44: The Obama Presidency

Disclosures: Obama and Reid Books Trumped McCain's

Barack Obama not only beat John McCain at the ballot box last year, he also crushed him in the bookstores.

Posted on June 12, 2009 at 02:54 PM ET | Comments (9)

Senior GOP Consultant Backs Gay Marriage

By Perry Bacon Jr. Steve Schmidt, a top adviser to Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) 2008...

Posted on April 17, 2009 at 03:54 PM ET | Comments (20)

McCain-Obama Meeting Set in Motion by Graham

The upcoming meeting between President-elect Barack Obama and his onetime rival Sen. John McCain was set in motion during a phone call over the weekend between Obama and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), McCain's closest friend.

Posted on November 14, 2008 at 01:11 PM ET | Comments (13)

John and Cindy's 'Thank You' Note

Having had a few days to recover from the intense pre-election period, John and Cindy McCain e-mailed their supporters today a final "thank you" note, urging them to offer Democratic President-elect Barack Obama "good will."

Posted on November 7, 2008 at 12:11 PM ET | Comments (32)

Video: McCain Concedes to Obama

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Posted on November 5, 2008 at 12:45 AM ET | Comments (4)

McCain Manager Says GOP Unpopularity, Economy a Drag

Steve Schmidt says it is doubtful that any candidate will ever have to run in a less favorable political climate than the one John McCain faced.

Posted on November 4, 2008 at 07:55 PM ET | Comments (6)

Supporters Greet McCain at the Polls

GOP presidential candidate John McCain left his home this morning and cast his vote with the press in tow.

Posted on November 4, 2008 at 11:49 AM ET | Comments (3)

McCain's Seven-State Sprint: Arizona

Dispatches from the last day of campaigning, with Juliet Eilperin and Dana Milbank.

Posted on November 3, 2008 at 11:50 PM ET | Comments (92)

For Both Candidates, Life Lessons From High School Sports

By Scott Butterworth In prime-time appearances tonight on "Monday Night Football," Sens. John McCain and...

Posted on November 3, 2008 at 10:39 PM ET | Comments (6)

Palin Energized Ohio and New Hampshire Voters, Both For and Against

Talking to voters in Ohio and New Hampshire over the past two weeks, it was hard not to concluded that a race that for most of its duration was about Barack Obama, John McCain and Hillary Clinton wound up, during its final leg, being to a great degree about Sarah Palin.

Posted on November 3, 2008 at 07:12 PM ET | Comments (5)

Obama and McCain Pursuing Different Paths on Changed Map

A confident Obama and dogged McCain criss-cross the country on the final full day of campaigning, targeting the battleground states of 2008's shifting political playing field.

Posted on November 3, 2008 at 12:43 PM ET | Comments (148)

Campaign Reflections

The Post's Michael D. Shear reflects on roughly 21 months of covering the McCain campaign and Republican presidential politics.

Posted on November 3, 2008 at 08:46 AM ET | Comments (13)

McCain's Midnight Miami Rally Draws Out Enthusiasm

A heavily Cuban American crowd of thousands cheered and screamed their support for the GOP presidential nominee in this crucial battleground state.

Posted on November 3, 2008 at 01:18 AM ET | Comments (55)

McCain to Campaign in N.M. and Colo. on Election Day

"If we win in Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, all of a sudden we have a path to victory," McCain campaign manager Rick Davis told reporters aboard McCain's plane.

Posted on November 3, 2008 at 12:19 AM ET | Comments (18)

McCain Warmly Welcomed at Granite State Town Hall

As his campaign nears its end, John McCain convened a town hall meeting tonight in New Hampshire, the state that has sustained his presidential aspirations during the darkest times.

Posted on November 2, 2008 at 08:10 PM ET | Comments (48)

McCain in Pennsylvania: I'm a 'Coal Booster'

By Juliet Eilperin SCRANTON, Pa. -- Campaigning in coal-rich Pennsylvania, GOP presidential nominee John McCain...

Posted on November 2, 2008 at 04:54 PM ET | Comments (63)

McCain to Return to New Hampshire Town Full of Memories

McCain journeys to Peterborough, N.H., this evening to hold his final town hall meeting of the campaign.

Posted on November 2, 2008 at 02:52 PM ET | Comments (15)

McCain's Supporters Looking to Beat the Odds

The men and women who stood for hours in the Strath Haven High School gym today said they view McCain's election as critical, even though they're unsure if he will emerge victorious Tuesday.

Posted on November 2, 2008 at 12:42 PM ET | Comments (14)

McCain Sells Himself on 'SNL'

Trailing in the polls, the Republican senator from Arizona demonstrated a continuing sense of good humor three days before the election, traveling to New York City for yet another live appearance on the variety show.

Posted on November 2, 2008 at 12:13 AM ET | Comments (87)

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.

Posted on November 1, 2008 at 08:45 PM ET | Comments (40)

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."

Posted on November 1, 2008 at 03:03 PM ET | Comments (102)

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.

Posted on November 1, 2008 at 10:46 AM ET | Comments (80)

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.

Posted on October 31, 2008 at 08:34 PM ET | Comments (54)

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.

Posted on October 31, 2008 at 04:52 PM ET | Comments (19)

McCain Mixes Up His Phillies

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

Posted on October 31, 2008 at 03:18 PM ET | Comments (18)

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.

Posted on October 31, 2008 at 02:41 PM ET | Comments (29)

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.

Posted on October 31, 2008 at 12:19 PM ET | Comments (629)

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."

Posted on October 31, 2008 at 10:34 AM ET | Comments (27)

McCain to Appear on SNL Saturday

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

Posted on October 31, 2008 at 09:18 AM ET | Comments (22)

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.

Posted on October 30, 2008 at 03:18 PM ET | Comments (43)

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.

Posted on October 30, 2008 at 01:26 PM ET | Comments (45)

Obama's Early Vote Push

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

Posted on October 30, 2008 at 12:46 PM ET | Comments (113)

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.

Posted on October 30, 2008 at 12:08 PM ET | Comments (12)

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.

Posted on October 30, 2008 at 11:58 AM ET | Comments (5)

Candidate Reaction: GDP Decline

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

Posted on October 30, 2008 at 09:55 AM ET | Comments (27)

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.

Posted on October 29, 2008 at 07:34 PM ET | Comments (19)

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.

Posted on October 29, 2008 at 04:21 PM ET | Comments (24)

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.

Posted on October 29, 2008 at 02:20 PM ET | Comments (49)

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.

Posted on October 29, 2008 at 01:35 PM ET | Comments (4)

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.

Posted on October 29, 2008 at 01:24 PM ET | Comments (391)

McCain Ad Addresses Obama 'TV Special'

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

Posted on October 29, 2008 at 09:42 AM ET | Comments (32)

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.

Posted on October 28, 2008 at 05:33 PM ET | Comments (14)

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."

Posted on October 28, 2008 at 04:49 PM ET | Comments (36)

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.

Posted on October 28, 2008 at 12:13 PM ET | Comments (28)

McCain Mocks Obama 'Infomercial' for Delaying World Series Game

McCain made a direct appeal to baseball lovers Tuesday morning while mocking his rival's decision to buy 30 minutes of television time Wednesday night for an address to the nation.

Posted on October 28, 2008 at 11:59 AM ET | Comments (65)

The Volunteers Gear Up for One Last Push

In this final week of the presidential campaign, the lights burn late in small offices dotted across the country -- in Virginia and Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida.

Posted on October 28, 2008 at 11:49 AM ET | Comments (106)

McCain and Palin: Stevens Should Resign

McCain and Palin call for the resignation of fellow Republican Sen. Ted Stevens, following the Alaska lawmaker's conviction on corruption charges.

Posted on October 28, 2008 at 10:12 AM ET | Comments (150)

McCain Slams Obama as a 'Redistributor'

McCain slammed his Democratic rival for a 2001 radio interview in which Obama discussed the political science concept of "redistributive change."

Posted on October 27, 2008 at 03:50 PM ET | Comments (75)

Pessimistic and Subdued, Ohio Independents Weigh Their Choices

A focus group with Ohio independent voters was a reality check for those who see the campaign only through the window of the candidates and their most committed supporters.

Posted on October 27, 2008 at 02:10 PM ET | Comments (54)

McCain Gives Economy Speech in Ohio, Warning Against 'Dangerous Threesome' of Democratic Leaders

McCain gave a surprise economic speech this morning, delivering a forceful restatement of his economic proposals and hammering Obama as a tax-raising liberal.

Posted on October 27, 2008 at 10:49 AM ET | Comments (348)

McCain, Bush and 'Meet the Press'

Sen. John McCain acknowledged that he and President Bush share a "common philosophy" as Republicans but the GOP's presidential nominee insisted that he is his own man, appearing on NBC's "Meet the Press" for the first time in more than nine months.

Posted on October 26, 2008 at 02:36 PM ET | Comments (74)

McCain and Graham Defend Palin on Sunday Shows

McCain defended Palin's frugality while Graham praised Palin's resume.

Posted on October 26, 2008 at 01:21 PM ET | Comments (58)

Obama Ad Attacks McCain's Attacks

The Obama campaign will air the political commercial "New Subject" on national cable stations starting Monday.

Posted on October 26, 2008 at 11:30 AM ET | Comments (101)

Obama Courts Trio of Southwestern States

As he traveled this weekend to Nevada, New Mexico and Colorado, Obama sharpened his appeal to Hispanic voters influential in all three states.

Posted on October 26, 2008 at 11:18 AM ET | Comments (13)

McCain Makes Hay of Obama Inaugural Address Report

McCain seized on a newspaper report that Obama's staff has already written a draft of an inaugural address for the Democrat.

Posted on October 25, 2008 at 07:08 PM ET | Comments (161)

Lindsey Graham, Scoring From the 50-Yard-Line

Sen. Lindsey Graham got on a roll Friday night as he introduced Sen. John McCain to a crowd of several thousand at a high school football field in Durango, Colo.

Posted on October 24, 2008 at 10:51 PM ET | Comments (86)

McCain Volunteer's Claim of Attack Unravelled, Online and Off

Bloggers pounced on Ashley Todd's story of being mugged by an Obama supporter, which quickly came apart under police questioning.

Posted on October 24, 2008 at 06:03 PM ET | Comments (136)

John Elway Helps McCain Kick Off Colo. Swing

"I know a thing or two about comebacks," said Elway, famous for his fourth-quarter heroics.

Posted on October 24, 2008 at 03:44 PM ET | Comments (93)

Meghan McCain Speaks with Post's Balz

Meghan McCain speaks with Washington Post's Dan Balz about her children's book and her optimism about the campaign's success at Sen. McCain's Colorado campaign headquarters.

Posted on October 24, 2008 at 02:05 PM ET | Comments (16)

Crist Delivers McCain's Message in Florida Radio Ad

Gov. Charlie Crist (R-Fla.) seizes on the McCain campaign "Joe the Plumber/Spread the Wealth Around" talking points in a new campaign radio commercial airing in the Sunshine State.

