretary of state told NPR.

By Web Politics Editor | October 31, 2008; 10:23 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (23)
Categories: B_Blog, Sarah Palin
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For Obama Aunt, a Quiet South Boston Life

By Keith B. Richburg and Judy Rakowsky NEW YORK -- A Kenyan aunt of Sen....

By Web Politics Editor | October 31, 2008; 9:53 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (27)
Categories: Barack Obama
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McCain to Appear on SNL Saturday

By Juliet Eilperin YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Does the road to the White House run through...

By Web Politics Editor | October 31, 2008; 9:18 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (22)
Categories: John McCain
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John McCain and Joe the Plumber, Together in Ohio

The Republican candidate rallies thousands in Mentor, Ohio, with his new sidekick. The Post's...

By Ed O'Keefe | October 31, 2008; 8:19 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (18)
Categories: Video Report
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Justice Dept. Will Send 800 Monitors to Polls

The Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice will send 800 federal observers and justice department staff to 59 jurisdictions in 23 states on Election Day to monitor polling places and elections.

By Web Politics Editor | October 30, 2008; 8:58 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (41)
Categories: Battlegrounds, The Voters
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RNC Hits Alleged Obama Presumption on White House Staff

RNC rips suggestion that Emanuel is being eyed for Obama's White House Chief of Staff.

By Post Editor | October 30, 2008; 8:58 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (12)
Categories: Barack Obama
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The Ad War Continues in Ohio

With just five days until Election Day, independent political groups continue to spend money on advertising in battleground states. This time it's the Service Employees International Union, spending $425,000 to air a 30-second spot, called "Meghan," statewide on cable and broadcast stations.

By Web Politics Editor | October 30, 2008; 5:42 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (13)
Categories: Barack Obama, Channel 08
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Palin Takes on Obama Over Will to Win Wars

By Juliet Eilperin CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin loves making...

By Web Politics Editor | October 30, 2008; 3:46 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (49)
Categories: Barack Obama, Battlegrounds, On the Issues, Sarah Palin
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McCain and Joe the Plumber Miss Their Moment

McCain's big moment of campaigning with Joe the Plumber for the first time was missed by all the major TV networks, whose cameramen and audio technicians were running from the bus when they heard McCain's voice starting his rally.

By Web Politics Editor | October 30, 2008; 3:18 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (43)
Categories: Battlegrounds, John McCain
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McCain Gaining Ground in Va. Polls

Two new polls out today show Sen. Barack Obama with a four-point lead over Republican John McCain in Virginia.

By Web Politics Editor | October 30, 2008; 1:26 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (45)
Categories: Barack Obama, Battlegrounds, John McCain
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Gore to Campaign for Obama in Florida

Al Gore will headline a pair of rallies for Barack Obama on Friday in the land of the butterfly ballot and the hanging chad.

By Web Politics Editor | October 30, 2008; 1:07 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (11)
Categories: B_Blog, Barack Obama, White House
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Obama's Early Vote Push

Throughout the country, Americans appear to be casting early votes at a pace that far eclipses past performance.

By Web Politics Editor | October 30, 2008; 12:46 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (113)
Categories: B_Blog, Barack Obama, Battlegrounds, Dan Balz's Take, John McCain, The Voters
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Bill Clinton Campaigning With Obama in Fla.

Former President Bill Clinton joined Sen. Barack Obama at a rally in Florida last night, just days before the presidential election. The appearance coincided with a 30-minute Obama campaign commercial that aired on several networks.

By Web Politics Editor | October 30, 2008; 12:25 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Barack Obama, Battlegrounds, In Case You Missed It, Video Report
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Defiant McCain Kicks Off Ohio Bus Tour

The Republican is defiant, his top aides say, unwilling to give up the dream he has pursued for more than a decade, despite public polls which suggest that it is slipping away quickly.

By Web Politics Editor | October 30, 2008; 12:08 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (12)
Categories: Battlegrounds, John McCain
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Study: Campaign Financing Not an Issue for Voters

A new USA Today/Gallup poll reports the majority of Americans aren't even sure which candidate is taking public -- and which private -- money.

By Web Politics Editor | October 30, 2008; 11:58 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: B_Blog, Barack Obama, John McCain, The Green Zone
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Candidate Reaction: GDP Decline

Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain this morning rapidly issued statements responding to news that...