Posted on October 23, 2008 at 07:21 PM ET | Comments (17)

Biden Gaffe Featured in Conservative TV Ad

Some of Joe Biden's recent comments about Sen. Barack Obama have found their way into the latest TV commercial produced by Let Freedom Ring USA, a conservative group set to spend $5 million by Election Day on a series of TV and radio ads in five battleground states.

Posted on October 23, 2008 at 05:50 PM ET | Comments (29)

Obama Denouces McCain's 'Strange' Economic Policies

By Robert Barnes INDIANAPOLIS -- As the presidential candidates continued to battle over taxes, Democrat...

Posted on October 23, 2008 at 04:52 PM ET | Comments (26)

Who Is an Elitist? McCain and Palin Explain

By Juliet Eilperin For anyone wondering exactly what constitutes an "elitist" in the eyes of...

Posted on October 23, 2008 at 03:52 PM ET | Comments (69)

Polls Show McCain Leaning Into a Headwind

A big batch of battleground polls came out early Thursday and brought almost universally bad news for John McCain.

Posted on October 23, 2008 at 01:15 PM ET | Comments (380)

McCain Takes a 'Joe' Sprint Across Florida

The ubiquitous Ohio tradesman is not actually present in body, but McCain is invoking his spirit on a bus tour across Florida, as he renews his appeal to blue-collar and middle-class voters.

Posted on October 23, 2008 at 11:23 AM ET | Comments (11)

McCain Defends Palin Against 'Elitist' Critics

In a fiesty interview this morning with talk show host Don Imus, John McCain vigorously defended his vice-presidential running mate Sarah Palin, describing criticism of her as "elitist" and describing her as "the most qualified" vice presidential candidate in recent years.

Posted on October 22, 2008 at 05:33 PM ET | Comments (56)

Study: Coverage of McCain Much More Negative Than That of Obama

Media coverage of McCain has been heavily unfavorable since the political conventions, a new study says.

Posted on October 22, 2008 at 02:05 PM ET | Comments (276)

Obama: Biden Prone to 'Rhetorical Flourishes'

Obama said today there is no reason to believe he would be more likely to be tested by an international crisis than McCain would be, despite comments by Biden over the weekend.

Posted on October 22, 2008 at 01:42 PM ET | Comments (142)

McCain Aides Blast Post Report on Al-Qaeda

Senior McCain aides blasted a report published in today's Washington Post quoting commentary on an Islamic extremist Web site that "Al-Qaeda will have to support McCain in the coming election," saying that The Post had relied on a "blogger" whose connections to al-Qaeda were questionable.

Posted on October 22, 2008 at 12:22 PM ET | Comments (38)

Palin's Make-Up Costs Add to Extreme Makeover Woes

Palin's make-up artist, the Emmy-nominated Amy Strozzi, was paid $13,200 by the McCain-Palin campaign last month alone.

Posted on October 22, 2008 at 11:46 AM ET | Comments (41)

McCain to Granite State: 'I Love You'

"I can't tell you how happy I am to be back in the great state of New Hampshire," McCain proclaimed in a rally at St. Anselm's College.

Posted on October 22, 2008 at 11:24 AM ET | Comments (9)

McCain Ad: We Are All 'Joe the Plumber'

The ordinary folks in this ad would get a tax cut under Obama, not a hike, if they earned what Joe the Plumber does.

Posted on October 22, 2008 at 09:21 AM ET | Comments (32)

Obama: McCain Making Up Attacks on Joe the Plumber

Both candidates return in their stump speeches to a discussion of Joe Wurzelbacher.

Posted on October 21, 2008 at 09:30 PM ET | Comments (27)

Agreeing to Disagree, or Something Like That

John McCain keeps flubbing his attack lines.

Posted on October 21, 2008 at 08:49 PM ET | Comments (19)

McCain Stands by Controversial Flier

McCain this week gave his personal stamp of approval to one of the toughest pieces of direct mail in the 2008 campaign.

Posted on October 21, 2008 at 04:56 PM ET | Comments (81)

McCain's 'Idol' Make-Up Artist Stays on the Books

By Mary Ann Akers Remember last month when Republican presidential nominee John McCain got made...

Posted on October 21, 2008 at 03:19 PM ET | Comments (7)

McCain Tweaks Obama on Baseball and Politics in Pa.

John McCain has been looking for every opportunity to try to sow doubts about Barack Obama. Today, he seized on Obama's effort this week to show some love to the Tampa Bay Rays, a hated group here in Phillies country just before the World Series.

Posted on October 21, 2008 at 01:54 PM ET | Comments (8)

The Republican Party's Identity Crisis

The Republican Party is in the midst of an identity crisis, but it is nothing compared to what could happen if McCain loses and the party suffers a shellacking in House and Senate races.

Posted on October 21, 2008 at 12:36 PM ET | Comments (231)

At the Red Arrow, a Journey from the GOP to Obama

Elaine Boule, a Republican diner manager who backed Clinton in the N.H. primary, is now supporting Obama for president.

Posted on October 21, 2008 at 11:54 AM ET | Comments (8)

McCain Stumps with Danforth, a Moderate

Danforth's presence yesterday meant McCain had by his side a respected Republican moderate (known as "St. Jack" in his day) at a time he's been accused of pandering to the GOP's conservative base.

Posted on October 21, 2008 at 09:01 AM ET | Comments (3)

Republicans' Betamax Media Strategy

Every week, the Republican Party mails video cassettes of its ads to The Post -- in Betamax.

Posted on October 20, 2008 at 07:06 PM ET | Comments (18)

McCain Optimistic About Florida Outcome

Senior McCain advisers expressed optimism Monday about their chances in Florida, saying that they remain competitive despite a huge financial disadvantage.

Posted on October 20, 2008 at 05:22 PM ET | Comments (5)

McCain Solicits Russian U.N. Ambassador

Sen. John McCain, straining to match Senator Barack Obama's fundraising juggernaut, inadvertently reached out to an unlikely donor: Russia's U.N. ambassador Vitaly I. Churkin.

Posted on October 20, 2008 at 04:39 PM ET | Comments (18)

Obama Barnstorms Fla. as Early Voting Begins

By Robert Barnes TAMPA -- Barack Obama is barnstorming early-voting Florida this week, trying to...

Posted on October 20, 2008 at 03:14 PM ET | Comments (12)

Biden Warns World Will 'Test' Obama, Prompting McCain Response

John McCain has not been talking too much about international affairs in recent days, but the suggestion by Democratic running mate Joe Biden that the world may try to test a President Obama early in his administration prompted him to dive back in.

Posted on October 20, 2008 at 02:17 PM ET | Comments (32)

When It Comes to Obama, Palin Counts the Days

GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin has a new way of attacking Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama for his lack of experience: She now provides a tally of how many days he served in the Senate before launching his presidential bid.

Posted on October 20, 2008 at 12:23 PM ET | Comments (52)

In Ohio Swing, McCain Again Hails 'Joe the Plumber'

As he barnstorms the Buckeye State, McCain continues to call Joe Wurzelbacher the winner of the past week.

Posted on October 19, 2008 at 02:34 PM ET | Comments (142)

McCain Avoids Wright and Praises Palin on Call with Jewish Leaders

McCain ducked a direct invitation this morning to criticize Obama over his one-time pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr.

Posted on October 19, 2008 at 12:34 PM ET | Comments (51)

McCain Adviser Suggests NoVa Not 'Real Virginia'

McCain headlined a boisterous outdoor rally in Woodbridge, Va., today, while his campaign took heat for suggesting the populous region was not part of "real Virginia."

Posted on October 18, 2008 at 05:09 PM ET | Comments (95)

CNN's Ed Henry Hit with Gum at McCain Rally

A woman grew so angry that she threw a pack of Dentyne Ice gum at Henry.

Posted on October 18, 2008 at 03:18 PM ET | Comments (42)

McCain Campaign Launches Pre-emptive Strike on NYT

By Matthew Mosk CONCORD, N.C. -- Sen. John McCain's campaign reacted with fury early this...

Posted on October 18, 2008 at 12:03 PM ET | Comments (96)

Cindy McCain Releases 2007 Tax Return

The wife of Republican presidential candidate John McCain paid $1.13 million in taxes during 2007 on income of more than $4.1 million.

Posted on October 17, 2008 at 07:20 PM ET | Comments (73)

McCain Called Joe the Plumber Today

McCain told a crowd of supporters here that he spoke by phone today with Joe Wurzelbacher, a.k.a. Joe the Plumber.

Posted on October 17, 2008 at 06:21 PM ET | Comments (71)

McCain Stands Up for Joe

McCain made Joe the Plumber a household name. Now he wants Joe to know he's got his new friend's back.

Posted on October 17, 2008 at 02:36 PM ET | Comments (422)

Cindy and Candy on the McCain Plane

Calling it a "fall surprise," Cindy McCain made a rare (some say first-ever) visit to the press section of Sen. John McCain's plane this morning.

Posted on October 17, 2008 at 01:07 PM ET | Comments (19)

Candidates Trade Jabs for Jokes at Al Smith Dinner

The dinner is a big-time fundraiser for Catholic Charities and, every four years, an opportunity for the major-party presidential nominees to take a few hours off from the combat and sniping of the campaign trail and poke fun at themselves and each other.

Posted on October 17, 2008 at 11:28 AM ET | Comments (43)

McCain, Letterman Make Amends

John McCain, so pugnacious in his encounters with his Democratic rival, folded like a tent when confronted last night by late-night host David Letterman, whom McCain stood up last month.

Posted on October 17, 2008 at 09:38 AM ET | Comments (56)

After McCain Spoke of Autism, Palin Talks of Down Syndrome

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin shakes the hand of Hank Williams Jr. during a rally at...

Posted on October 16, 2008 at 05:55 PM ET | Comments (35)

McCain Makes the Economy Job One

By Juliet Eilperin GOP presidential candidate John McCain made it clear in last night's debate...

Posted on October 16, 2008 at 05:32 PM ET | Comments (26)

McCain Calls Obama 'Risky' in Spanish

As an RNC unit questions Barack Obama's ability to handle a crisis, the McCain campaign will call the Democratic candidate "risky" in a new Spanish-language television commercial.

Posted on October 16, 2008 at 03:50 PM ET | Comments (17)

McCain Takes a Copter to Letterman

After air traffic delays in Philadelphia threatened to derail his appearance on "The Late Show with David Letterman," McCain hopped a helicopter to Manhattan.

Posted on October 16, 2008 at 03:44 PM ET | Comments (19)

McCain Bundler Accused of War Profiteering

There is more trouble this week for Harry Sargeant, the Florida fundraiser who has been bundling checks for Republican Sen. John McCain.

Posted on October 16, 2008 at 03:26 PM ET | Comments (7)

Post-Debate, McCain Steps Away from Bush as Obama Seeks to Tie Him to President

By Howard Kurtz The McCain Ad: (McCain:) The last eight years haven't worked very...

Posted on October 16, 2008 at 03:01 PM ET | Comments (12)

McCain in Pa.: 'Joe's the Man'

McCain took his debate performance on the road today, talking about "Joe" at a rally here in suburban Philadelphia and repeating some of his best lines from the face-off with Obama last night.

Posted on October 16, 2008 at 01:49 PM ET | Comments (16)

McCain's Conundrum: What More Can He Do?

After Wednesday's debate at Hofstra University, the question for McCain is what more -- or how much more -- he can do to affect the race.

Posted on October 16, 2008 at 01:36 PM ET | Comments (586)

Joe the Plumber: Not a Licensed Plumber

Joe the Plumber is not exactly a plumber and he's "not even close" to making the kind of money that would result in higher taxes from Democrat Barack Obama's proposals.

Posted on October 16, 2008 at 12:34 PM ET | Comments (435)

Obama Lawyer Critical of McCain Cell Phone Tower

"This is John McCain's display of his maverick ethics: He believes he is entitled to free cell service while other Americans have to pay for theirs," said Bob Bauer, general counsel of the Democratic presidential candidate's campaign.

Posted on October 16, 2008 at 09:39 AM ET | Comments (46)

Snap Polls: Obama Wins and Two-Thirds Want No More Debates

Barack Obama completed a three-debate sweep on Wednesday night, according to snap polls by CBS News and CNN.

Posted on October 15, 2008 at 11:53 PM ET | Comments (47)

Joe the Plumber: the Video

Updated 11:32 p.m. By Garance Franke-Ruta Joe Wurzelbacher, an Ohio plumber, confronted Sen. Barack...

Posted on October 15, 2008 at 10:51 PM ET | Comments (25)

Live Fact Checking the Final Presidential Debate

Please join the Fact Checker and Friends for live truth squadding of the second presidential...

Posted on October 15, 2008 at 08:27 PM ET | Comments (8)

In Lead-Up to Debate, McCain Dials Back Personal Attacks

McCain arrived here for his final debate with the knowledge that it could be his last opportunity to change the direction of his losing campaign.

Posted on October 15, 2008 at 06:22 PM ET | Comments (55)

Palin Touts 'Come from Behind' McCain Win in N.H., Though Polls Show He Led

According to several polls leading up to New Hampshire's Jan. 8 primary, McCain consistently led his rivals in the Granite State as the primary neared.

Posted on October 15, 2008 at 03:52 PM ET | Comments (67)

Debate Reformers Disappointed -- for Now

The Open Debate Coalition asked McCain and Obama to adopt the principles of "open debate" but will have to wait for the next cycle to see their reforms enacted.

Posted on October 15, 2008 at 03:07 PM ET | Comments (61)

Obama Responds to Report on Jackson Comments

By Glenn Kessler The Obama campaign responded quickly today to an instant flap over...

Posted on October 15, 2008 at 12:56 PM ET | Comments (30)

More Ayers on Wednesday Night?

Obama is pushing back anew against the "palling around with terrorists" charge -- running two television advertisements and a radio spot in states where the Republican Party has ads noting his association with 1960s radical Bill Ayers.

Posted on October 14, 2008 at 07:15 PM ET | Comments (51)

McCain Plays Down Va. GOP Leader's Remark Linking Obama and bin Laden

Republican presidential nominee John McCain responded this morning to the comments Virginia Republican Party Chairman Jeffrey M. Frederick made over the weekend comparing Democratic nominee Barack Obama to Osama bin Laden.

Posted on October 14, 2008 at 05:50 PM ET | Comments (22)

In Mich., GOP Stalwarts Shore Up the Base

When the McCain campaign abruptly pulled out of Michigan two weeks ago, some Obama aides and top Democrats in the state's congressional delegation dismissed it as a ploy and argued the GOP would be back in the state full-time, big-time. And indeed, since that stunning announcement Oct. 2, it's not as if the Republicans have disappeared.

Posted on October 14, 2008 at 04:18 PM ET | Comments (4)

Outside Groups Step Up Expenditures

Outside groups have not been a huge factor in the presidential campaign to date, but they are still out there making noise.

Posted on October 14, 2008 at 01:25 PM ET | Comments (7)

'Gossip Girl' Stars Featured in New MoveOn Ad

Spoofing antidrug public service announcements that target teens and their risky behavior, the latest commercial from MoveOn.org Political Action stars two actors from the hit CW teen soap opera "Gossip Girl" encouraging parents to just say no to a behavior common to their age group: Voting for John McCain.

Posted on October 14, 2008 at 12:14 PM ET | Comments (7)

McCain Offers Economic Plan

McCain proposed $52 billion worth of tax breaks aimed at reducing the impact of stock market losses on the nation's seniors, providing relief to the unemployed and encouraging savings.

Posted on October 14, 2008 at 12:03 PM ET | Comments (290)

McCain Responds to Conservative Critics

In an interview with CNN this afternoon, Sen. John McCain responded to conservative critics who say he should not be proposing so much government spending to lift the troubled economy.

Posted on October 13, 2008 at 06:32 PM ET | Comments (52)

Hank Williams Jr. Cleans Up His Act for McCain-Palin

Hank Williams Jr. sang an ode to "McCain-Palin tradition" at a rally here today, but the song's original lyrics don't quite mesh with the campaign's family values theme and were altered for the campaign event.

Posted on October 13, 2008 at 04:52 PM ET | Comments (28)

McCain Hiring Paid Canvassers in Florida

In a switch from the GOP strategy in 2004, the McCain campaign is now offering to pay people to do door-to-door canvassing in Florida.

Posted on October 13, 2008 at 04:35 PM ET | Comments (19)

Questioning Obama

Sen. Barack Obama canvasses a neighborhood Oct. 12, 2008, in Holland, Ohio. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)...

Posted on October 13, 2008 at 12:53 PM ET | Comments (490)

In Virginia, McCain Vows an Underdog Fight

Declaring that "nothing is inevitable here," McCain noted that his campaign is 6 points behind Sen. Barack Obama's in the polls, a stark admission as public polls document his slide. But McCain sought to turn his position in the race into a positive, calling himself an underdog and portraying Obama as too certain of victory.

Posted on October 13, 2008 at 12:02 PM ET | Comments (32)

McCain Schedules Return to Letterman Show

Sen. John McCain will be on David Letterman's late-night talk show on Thursday, nearly a month after he canceled an appearance at the last minute.

Posted on October 12, 2008 at 03:32 PM ET | Comments (53)

McCain and Palin Appear to Disagree on North Korea

President Bush's decision to remove North Korea from the State Department's list of the state sponsors of terrorism badly split officials in his administration. Now it appears to have also split a potential McCain-Palin administration.

Posted on October 12, 2008 at 01:23 PM ET | Comments (106)

John Lewis Condemns GOP Campaign Tactics

The Civil Rights-era icon said McCain and Palin's tactics are "sowing the seeds of hatred and division."

Posted on October 11, 2008 at 03:19 PM ET | Comments (532)

Candidate Reaction: North Korea Removed from Terrorism Blacklist

Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama issued statements last night and this morning, respectively, on...

Posted on October 11, 2008 at 01:52 PM ET | Comments (10)

Antiwar Protestor Disrupts McCain Iowa Rally

The interruption prompted a lecture from the Republican presidential nominee on the need for both parties to work together to solve America's problem.

Posted on October 11, 2008 at 01:10 PM ET | Comments (139)

Obama Thanks McCain for Call to Tone Down Rhetoric

By Robert Barnes PHILADELPHIA -- Democrat Barack Obama said today that he appreciated John McCain's...

Posted on October 11, 2008 at 11:18 AM ET | Comments (140)

McCain Asks His Supporters to Be Respectful

McCain responded Friday to the increasingly angry crowds at his rallies and town halls by urging them to be respectful of his rival despite their deep policy differences with the Democratic nominee.

Posted on October 10, 2008 at 06:38 PM ET | Comments (216)

McCain Campaign Calls for Investigation of ACORN-Obama Ties

By Michael D. Shear MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Sen. John McCain on Friday accused his rival...

Posted on October 10, 2008 at 05:23 PM ET | Comments (151)

Bush Still Bullish on McCain

"The president is convinced that John McCain has still time to close up this race," the White House press secretary told reporters aboard Air Force One.

Posted on October 10, 2008 at 04:24 PM ET | Comments (12)

McCain Not Commenting on Stock Fluctuations

McCain's campaign manager said he sees no reason why McCain or his staff should comment regularly on the declining stock market, saying that he doesn't know what they would say.

Posted on October 10, 2008 at 03:37 PM ET | Comments (8)

As McCain Goes Negative, a GOP Senator Makes a Positive Turn

Falling behind in a sheaf of polls amid one of the nastiest campaigns in the country, Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) announced today that he will unilaterally disarm: He will pull his negative advertising and urge his supporters to do the same.

Posted on October 10, 2008 at 03:18 PM ET | Comments (17)

McCain's Risky Turn

McCain's tactics are heading over the line, with no restraint in sight, and threaten to provoke reactions among partisans on both sides that will continue to escalate.

Posted on October 10, 2008 at 02:07 PM ET | Comments (611)

McCain Seeks Reform of 401(k) Rules

McCain proposed that retirees should not be required to cash in the stocks from their retirement accounts when they reach 70-and-a-half years old.

Posted on October 10, 2008 at 12:03 PM ET | Comments (56)

McCain Pushes Guilt-by-Association Tie Between Ayers and Obama

This John McCain ad employs guilt-by-association tactics on two fronts, trying to tie Barack Obama to both the mortgage meltdown and an unsavory character. To say that Obama "lied" about his contacts with Ayers, whose Weathermen group conducted bombings when the senator from Illinois was 8 years old, is simply untrue.

Posted on October 10, 2008 at 11:13 AM ET | Comments (191)

Thursday Night's SNL Special

--> The Post's Tom Shales reviews the special. Above, the 10-minute presidential debate spoof featuring...

Posted on October 10, 2008 at 09:03 AM ET | Comments (4)

McCain Campaign Co-Chair: 'Guy of the Street' Obama Should 'Come Clean' About Past Drug Use

A co-chair of McCain's campaign called Obama "very extreme" on a radio show Thursday and raised the issue of Obama's drug use.

Posted on October 9, 2008 at 07:03 PM ET | Comments (70)

A Gambling Man, But No Winnings to Declare

By Paul Kane and Glenn Kessler Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is on a losing streak....

Posted on October 9, 2008 at 06:57 PM ET | Comments (31)

Obama Ad Questions McCain Mortgage Plan

By Howard Kurtz The Ad: (Narrator:) In a time of crisis, our leaders' judgment...