By Web Politics Editor | October 30, 2008; 9:55 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (27)
Categories: Barack Obama, Economy, John McCain, Primary Source
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Share Your View of the Election

If you're planning to blog, photograph, record or otherwise take note of next week's election,...

By Web Politics Editor | October 30, 2008; 9:47 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (20)
Categories: About The Trail, Election Day
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ObamaVision: An Appeal to the Masses

By Tom Shales Barack Obama fired the final salvo in the great battle of images...

By Web Politics Editor | October 30, 2008; 8:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (31)
Categories: Barack Obama
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Tucker Eskew Blasts Palin Press Coverage

Palin's senior communications and policy aide last night blasted the press for distorting her comments during an ABC News interview.

By Web Politics Editor | October 30, 2008; 3:28 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (34)
Categories: B_Blog, Sarah Palin
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RNC Pushes Obama Experience Argument

The latest ad from the Republican National Committee's independent expenditure unit continues the GOP's harsh attacks on Barack Obama's experience.

By Web Politics Editor | October 29, 2008; 9:59 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (30)
Categories: Barack Obama, Channel 08, Republican Party
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Court Orders Pa. to Provide Paper Ballots

A federal judge late Wednesday ordered the Pennsylvania's polling places to offer emergency paper ballots when half the voting machines at a polling location don't work.

By Web Politics Editor | October 29, 2008; 9:54 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: B_Blog, Battlegrounds, DEPT. OF JURISPRUDENCE, The Voters
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Palin Warns of One Party Rule

Speaking to an estimated 16,000 here, GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin warned her supporters that a loss next week could translate into total Democratic control of the nation's legislative and executive branch.

By Web Politics Editor | October 29, 2008; 8:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (36)
Categories: Sarah Palin
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Obama Airs 30-Minute Program

The Obama campaign tonight also released its much-anticipated television program on YouTube, for online viewing.

By Web Politics Editor | October 29, 2008; 8:20 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (31)
Categories: Barack Obama, In Case You Missed It
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On the Tube: Palin Discusses Her Future and McCain Expresses 'Total' Confidence in Her

In an interview today with ABC News' "20/20" anchor Elizabeth Vargas, GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin said she would continue to seek a leadership role within the GOP even if she and John McCain did not win the White House next week.

By Web Politics Editor | October 29, 2008; 7:34 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (19)
Categories: John McCain, Sarah Palin
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Questions Raised About a Major McCain Donor

The Chicago Tribune today raised questions about the foreign connections of a major contributor to Sen. John McCain.

By Web Politics Editor | October 29, 2008; 4:21 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (24)
Categories: B_Blog, John McCain, The Green Zone
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Study: Some Networks Tougher on One Candidate than the Other

Researchers have now confirmed what press critics have been saying all along, that Fox News is much harder on Barack Obama and MSNBC much tougher on John McCain than the media in general.

By Web Politics Editor | October 29, 2008; 2:20 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (49)
Categories: Barack Obama, John McCain, Media Notes
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Obama Talks Socialism, Communism and PB&J

On a day when he aims to reach into millions of living rooms with his final pitch for the presidency, Barack Obama dismissed John McCain's economic ideas as "the same old politics and the same old policies."

By Web Politics Editor | October 29, 2008; 1:48 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (189)
Categories: Barack Obama, Battlegrounds
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Bush Jokes About a Drape-Measurer

President Bush suggested today that one of the candidates -- he didn't say which one -- was sizing up the White House for new drapes.

By Web Politics Editor | October 29, 2008; 1:38 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (13)
Categories: Barack Obama, White House
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Poll: Arizona Race Tightens

In the latest Cronkite/Eight survey, McCain leads Obama by just two points -- well within the poll's margin of error.

By Web Politics Editor | October 29, 2008; 1:35 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Barack Obama, Battlegrounds, John McCain
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McCain Calls on LA Times to Release 2003 Khalidi Video

McCain today compared the director of Columbia University's Middle East Institute to a "neo-Nazi" and called on the Los Angeles Times to release a video of a 2003 banquet at which Obama talked about the professor, Rashid Khalidi.

By Web Politics Editor | October 29, 2008; 1:24 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (391)
Categories: John McCain
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Palin Stumps with Joe the Plumber, Mocks the LA Times

Joe Wurzelbacher -- the plumber whose question prompted Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama to talk about the need to "spread the wealth" -- suddenly appeared onstage with GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin this morning at Bowling Green State University's Anderson Arena.