Posted on October 9, 2008 at 05:13 PM ET | Comments (11)

The Legacy of Character Attacks

At a time when the nation needs inspiration and confidence-building, the two candidates running for president are trying to ensure that whoever ends up winning next month will be seen as unfit by a sizable portion of the population.

Posted on October 9, 2008 at 01:56 PM ET | Comments (339)

The Problems with the Ayers Attack

There are several reasons to believe that it is not the silver bullet that some within the Republican Party believe it to be.

Posted on October 9, 2008 at 01:16 PM ET | Comments (317)

Ending Gridlock? AARP Survey Gets Blank Circles from McCain

McCain campaign declines to answer all of the AARP Magazine's survey questions.

Posted on October 9, 2008 at 12:33 PM ET | Comments (14)

Washington Sketch: Where's the Love?

The Washington Post's Dana Milbank and Akira Hakuta sketch a McCain/Palin campaign event in Bethlehem, Pa.

Posted on October 9, 2008 at 08:52 AM ET | Comments (7)

McCain Keeps Up the Attack in Ohio

By Michael D. Shear STRONGSVILLE, Ohio -- Sen. John McCain mocked his rival as a...

Posted on October 8, 2008 at 06:55 PM ET | Comments (159)

McCain Endorsed by Two Cleveland Browns Players

By Michael D. Shear STRONGSVILLE, Ohio -- Sen. John McCain picked up a pair of...

Posted on October 8, 2008 at 06:22 PM ET | Comments (31)

Cindy McCain Warms Up the Crowd at McCain-Palin Anti-Obama Rally

At the first joint rally held by Palin and McCain in several days, it was Cindy McCain and others who introduced them who delivered the sharpest attacks.

Posted on October 8, 2008 at 05:35 PM ET | Comments (133)

Survey: Culture War Truce on the Horizon

Attitudes about hot-button issues such as abortion, legal recognition of same-sex relationships and the size of government are changing among young people.

Posted on October 8, 2008 at 05:22 PM ET | Comments (54)

Obama Asks Supporters to 'Believe'

By Robert Barnes INDIANAPOLIS -- Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama followed last night's debate with...

Posted on October 8, 2008 at 04:26 PM ET | Comments (90)

For McCain, It's Back to the Ayers Attack

After a brief respite from attacks during the second presidential debate, Sen. John McCain and his Republican allies returned Wednesday to the subject of Bill Ayers.

Posted on October 8, 2008 at 02:01 PM ET | Comments (78)

Facing Stiff Odds, McCain Looks to Rise Again

By Dan Balz NASHVILLE -- It was a late night for John McCain's campaign --...

Posted on October 8, 2008 at 01:53 PM ET | Comments (253)

McCain Adviser Offers Details on Mortgage Plan

John McCain's policy adviser Doug Holtz-Eakin asserted John McCain's new proposal for the government to buy bad mortgages would eventually help lower interest rates, stabilize housing values and perhaps help millions of homeowners avoid foreclosure or obtain more affordable mortgages

Posted on October 8, 2008 at 12:42 PM ET | Comments (53)

Candidate Reaction: Emergency Federal Reserve Rate Cut

Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama issued statements on the emergency Federal Reserve interest rate...

Posted on October 8, 2008 at 09:41 AM ET | Comments (23)

New Anti-McCain Spot Appeals to Veterans

The group VoteVets is launching a toughly worded, $1.3 million ad campaign today, largely targeting veterans in Virginia.

Posted on October 8, 2008 at 08:53 AM ET | Comments (13)

RNC: a 'Trillion' Reasons to Vote Against Obama

The Republican National Committee's independent expenditure unit will spend more than $5.5 million in the next week to air an ad in five battleground states that claims Barack Obama's government spending proposals could cost close to $1 trillion.

Posted on October 8, 2008 at 08:25 AM ET | Comments (12)

McCain Urges More Weapons for Taiwan

By Glenn Kessler Sen. John McCain today issued a statement urging the administration to add...

Posted on October 7, 2008 at 07:14 PM ET | Comments (16)

Can McCain Change the Game?

The political oddsmakers have come to a near unanimous view that, barring unforeseen developments, McCain is on course to lose the election. McCain, therefore, needs an unforeseen development.

Posted on October 7, 2008 at 06:42 PM ET | Comments (131)

McCain and the U.S. Council for World Freedom

When John McCain severed his ties with a group linked to ultra-rightwing death squads in Central America may make a difference considering some of the literature associated with the U.S. Council for World Freedom.

Posted on October 7, 2008 at 06:32 PM ET | Comments (18)

Immigration Ad War Continues in Spanish

McCain and Barack Obama continue to fight over the issue of immigration in only their Spanish language ads.

Posted on October 7, 2008 at 03:05 PM ET | Comments (4)

A Debate About McCain

McCain on the hot seat in tonight's debate.

Posted on October 7, 2008 at 12:42 PM ET | Comments (365)

Ads Point Fingers Over False Advertising

Both presidential candidates are using news organizations and fact-checking groups to accuse each other of airing false advertising, though only John McCain goes so far as to call Barack Obama a liar.

Posted on October 7, 2008 at 10:52 AM ET | Comments (25)

Palin Nixes Nuclear Energy for Iran

Palin breaks with the Bush administration's current policy on Iran's quest for nuclear energy.

Posted on October 6, 2008 at 06:22 PM ET | Comments (47)

McCain Previews Debate Line of Attack

On the eve of the second presidential debate, John McCain offered some of his sharpest rhetoric about Barack Obama, saying there are "essential things we don't know about Senator Obama" or his record.

Posted on October 6, 2008 at 05:22 PM ET | Comments (115)

SEIU Launches New Ad Critical of McCain Health Care Plan

The Service Employees International Union is targeting John McCain's health care plan in a new ad airing in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, suggesting the Republican's plan will mean tax increases for middle income Americans.

Posted on October 6, 2008 at 04:54 PM ET | Comments (37)

Sharp Words from McCain for Obama in N.M.

By Michael Abramowitz ALBUQUERQUE -- Continuing the rapid-fire tit-for-tat of the campaign trail, Sen. John...

Posted on October 6, 2008 at 03:00 PM ET | Comments (54)

Keating Inquiry Appears Different, 17 Years Later

John Dowd misremembers a part of the Keating inquiry.

Posted on October 6, 2008 at 02:29 PM ET | Comments (26)

McCain Lawyers Push Back on Obama Keating Five Charges

In a conference call with reporters this afternoon, John Dowd, the Washington lawyer who represented McCain during the Senate investigation, called the inquiry a "classic political smear job" by the Democrats running the Senate at the time, saying that they only included McCain to make sure that a Republican was among the targets.

Posted on October 6, 2008 at 02:05 PM ET | Comments (212)

FEC Queries McCain Campaign on 'Excessive Contributions'

The FEC sent a letter to McCain's campaign treasurer demanding information about "contributions that appear to exceed the limits."

Posted on October 6, 2008 at 01:11 PM ET | Comments (42)

McCain Spot Asks: 'Who Is Barack Obama?'

This John McCain ad blatantly distorts Barack Obama's words in an effort to paint him as callous about the role of the U.S. military.

Posted on October 6, 2008 at 11:51 AM ET | Comments (51)

Palin: Obama 'Less Than Truthful' About Ayers Association

The McCain campaign is signaling this morning that it is perfectly willing to up the ante in a brawl with Barack Obama over the two candidates' past associations.

Posted on October 6, 2008 at 11:37 AM ET | Comments (121)

Before Character Attacks, a Policy War on the TV

New ads released over the weekend by Barack Obama continued a focus on health care, while John McCain's criticized Obama's record on taxes in perhaps the last gasp of the policy-related ad war that has dominated the airwaves in recent weeks.

Posted on October 6, 2008 at 08:46 AM ET | Comments (47)

Dems: Forget Ayers, Remember Keating

Obama's campaign reminds voters of McCain's connections to the Keating Five savings and loan crisis of the late 1980s and early 1990s, after GOP attacks linking Obama to '60s radical William Ayers.

Posted on October 6, 2008 at 06:10 AM ET | Comments (274)

RNC to File FEC Complaint on Obama Fundraising Practices

A lawyer for the Republican National Committee today said the party will ask the Federal Election Commission to look into the source of thousands of small-dollar contributions to the presidential campaign of Sen. Barack Obama.

Posted on October 5, 2008 at 02:14 PM ET | Comments (345)

McCain Hails Bailout Bill Passage

John McCain this afternoon hailed the House passage of the $700 billion economic rescue plan but described the bill approved by Congress as a "tourniquet, not a permanent solution" to the problems facing the U.S. economy.

Posted on October 3, 2008 at 05:25 PM ET | Comments (17)

McCain Celebrates Sarah and Slams Obama in Colo.

Republican presidential nominee John McCain addresses supporters at a town hall meeting Oct. 3, 2008,...

Posted on October 3, 2008 at 04:50 PM ET | Comments (45)

Obama, in Pa., Rips McCain on Economy

By Perry Bacon Jr. ABINGTON, Pa. -- Barack Obama highlighted a new report showing the...

Posted on October 3, 2008 at 02:57 PM ET | Comments (11)

With Bailout Vote, McCain Voted for Earmarks

By Michael D. Shear Sen. John McCain claims to be an absolutist on earmarks. He...

Posted on October 3, 2008 at 02:01 PM ET | Comments (48)

Attention -- and Scrutiny -- Shifts Back to McCain

Thanks to Sarah Palin's performance, Thursday's vice presidential debate likely shifted the political focus back to John McCain and Barack Obama. That's good and bad news for McCain.

Posted on October 3, 2008 at 12:47 PM ET | Comments (225)

McCain Says Senate Silence Was Act of Bipartisanship

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) says he didn't speak on the Senate floor in favor of the economic rescue plan Wednesday night because he didn't think the Democrats wanted him or his politics there.

Posted on October 3, 2008 at 11:36 AM ET | Comments (59)

Candidate Reaction: September Jobs Report

Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain, reacting rapidly to continued negative economic news, released statements...

Posted on October 3, 2008 at 09:38 AM ET | Comments (3)

McCain Declines to Blame Media for Housing Crisis

"I don't think that the media was responsible for what happened at Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae," said McCain.

Posted on October 2, 2008 at 09:23 PM ET | Comments (13)

McCain Will Watch Palin from Denver's Brown Palace Hotel

John McCain plans to watch the Palin-Biden debate in his room at the Brown Palace Hotel here with some of his aides.

Posted on October 2, 2008 at 07:43 PM ET | Comments (11)

McCain Previews His Own Debate, Coming Tuesday

McCain says Obama would raises taxes, grow the size of government and not work across the aisle.

Posted on October 2, 2008 at 07:19 PM ET | Comments (20)

McCain Pulls Out of Michigan

Internal polling convinced McCain campaign Michigan is a lost cause.

Posted on October 2, 2008 at 03:27 PM ET | Comments (109)

Palin's High Stakes Night

Palin's performance on the stage at Washington University in St. Louis tonight likely will determine the Alaska governor's future.

Posted on October 2, 2008 at 02:22 PM ET | Comments (297)

Georgetown Cocktail Parties, Past and Present

McCain's derisive remarks about Georgetown parties have some Washingtonians say he showing his age.

Posted on October 1, 2008 at 08:12 PM ET | Comments (11)

McCain Revives Immigration Fight in Spanish

The McCain campaign today announced another Spanish-language television commercial blaming Barack Obama for killing immigration reform.

Posted on October 1, 2008 at 06:20 PM ET | Comments (7)

Enviro Group Expands Palin Wolf-Hunting Policy Ad Buy

Capitalizing on the success of its hard-hitting ad questioning Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's support for predator control, a national environmental group is expanding its television buy in time for Thursday night's vice presidential debate.

Posted on October 1, 2008 at 01:32 PM ET | Comments (24)

McCain Stresses Bipartisanship

McCain praised a new spirit of bipartisanship that he said will carry the financial sector rescue package to passage.

Posted on October 1, 2008 at 11:48 AM ET | Comments (12)

A Sarcastic and Combative McCain Greets Iowa Editors

McCain didn't seem to enjoy Tuesday's grilling by the Des Moines Register editorial board.

Posted on October 1, 2008 at 11:01 AM ET | Comments (32)

New RNC Ad Dismisses Bailout as McCain Works for It

A new ad from the Republican National Committee's independent expenditure unit seems to dismiss the economic bailout proposals that John McCain continues to work on.

Posted on September 30, 2008 at 12:11 PM ET | Comments (16)

A Political Meltdown

The meltdown in Washington was no less dramatic than the meltdown on Wall Street -- and it spread across the political spectrum.

Posted on September 30, 2008 at 12:10 PM ET | Comments (109)

McCain Takes to Radio Over Coal and Stem Cells

McCain is running ads challenging Obama's stance on coal plants and ads about stem cell research.

Posted on September 30, 2008 at 11:19 AM ET | Comments (19)

McCain Accuses Press of 'Gotcha Journalism'

John McCain accused the media of "gotcha journalism" in response to a question about whether his running mate had contradicted him on his policy toward Pakistan.

Posted on September 29, 2008 at 08:12 PM ET | Comments (85)

McCain Campaign Blames Obama, Democrats After Bailout Bill Defeat

After bragging today about his role in shaping the economic bailout package, McCain made no statement after the defeat of the bill, in part at the hands of House Republicans.

Posted on September 29, 2008 at 02:26 PM ET | Comments (322)

McCain Pounds Obama Over Response to Financial Market Crisis

Despite having insisted that his announcement last week of a temporary campaign suspension was not political, Sen. John McCain made it clear today that he plans to use his return to Washington, D.C., as campaign fodder in the last five weeks before election day.

Posted on September 29, 2008 at 01:06 PM ET | Comments (106)

Candidate Reaction: Wall Street Bailout Agreement

Both presidential candidates said they were likely to support a Wall Street bailout agreement.

Posted on September 28, 2008 at 11:30 AM ET | Comments (27)

McCain Skips Vote on Spending Bill

After returning to Washington early this morning, McCain missed a pair of votes on a massive spending bill.

Posted on September 27, 2008 at 03:54 PM ET | Comments (48)

Complete Footage: The First Presidential Debate

McCain and Obama debate on the economy and foreign policy in Oxford, Miss.

Posted on September 27, 2008 at 09:28 AM ET | Comments (32)

Questions Linger Over McCain's Role in Stalled Bailout Talks

The objective evidence is that things got worse, not better, in Washington after McCain arrived.

Posted on September 26, 2008 at 11:52 AM ET | Comments (282)

McCain Says Yes to Debate in Miss.

McCain announced in a statement that he is resuming his campaign and will travel to Oxford, Miss., this afternoon to face Obama in a debate.

Posted on September 26, 2008 at 11:35 AM ET | Comments (327)

McCain Spends 90 Minutes on the Hill

McCain shuttled among the offices of Republicans, seeking a deal on an economic rescue plan that would let him depart Washington for tonight's debate with Obama.

Posted on September 26, 2008 at 11:25 AM ET | Comments (29)

Will McCain Join Obama for Debate?

The fate of tonight's presidential debate in Oxford remains up in the air this morning, with no word from the campaign of Sen. John McCain about whether he intends to be there.

Posted on September 26, 2008 at 08:45 AM ET | Comments (93)

McCain Stops at Senate en Route to White House

Sen. John McCain returned to Washington on Thursday after declaring that he has suspended his campaign, but he appeared largely detached from the flurry of negotiations on a $700 billion economic rescue package that appeared to be headed to a successful conclusion.

Posted on September 25, 2008 at 03:53 PM ET | Comments (335)

Financial Crisis Offers a Study in Leadership Styles

Over the course of the past week, it's become clear that there is a significant difference between McCain and Obama in their leadership styles.

Posted on September 25, 2008 at 11:19 AM ET | Comments (308)

McCain Speaks at Clinton Initiative

The morning after declaring he would suspend his presidential campaigning and return to Washington, McCain made one last campaign stop in N.Y.

Posted on September 25, 2008 at 09:27 AM ET | Comments (197)

After McCain Cancels, Letterman Sharpens His Wit

McCain may have bruised the feelings of late-night comedian David Letterman, who ribbed him on his show.

Posted on September 24, 2008 at 09:07 PM ET | Comments (290)

Obama and McCain Issue Joint Statement on the Economy

As agreed upon and promised earlier in the day, rival Sens. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and...

Posted on September 24, 2008 at 08:37 PM ET | Comments (120)

President Bush Calls Obama and McCain

White House spokesman says Bush called Obama and McCain to attend a meeting in Washington on the bailout.

Posted on September 24, 2008 at 08:29 PM ET | Comments (304)

Polls Show Obama Edge on Economy

McCain trails Obama on economic questions across a range of polls.

Posted on September 24, 2008 at 07:03 PM ET | Comments (61)

McCain's Aides Give the Tick Tock

Schmidt and Salter detail how McCain decided to make his campaign suspension announcement.

Posted on September 24, 2008 at 05:05 PM ET | Comments (389)

McCain Calls for Debate Delay to Focus on Financial Crisis

McCain said he would suspend his presidential campaign tomorrow to return to Washington and help reach agreement on a plan to solve the financial crisis on Wall Street.

Posted on September 24, 2008 at 02:58 PM ET | Comments (2165)

Obama Needles McCain Over Wall Street Ties

Obama took a break to swipe at Sen. John McCain over his cozy ties to corporate executives.

Posted on September 24, 2008 at 02:34 PM ET | Comments (46)

McCain's Barbarians at the Gate

For a presidential candidate running against Wall Street greed, Sen. John McCain's selection of titans of finance to discuss the ailing economy with this morning did little to underline his message.

Posted on September 24, 2008 at 01:14 PM ET | Comments (34)

McCain Denies Reid's Claim He Backs Bailout

Sen. John McCain said this morning that he has not assured Democratic leaders of his support for the financial bailout package, disputing comments by Majority Leader Harry Reid that he had.

Posted on September 24, 2008 at 11:39 AM ET | Comments (105)

Post Poll Shows Challenge for McCain

The latest Washington Post-ABC News poll shows how the crisis in the financial sector may be reshaping the presidential race.

Posted on September 24, 2008 at 07:21 AM ET | Comments (469)

McCain: Fiorina a 'Role Model'

McCain praises Carly Fiorina and brushes aside suggestions that she ought to give back her golden parachute.

Posted on September 23, 2008 at 07:36 PM ET | Comments (51)

McCain Lays Out Bailout Principles

McCain said today that "inaction is simply not an option" as Congress considers a bailout plan for Wall Street, but more accountability and transparency is needed.

Posted on September 23, 2008 at 05:24 PM ET | Comments (57)

Seeking to Lower Debate Expectations, McCain Praises Obama's 'Eloquence'

Republican presidential nominee John McCain began playing down expectations for Friday night's first debate.

Posted on September 23, 2008 at 03:30 PM ET | Comments (223)

Mum's Not the Word, Despite McCain Claim

McCain ad saying Obama has not responded to Wall Street crisis is inaccurate and misleading in some respects.

Posted on September 23, 2008 at 11:16 AM ET | Comments (156)

The Media Blackout: Nearly 40 Days and Counting

Democrats are keeping track of how long it's been since the Republican presidential ticket has answered questions from the media.

Posted on September 22, 2008 at 10:00 PM ET | Comments (144)

McCain and Palin Get Their Gear on in Pa.

With Sarah Palin in a red leather jacket and American Chopper dude Paul Teutul on stage, the McCain campaign took on a born-to-be-wild vibe a rally at the courthouse square here.

Posted on September 22, 2008 at 07:25 PM ET | Comments (89)

McCain, Aides to Join Palin at Meetings with World Leaders

Seeking to bolster her foreign policy credentials, GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin will embark Tuesday on a dizzying series of meetings with heads of state who have traveled to New York for the opening ceremony of the United Nation's General Assembly.

Posted on September 22, 2008 at 06:02 PM ET | Comments (269)

Schmidt Hammers the New York Times

Steve Schmidt, the day-to-day operational manager of John McCain's presidential campaign, blasted the New York Times for alleged "advocacy" on behalf of Barack Obama's campaign in a conference call today.

Posted on September 22, 2008 at 02:51 PM ET | Comments (115)

McCain Bemoans Fate of Undocumented Irish in America

McCain said there were "50,000 Irish men and women in this country illegally who want to become citizens'' and that "we have to give them a path to citizenship."

Posted on September 22, 2008 at 02:15 PM ET | Comments (59)

McCain 'Uncomfortable' with Bush Rescue Plan

"Never before in the history of our nation has so much power and money been concentrated in the hands of one person. This arrangement makes me deeply uncomfortable," he said.

Posted on September 22, 2008 at 02:04 PM ET | Comments (165)

New Realities Will Scuttle Campaigns' Best-Laid Plans

The next president will take the oath of office Jan. 20 with hands tied.

Posted on September 22, 2008 at 01:08 PM ET | Comments (225)

McCain Homes in on Obama's Chicago Roots

This John McCain ad is mostly accurate and largely pointless.

Posted on September 22, 2008 at 12:23 PM ET | Comments (169)

Obama Takes On McCain's Health-Care Prescription

Obama takes McCain to task for saying he wants to do to health care what has been done to banking.

Posted on September 22, 2008 at 12:01 PM ET | Comments (46)

Bush Defends Rescue and Praises McCain

President Bush waded at least a little way into the presidential campaign today during remarks at the White House, defending his administration's massive financial rescue plan as benefiting Main Street and offering another endorsement for GOP candidate John McCain.