By Web Politics Editor | October 29, 2008; 12:49 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (98)
Categories: Barack Obama, Sarah Palin
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Palin Argues for More Drilling in Energy Policy Speech

The Alaska governor said America needs to boost its domestic energy production.

By Web Politics Editor | October 29, 2008; 11:22 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (21)
Categories: B_Blog, Battlegrounds, Sarah Palin
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McCain Ad Addresses Obama 'TV Special'

By Howard Kurtz The Ad: Behind the fancy speeches, grand promises and TV special,...

By Web Politics Editor | October 29, 2008; 9:42 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (32)
Categories: Ad Watch, John McCain
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Obama Spot Raises Palin Questions, with a Wink

By Howard Kurtz The Ad: TEXT: "I'm going to be honest: I know a...

By Web Politics Editor | October 29, 2008; 9:12 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (77)
Categories: Ad Watch, Barack Obama
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After 148 Years, a Democrat Returns to Harrisonburg

By Robert Barnes NORFOLK -- Barack Obama is making such an aggressive play to win...

By Post Editor | October 28, 2008; 11:08 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (16)
Categories: Barack Obama, Battlegrounds
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Palin Takes Issue, Liberally, With '01 Obama Remarks

By Juliet Eilperin and Alice Crites STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Sarah Palin delivered tonight a...

By Post Editor | October 28, 2008; 10:22 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (58)
Categories: Barack Obama, Sarah Palin
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Axelrod: Obama TV Show to Focus on 'Where He Wants to Lead'

By Robert Barnes NORFOLK -- Barack Obama's 30-minute informercial airing Wednesday night will feature vignettes...

By Post Editor | October 28, 2008; 9:54 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (21)
Categories: Barack Obama, Channel 08
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Ohio Republicans Turn Voting Feud Into an Ad

By Mary Pat Flaherty The Ohio Republican Party launched Tuesday a radio ad that opens...

By Post Editor | October 28, 2008; 9:44 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (21)
Categories: Battlegrounds
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Nicolle Wallace Defends Herself in Palin Clothes Flap

Palin aide Nicolle Wallace says she is the victim of "an organized campaign" to discredit her.

By Web Politics Editor | October 28, 2008; 7:23 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (48)
Categories: Sarah Palin
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Crist Extends Early Voting Hours in Fla.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist today extended early voting hours and declared that a "state of emergency exists" due to record turnouts and hours-long waits at many locations.

By Web Politics Editor | October 28, 2008; 6:51 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (18)
Categories: B_Blog, Battlegrounds, The Voters
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French Embassy Denies Sarkozy Critical of Obama Views on Iran

The French embassy in Washington today denied a report in Haaretz that French president Nicolas Sarkozy was critical of Barack Obama's positions on Iran.

By Web Politics Editor | October 28, 2008; 5:33 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (14)
Categories: Barack Obama, John McCain
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Obama Makes Hay of McCain Adviser's Health Care Comment

Obama seized on remarks made by McCain's top economic adviser today to call McCain's health care plan "radical" and "unaffordable."

By Web Politics Editor | October 28, 2008; 4:49 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (36)
Categories: B_Blog, Barack Obama, Health Care, John McCain
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Bush Stops by RNC to Give Thanks and Wish GOP Luck

President Bush paid a surprise visit to the headquarters of the Republican National Committee, wishing luck to GOP staffers in a year that is shaping up as a potential disaster for the party.

By Web Politics Editor | October 28, 2008; 12:17 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (42)
Categories: B_Blog, Republican Party, White House
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Palin Brings Out Party Faithful in Pa.

As pundits and strategists debate whether Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has helped or hurt Sen. John McCain's chances to be president, there is one unassailable fact. People flock to her.

By Web Politics Editor | October 28, 2008; 12:13 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (28)
Categories: Battlegrounds, John McCain
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Undeterred by Driving Rain, Obama Rallies Pa.

After a string of huge rallies in idyllic fall tableaus and under crystal skies, Obama spoke today to thousands in a driving, cold rain on a muddy field at Widener University. His Republican rival canceled a rally in Quakerstown, Pa., because of similar conditions.

By Web Politics Editor | October 28, 2008; 12:08 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (43)
Categories: Barack Obama, Battlegrounds
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Network News

44: October 26, 2008 - November 1, 2008