Posted on September 20, 2008 at 06:35 PM ET | Comments (70)

McCain Got Palin Fundraising Bounce

McCain brought in more than $47 million last month, his campaign tells the FEC.

Posted on September 20, 2008 at 06:17 PM ET | Comments (63)

Candidate Reaction: Bombing in Islamabad

Reaction to the hotel blast in Pakistan.

Posted on September 20, 2008 at 03:38 PM ET | Comments (25)

Women's Group Condemns NOW Endorsement of Obama

A group of Hillary Clinton supporters condemned the National Organization for Women's endorsement of Sens. Barack Obama and Joe Biden earlier this week.

Posted on September 20, 2008 at 12:12 PM ET | Comments (821)

McCain Invokes Chavez in Latest Spanish Attack Ad

By Ed O'Keefe John McCain's newest Spanish-language television commercial calls out Barack Obama for his...

Posted on September 19, 2008 at 04:24 PM ET | Comments (18)

FEC? SEC? McCain Seeks to Emphasize Accountability for Financial Crisis

By Robert Barnes GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Republican presidential nominee John McCain elaborated a bit...

Posted on September 19, 2008 at 12:54 PM ET | Comments (63)

McCain Offers Few Details on Economic Plan

Republican presidential candidate John McCain offered few new details this morning on how he would respond to the crisis in the nation's financial markets, instead renewing his criticism of Democratic rival Barack Obama's ties to former heads of mortgage giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

Posted on September 19, 2008 at 10:08 AM ET | Comments (33)

Obama: McCain Flits Between Goldwater and Kucinich

Obama escalated his criticism of McCain over the economy, saying McCain can't decide what he believes.

Posted on September 18, 2008 at 06:31 PM ET | Comments (410)

Cox Ignores McCain's Criticism

Sen. John McCain's call for the dismissal of SEC Chairman Chris Cox prompted a direct response from Cox, who said in a statement that he intends to ignore the criticism coming from the campaign trail.

Posted on September 18, 2008 at 05:30 PM ET | Comments (40)

McCain: Time to Fire the SEC Chairman

McCain said today that he would fire the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission because of the meltdown on Wall Street.

Posted on September 18, 2008 at 01:45 PM ET | Comments (131)

McCain Slights Spanish Prime Minister

McCain suggested he would continue President Bush's policy of having cool relations with the government of Spain, despite having made starkly contrasting statements to the Spanish press earlier this year.

Posted on September 18, 2008 at 10:12 AM ET | Comments (364)

McCain, Palin Slip into Easy Camaraderie at First Joint Town Hall

By Robert Barnes GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- "John? John?'' Sarah Palin called to John McCain....

Posted on September 17, 2008 at 09:30 PM ET | Comments (401)

Echoes of Gramm by McCain in Michigan

Gramm and McCain have been hewing to a similar line of late when it comes to talking about the state's economy.

Posted on September 17, 2008 at 08:19 PM ET | Comments (58)

Obama Ad: McCain Helps Ship Jobs Overseas

New Obama ad airing in Pennsylvania and other battleground states blames McCain for the loss of hundreds of jobs at a Corning plant in State College, Penn.

Posted on September 17, 2008 at 07:45 PM ET | Comments (37)

Palin Camp Points Fingers After Clinton Cancels Appearance at Iran Protest with Her

Clinton advisers said that the senator did not want to turn the rally, intended to protest Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's appearance at the United Nations, into a political circus by having the two women share the stage.

Posted on September 17, 2008 at 04:46 PM ET | Comments (188)

Aristocrat Who Favored Clinton Endorses McCain

By Matthew Mosk John McCain's election strategy has for weeks involved an aggressive push for...

Posted on September 17, 2008 at 04:15 PM ET | Comments (233)

White House Avoids Standard Assurance About Economy

Following a shift in message by John McCain, the White House today avoided asserting that the fundamentals of the U.S. economy are strong -- a regular talking point for President Bush and his aides.

Posted on September 17, 2008 at 03:47 PM ET | Comments (45)

Obama Lakes Plan Could Help Woo Michigan

The Obama campaign is hoping his proposal Tuesday for a $5 billion Great Lakes restoration program will help some votes flow his way.

Posted on September 17, 2008 at 02:29 PM ET | Comments (19)

McCain's Fundamentals Problem

The political and economic fundamentals of the nation at this time do not favor McCain's candidacy.

Posted on September 17, 2008 at 01:37 PM ET | Comments (655)

Obama Aired More Negative Ads Last Week

Despite perceptions that McCain has spent more time on the attack, Obama aired more negative advertising last week, says a new study.

Posted on September 17, 2008 at 10:12 AM ET | Comments (241)

Obama, McCain Pivot to Economy in New Ads

John McCain and Barack Obama moved quickly to try to frame the debate over the country's economic crisis, releasing new commercials in which the candidates speak directly to voters.

Posted on September 17, 2008 at 09:05 AM ET | Comments (37)

McCain Mocks Obama's Fundraiser with Streisand

For his part, McCain said, "Let me tell you, friends, there's no place I'd rather be than here with the hard-working men and women of Ohio.''

Posted on September 16, 2008 at 05:51 PM ET | Comments (407)

McCain Ad Has a Familiar Ring

McCain's latest ad picks up an Obama turn of phrase.

Posted on September 16, 2008 at 05:44 PM ET | Comments (69)

Immigration Again Focus of McCain -- in Spanish

John McCain continues to pound Obama in Hispanic media, launching a new radio ad in Nevada that the Obama campaign says is full of "lies."

Posted on September 16, 2008 at 05:13 PM ET | Comments (25)

Unions Protest Outside McCain's Va. Condo

A protestor demonstrates outside one of the homes owned by Republican presidential nominee John McCain...

Posted on September 16, 2008 at 04:50 PM ET | Comments (24)

Obama Ridicules McCain's Economic Response

Sen. Barack Obama aves to supporters at a campaign rally at the Colorado School of...

Posted on September 16, 2008 at 03:30 PM ET | Comments (397)

Obama Looks to Regain Momentum

Obama presses McCain on the economy and deregulation while painting him as out of touch.

Posted on September 16, 2008 at 02:30 PM ET | Comments (476)

McCain Blasts Wall Street's 'Reckless Conduct, Corruption, and Unbridled Greed'

McCain responded to the crisis on Wall Street today with a fiery populist speech.

Posted on September 16, 2008 at 01:49 PM ET | Comments (42)

MoveOn Calls Out McCain's 'Friends'

A new 30-second message by the liberal group MoveOn.org targets some of McCain's closest associates.

Posted on September 16, 2008 at 01:37 PM ET | Comments (26)

McCain Didn't Create BlackBerry, Despite Adviser's Claim

John McCain did not invent the BlackBerry, regardless of a top economic adviser's claim early this morning that he did.

Posted on September 16, 2008 at 12:15 PM ET | Comments (218)

McCain Proposes Commission to Study Economy

Sen. John McCain on Tuesday proposed a commission to study the economic crisis along the lines of the one that investigated the Sept. 11 attacks.

Posted on September 16, 2008 at 10:25 AM ET | Comments (44)

Strong Economic Fundamentals? Not in New Obama Ad

By Howard Kurtz The Ad: (Graphics:) Sept. 15, 2008. Lehman Bros. Collapses. Markets in...

Posted on September 16, 2008 at 10:20 AM ET | Comments (492)

McCain Seeks to Recast Commerce Committee Duties

McCain says the Senate Commerce Committee he sits on oversights the economy, but that is the function of the Senate Banking Committee.

Posted on September 16, 2008 at 09:50 AM ET | Comments (20)

Another Swift Boat Vet Bows Out of Obama Attacks

By Matthew Mosk Another veteran of the Swift Boat campaign against John Kerry has indicated...

Posted on September 15, 2008 at 05:37 PM ET | Comments (74)

McCain Revives Immigration Debate -- in Spanish Only

The McCain campaign has started airing a new Spanish-language television commercial in the battleground states of Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico that lays the failure of comprehensive immigration reform at the feet of Barack Obama and his Democratic colleagues -- despite the fact that Obama supported the bipartisan John McCain-Edward Kennedy efforts to enact such reforms and voted for their final proposal last year.

Posted on September 15, 2008 at 04:07 PM ET | Comments (60)

Biden Steps Up Criticism of McCain

Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) speaks at South Lake High School in...

Posted on September 15, 2008 at 02:50 PM ET | Comments (222)

Wall Street Shocks Return Focus to Economy

Financial health of the nation roars back to center stage.

Posted on September 15, 2008 at 01:47 PM ET | Comments (470)

Obama: McCain Not Running an Honorable Campaign

This Barack Obama commercial relies almost entirely on harsh media criticism of John McCain's ads.

Posted on September 15, 2008 at 12:19 PM ET | Comments (315)

McCain: Fundamentals of Economy are 'Strong' but 'Threatened'

Wall Street's economic meltdown prompted sharp exchanges between the presidential campaigns on Monday, as Barack Obama and John McCain sought to appear both tough and empathetic.

Posted on September 15, 2008 at 12:00 PM ET | Comments (237)

Empty Seats Greet McCain at Fla. Rally

Republican presidential nominee John McCain held his first rally without running mate Sarah Palin today, and let's just say there were seats available.

Posted on September 15, 2008 at 11:48 AM ET | Comments (361)

Candidate Reaction: Wall Street Falters

Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain issued statements on the situation in the financial markets this morning.

Posted on September 15, 2008 at 09:41 AM ET | Comments (74)

McCain's Revved-Up Stop in N.H.

By Robert Barnes LOUDON, N.H. -- Sen. John McCain's campaign made sure there was no...

Posted on September 14, 2008 at 03:43 PM ET | Comments (40)

Palin Camp Provides Conflicting Accounts of Iraq Visit

While in Kuwait, Palin made a stop at a border crossing with Iraq, but did not actually visit the country, according to the Boston Globe.

Posted on September 13, 2008 at 01:11 PM ET | Comments (1197)

Woodward: McCain Privately Pessimistic About Iraq in 2007

A new book by The Post's Bob Woodward suggests that John McCain has not always been forthcoming with the public about his views on the Iraq War.

Posted on September 13, 2008 at 11:05 AM ET | Comments (78)

McCain Attacks Obama Over Venezuela

By Glenn Kessler Sen. John McCain today blasted the expulsion of the U.S. ambassador from...

Posted on September 12, 2008 at 06:16 PM ET | Comments (192)

McCain Radio Spot Trumpets Stem Cell Policy Palin Opposed

By Robert Barnes Republican presidential candidate John McCain's campaign today released a radio ad that...

Posted on September 12, 2008 at 06:13 PM ET | Comments (35)

McCain Gets an Earful on 'The View'

McCain says Palin never sought earmarks from Congress as governor of Alaska, even though she asked for about $200 million for projects in her state.

Posted on September 12, 2008 at 02:51 PM ET | Comments (599)

Obama Camp Presses McCain on 'Divorced' Remarks

Obama lays into McCain as an out-of-touch Washington politician in New Hampshire.

Posted on September 12, 2008 at 01:41 PM ET | Comments (351)

McCain Paints Obama as Disrespectful

This John McCain commercial, which contains two significant distortions, is part of a larger effort to rule criticism of his running mate out of bounds and paint her as the victim of unfair attacks from both Democrats and the media.

Posted on September 12, 2008 at 01:27 PM ET | Comments (474)

Change vs. Experience on the NY Tarmac

By Jonathan Weisman NEW YORK -- It was "Change You Can Believe In" versus the...

Posted on September 12, 2008 at 09:38 AM ET | Comments (9)

Campaign Cease-Fire at an End

With the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks over, the campaigns of Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama went back to war this morning.

Posted on September 12, 2008 at 07:26 AM ET | Comments (22)

Palin Endorses Idea McCain Called "Naive"

Comments on cross-border raids come in ABC interview.

Posted on September 11, 2008 at 10:11 PM ET | Comments (216)

McCain and Obama Visit Ground Zero

McCain and Obama put aside their increasingly testy campaign for a day to lay roses in the reflecting pool commemorating the terrorist attacks seven years ago.

Posted on September 11, 2008 at 04:54 PM ET | Comments (86)

Misunderestimating McCain

Has Barack Obama underestimated John McCain?

Posted on September 11, 2008 at 02:28 PM ET | Comments (500)

McCain Marks Sept. 11 in Pa.

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) listens to speakers before placing a wreath at the memorial site...

Posted on September 11, 2008 at 12:26 PM ET | Comments (56)

Huckabee Calls on McCain-Palin to Return to Issues-Based Campaigning

"Let's shift back to the issues," writes the former Arkansas governor in a letter to supporters.

Posted on September 11, 2008 at 09:19 AM ET | Comments (94)

Thanks to McCain-Palin 'Click,' Joint Travel Ahead

Campaign strategists are "seriously considering" the unusual move of keeping Palin and McCain together on the road going forward.

Posted on September 10, 2008 at 06:28 PM ET | Comments (156)

Poll: Palin 'Gets' It

.poll454 { width: 454px; padding: 10px 0; margin: 10px 0; border-top: 1px dotted #CCC;...

Posted on September 10, 2008 at 03:45 PM ET | Comments (253)

McCain-Palin Campaign in Fairfax

The Republican presidential ticket holds its largest campaign rally ever at Van Dyck Park in Fairfax. The Post's Michael D. Shear reports. Video by Ed O'Keefe / washingtonpost.com

Posted on September 10, 2008 at 03:02 PM ET | Comments (37)

The Politics of Polarization

Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) listens as his running mate Alaska Gov. Sarah...

Posted on September 10, 2008 at 02:52 PM ET | Comments (544)

Obama Talks Lipstick and McCain

Obama says the McCain campaign's assault on his "lipstick on a pig" comments amount to a "phony and foolish" diversion.

Posted on September 10, 2008 at 11:23 AM ET | Comments (868)

Palin Camp Takes Umbrage at 'Lipstick on a Pig' Comment

Cries of sexism after Obama says McCain campaign isn't change but "putting lipstick on a pig."

Posted on September 9, 2008 at 08:24 PM ET | Comments (874)

McCain Ads Are Hybrid Vehicles

A loophole in the public financing laws allows McCain to evenly split the cost of his ads with the Republican Party.

Posted on September 9, 2008 at 05:01 PM ET | Comments (60)

Schooling McCain? Obama Goes to Bat Over Education Record

This Obama ad attempts to open a new domestic front against McCain.

Posted on September 9, 2008 at 11:47 AM ET | Comments (63)

Obama to Palin: 'Don't Mock the Constitution'

Obama defends the Constitution in impassioned discussion of terrorism.

Posted on September 8, 2008 at 10:09 PM ET | Comments (891)

Stevens: No 'Bridge to Nowhere' Advocacy by Palin

Stevens told reporters today that Palin was never a supporter of the project.

Posted on September 8, 2008 at 07:09 PM ET | Comments (259)

Claiming the 'Maverick' Brand

John McCain tried to reclaim the "maverick" label, but his record is not as clear as the ad suggests.

Posted on September 8, 2008 at 10:16 AM ET | Comments (153)

Cheney Supports McCain-Palin Ticket

Vice President Cheney loved Sarah Palin's convention speech and says she's up to the job.

Posted on September 8, 2008 at 08:34 AM ET | Comments (172)

Virginia Adds 49K New Voters in August

The August gain puts the Obama campaign on track toward its goal of signing up 150,000 new voters by early October.

Posted on September 6, 2008 at 03:50 PM ET | Comments (175)

Obama and McCain to Make Joint Sept. 11 Visit to Ground Zero

They will visit lower Manhattan on Thursday to mark the seventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

Posted on September 6, 2008 at 12:32 PM ET | Comments (143)

McCain Ad for Florida

The new Republican National Committee-McCain campaign ad signals a renewed battlefield: Florida.

Posted on September 5, 2008 at 05:26 PM ET | Comments (62)

Congress and New Political Minefields

Lawmakers return to the Capitol next week for a quick session in which they and presidential nominees Barack Obama and John McCain will face political traps and minefields.

Posted on September 5, 2008 at 03:55 PM ET | Comments (13)

BlackBerry Blogging from Inside the Convention Hall

Live coverage from the staff of The Washington Post and washingtonpost.com.

Posted on September 4, 2008 at 10:04 PM ET | Comments (28)

McCain Spokesman Defends Palin, Previews McCain Speech

Excerpts from The Post's live television show.

Posted on September 4, 2008 at 09:24 PM ET | Comments (25)

McCain Prepares for RNC Speech

John McCain's campaign has released limited advance excerpts from his remarks tonight to the Republican National Convention in St. Paul.

Posted on September 4, 2008 at 07:42 PM ET | Comments (11)

Romney: McCain Still Outside the Conservative Mainstream

In an interview this afternoon, the one-time McCain rival said he stands by his assessment of McCain's conservative credentials.

Posted on September 4, 2008 at 07:05 PM ET | Comments (17)

Path to the Nomination: John McCain

A quick recap of how the GOP candidate earned his party's presidential nomination.

Posted on September 4, 2008 at 11:20 AM ET | Comments (32)

Ticket is Good, Says Dole, but That Crossword Puzzle...

Praises McCain-Palin ticket but has concerns about Post crossword puzzle.

Posted on September 3, 2008 at 09:23 PM ET | Comments (3)

At Long Last, Thompson's Moment to Shine

Where was last night's Fred Thompson when he was running for president?

Posted on September 3, 2008 at 03:09 PM ET | Comments (31)

Republican Women Turn to the Gender Card

Female Republicans embraced identity politics with gusto today, defending Sarah Palin's experience against "sexist" attacks.

Posted on September 3, 2008 at 02:52 PM ET | Comments (335)

McCain Ad Contrasts Palin and Obama

By Ed O'Keefe ST. PAUL -- In a conversation with Washington Post reporters, editors...

Posted on September 3, 2008 at 02:32 PM ET | Comments (51)

Biden Takes On 'Red October' Thompson

Biden takes on Fred Thompson, the day after his speech to the Republican National Convention.

Posted on September 3, 2008 at 02:00 PM ET | Comments (66)

The McCain-Palin Bunch Greet McCain at Airport

Not only were Cindy McCain and all seven McCain children waiting at the bottom of the stairs, so was the family of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and her intended new son-in-law.

Posted on September 3, 2008 at 01:43 PM ET | Comments (38)

Bush Believes Pregnancy Is a 'Private Family Matter'

White House press secretary Dana Perino said today that President Bush believes the pregnancy of Sarah Palin's 17-year-old daughter is a "private family matter."

Posted on September 2, 2008 at 04:02 PM ET | Comments (34)

Palin Asks for Prayers That War Be "Task That Is From God"

Palin gave free-form commencement address in June to students at the Wasilla Assembly of God.

Posted on September 2, 2008 at 03:57 PM ET | Comments (69)

McCain Touts Confidence in Palin Pick

Sen. John McCain is going out of his way today to express confidence in Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

Posted on September 2, 2008 at 03:42 PM ET | Comments (203)

McCain: Palin Vetting Was "Thorough"

McCain weighs in briefly on the question of whether his running mate pick was adequately vetted.

Posted on September 2, 2008 at 11:44 AM ET | Comments (383)

Palin Emphasizes Reform While Quiet on Obama

McCain and Palin are campaigning as mavericks on a change platform.

Posted on September 1, 2008 at 07:46 PM ET | Comments (85)

McCain Raises Record $47 Million, Thanks to Palin

The presumptive Republican nominee has raised $10 million since selecting Palin as his running mate.

Posted on September 1, 2008 at 05:07 PM ET | Comments (69)

GOP Rallying the Rascals in Mo.

Romney and Huckabee stump with McCain and Palin in the home of the River City Rascals.

Posted on August 31, 2008 at 08:03 PM ET | Comments (27)

St. Paul Party Will Become Gulf Coast Fundraiser

GOP convention planners are scrambling to convert festive political parties into charity fundraisers ahead of Hurricane Gustav's landfall.

Posted on August 31, 2008 at 06:18 PM ET | Comments (17)

Palin's Sojourn as a Sportscaster

Online freelancers dig up video and facts about Sarah Palin.

Posted on August 31, 2008 at 11:21 AM ET | Comments (111)

Gustav May Blow RNC Off Course

McCain raises prospect of altering convention plans if hurricane batters the Gulf Coast.

Posted on August 30, 2008 at 05:13 PM ET | Comments (42)

McCain Gets $7 Million Bounce from Palin Pick

The flood of money comes just before McCain enters the public financing system.

Posted on August 30, 2008 at 02:55 PM ET | Comments (448)

Palin Thanks Her Online Supporters as Interest Grows

Palin's online backers are thrilled by her selection as McCain's running mate.

Posted on August 30, 2008 at 12:20 PM ET | Comments (158)

Bush Praises McCain's 'Exciting Decision'

President calls her "a proven reformer" and "champion of accountability in government."

Posted on August 29, 2008 at 02:38 PM ET | Comments (64)

McCain Picks Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin

Republican presumptive presidential nominee John McCain announces that he has chosen first-term Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate.

Posted on August 29, 2008 at 02:01 PM ET | Comments (25)

Ha! Say the Online Hillary Supporters

By Krissah Williams Thompson The HillBloggers -- stalwart online supporters of Sen. Hillary Clinton --...

Posted on August 29, 2008 at 12:50 PM ET | Comments (1025)

A Wave for McCain in Dayton

By Robert Barnes DAYTON, Ohio -- McCain supporters took seriously that their rally today was...

Posted on August 29, 2008 at 12:37 PM ET | Comments (8)

Palin Pick Leaves Bruised Feelings

By Anne E. Kornblut DENVER -- Though it was high in shock value, the Palin...

Posted on August 29, 2008 at 12:33 PM ET | Comments (635)

Portman Mocks Obama at McCain Rally

By Robert Barnes The Nutter Center at Wright State University is full for Sen. John...

Posted on August 29, 2008 at 12:29 PM ET | Comments (15)

McCain in Feb.: Gender Not a Factor in VP Choice

By Glenn Kessler Six months ago, Sen. John McCain insisted that he would not choose...

Posted on August 29, 2008 at 12:26 PM ET | Comments (8)

McCain Picks Palin

John McCain has selected Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his vice presidential running mate.

Posted on August 29, 2008 at 10:55 AM ET | Comments (49)

Veepstakes Gone Wild--A GOP Dark Horse?

By Robert Barnes DAYTON, Ohio -- John McCain stayed out of Barack Obama's way last...

Posted on August 29, 2008 at 08:41 AM ET | Comments (95)

Pawlenty: 'I Will Not Be in Dayton'

With speculation reaching fever pitch, and McCain's vice presidential announcement imminent, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty all but confirms it will not be him.

Posted on August 29, 2008 at 08:07 AM ET | Comments (46)

McCain Campaign's Instant Response

By Michael D. Shear Within seconds of Barack Obama's final word, Sen. John McCain's campaign...

Posted on August 28, 2008 at 11:15 PM ET | Comments (110)

McCain Stadium Rally Has Tickets to Spare

By Robert Barnes DAYTON, Ohio -- While Obamaniacs competed for tickets and withstood long lines...

Posted on August 28, 2008 at 08:49 PM ET | Comments (75)

McCain Veep Watchers on High Alert

Speculation about who Sen. John McCain will pick as his vice presidential running mate reached a fever pitch today as all signs pointed to an answer within hours.

Posted on August 28, 2008 at 01:40 PM ET | Comments (286)

McCain to Release New Ad as Obama is Speaking

Campaign says the ad will be a "historic" one.

Posted on August 28, 2008 at 12:16 PM ET | Comments (29)

Republicans Finish Their Platform Work

Republicans adopted a slimmed down, conservative-leaning platform last night in a unanimous vote.

Posted on August 27, 2008 at 10:18 PM ET | Comments (16)

Did Daddy Yankee Offer To Endorse Obama?

Democratic Party sources say yes. Daddy Yankee's camp says no.

Posted on August 27, 2008 at 06:02 PM ET | Comments (15)

Giuliani Steps Up the "Not Ready" Talk

Standing in front of a huge banner that read "A Mile High, An Inch Deep" and "Not Ready '08," Giuliani questioned Obama's credentials.

Posted on August 27, 2008 at 05:52 PM ET | Comments (6)

British Foreign Secretary Derides Russia Policy Backed by McCain

The top diplomat of one of the U.S.'s closest allies said kicking Russia out of the G8 was a "knee-jerk" idea.

Posted on August 27, 2008 at 04:20 PM ET | Comments (23)

Turning Bush-McCain Hug into an Icon

Democrats to fund billboards showing McCain and Bush in a hearty embrace.

Posted on August 27, 2008 at 03:22 PM ET | Comments (106)

McCain Attack Ad Makes an Issue of Iran

The ad continues McCain's assault on Obama's foreign policy credentials.

Posted on August 27, 2008 at 01:27 PM ET | Comments (29)

In a First, Draft GOP Platform Credits Human Role in Global Warming

By Juliet Eilperin Republicans started making the final changes to their party platform today in...

Posted on August 26, 2008 at 09:49 PM ET | Comments (7)

Romney Confronts His Own Criticisms of McCain

By Michael D. Shear PHOENIX -- Is Mitt Romney ready to debate Joe Biden? That...

Posted on August 26, 2008 at 09:27 PM ET | Comments (5)

McCain, at American Legion, Questions Obama's View of America

McCain said Obama has failed to challenge world criticism which sows doubts about America's greatness.

Posted on August 26, 2008 at 04:43 PM ET | Comments (72)

McCain Holds Celeb-Packed Fundraiser

McCain rubbed elbows with a chorus of television and movie stars at a fundraiser in the heart of Hollywood Monday night.

Posted on August 26, 2008 at 01:04 PM ET | Comments (37)

McCain and Jay Leno Joke About His Age

"My social security number is eight," McCain joked on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

Posted on August 25, 2008 at 08:30 PM ET | Comments (190)

Cindy McCain Heading to Republic of Georgia

She is visiting as part of the World Food Program.

Posted on August 25, 2008 at 04:02 PM ET | Comments (50)

Lamont Says Lieberman Should Get "Gold Medal for Political Gymnastics"

Lamont expressed amazement that his former opponent was being seriously considered as McCain's running mate.

Posted on August 25, 2008 at 02:06 PM ET | Comments (9)

Gasolina! Daddy Yankee Endorses McCain

Daddy Yankee, one of the country's top Latino music stars, backs the Arizona senator.

Posted on August 25, 2008 at 12:49 PM ET | Comments (152)

A Ballgame and a Slow Day for McCain

McCain takes in a Diamondbacks game.

Posted on August 24, 2008 at 07:25 PM ET | Comments (61)

McCain Tries to Rile Up Clinton Voters Against Obama

By Michael D. Shear SEDONA, Ariz. -- A new television ad by Sen. John...

Posted on August 23, 2008 at 10:00 PM ET | Comments (450)

Biden and McCain, Rivals Again

By Michael D. Shear, Paul Kane and Jonathan Weisman By selecting Sen. Joe Biden as...

Posted on August 23, 2008 at 05:18 PM ET | Comments (63)

McCain Campaign Takes Aim at Obama-Biden

By Michael D. Shear SEDONA, Ariz. -- Sen. John McCain immediately began using Joe Biden's...

Posted on August 23, 2008 at 07:45 AM ET | Comments (507)

McCain Tries to Raise Expectations for Obama

Sen. John McCain is predicting that the Democratic convention will produce a huge bump for his rival, Sen. Barack Obama.

Posted on August 22, 2008 at 03:13 PM ET | Comments (142)

For McCain, a Cappuccino Run with the Entourage

A six-car caravan makes a trip to Starbucks.

Posted on August 22, 2008 at 01:23 PM ET | Comments (76)

And How Many Houses Do You Have?

DNC pounds McCain for forgetting how many houses he has.

Posted on August 22, 2008 at 06:49 AM ET | Comments (78)

McCain Targets Obama's Glass House

John McCain ad attempts to drag back into the news Obama's dealings with a corrupt fundraiser.

Posted on August 21, 2008 at 07:55 PM ET | Comments (114)

McCain's Denver Headquarters Evacuated

A worker opened an envelope and discovered white powder, along with a threatening message.

Posted on August 21, 2008 at 06:42 PM ET | Comments (49)

Club for Growth Displeased by GOP Convention Lineup

The Club for Growth is not satisfied with the lineup of GOP convention speakers announced yesterday.

Posted on August 21, 2008 at 03:47 PM ET | Comments (12)

Convention Spotlights Battle for the Intermountain West

Rapid growth and demographic upheaval have put a region once considered reliably Republican in presidential races in play.

Posted on August 21, 2008 at 02:06 PM ET | Comments (16)

McCain Spokesman's Retort: Obama Lives in "a Frickin' Mansion"

Pressed on growing controversy over McCain's comment on not knowing how many houses he has, McCain's spokesman loses his cool.

Posted on August 21, 2008 at 01:15 PM ET | Comments (881)

Obama Paints McCain as Wealthy and Clueless

New Obama spot slams the Arizona senator for not knowing how many houses he owns.

Posted on August 21, 2008 at 12:24 PM ET | Comments (147)

Obama Jumps on McCain House Comment

"If you don't know how many houses you have, then it's not surprising that you might think the economy is fundamentally strong," says Obama.

Posted on August 21, 2008 at 11:37 AM ET | Comments (655)

Dems Pounce on McCain Admission He Doesn't Know How Many Houses He Owns

Democrats immediately seized on his comments as evidence that the Republican nominee is out of touch with the economic plight of most Americans.

Posted on August 21, 2008 at 10:10 AM ET | Comments (339)

RNC Victory Fund Donors Stay Cloaked

The public will have to wait until two weeks before Election Day to learn the identities of the large donors who are ponying up as much as $70,000 to support McCain's presidential bid.

Posted on August 20, 2008 at 06:48 PM ET | Comments (20)

Ingraham Implores McCain to Skip Pro-Choice VP Pick

John McCain remains on the defensive about rumors he will pick a running mate who supports abortion rights, only days after a strong performance at a forum on values issues had reassured social conservative voters.

Posted on August 20, 2008 at 03:06 PM ET | Comments (22)

In N.M., McCain Again Slams "Testy" Obama on the War

McCain continued to blast the senator from Illinois's judgment on the war.

Posted on August 20, 2008 at 02:54 PM ET | Comments (79)

Taxes and Spending at Issue in Clash of Negative Ads

Obama and McCain trade accusations over who would increase the deficit more and be better on tax relief.

Posted on August 20, 2008 at 12:53 PM ET | Comments (46)

Lieberman to Speak at GOP Convention

The speech will cap Lieberman's political transformation over the past eight years.

Posted on August 20, 2008 at 12:20 PM ET | Comments (146)

DNC Pushes FEC on McCain Loans

Updated 1:29 p.m. By Matthew Mosk The Democratic National Committee is preparing a vigorous legal...

Posted on August 20, 2008 at 10:14 AM ET | Comments (32)

McCain Has His Oil Rig Moment

Touts support for offshore drilling in Gulf of Mexico appearance.

Posted on August 19, 2008 at 04:06 PM ET | Comments (69)

A Clash of Seismic Proportions

Obama and McCain clash over the war in Iraq at VFW forum highlights conflict to come.

Posted on August 19, 2008 at 01:57 PM ET | Comments (232)

McCain Drills His Message Home

McCain to demonstrate his support for offshore drilling at a Gulf Coast campaign stop.

Posted on August 18, 2008 at 11:07 PM ET | Comments (35)

Reed Doesn't Show at McCain Benefit He'd Help Publicize

Reed had sent an e-mail last week encouraging allies to join him at fundraiser for John McCain here, but tonight he did not attend himself.

Posted on August 18, 2008 at 10:55 PM ET | Comments (21)

McCain Will Share "Tonight Show" Stage with Torres

NBC announced today that McCain would be a guest on Jay Leno's show on Monday night, the first night of Obama's big show.

Posted on August 18, 2008 at 04:46 PM ET | Comments (24)

Candidates React to Musharraf Resignation

Obama, McCain react to change in Pakistan's leadership.

Posted on August 18, 2008 at 02:11 PM ET | Comments (2)

A Kerfuffle Over the "Cone of Silence"

Campaign manager Rick Davis sends a blistering letter to NBC News objecting to an Andrea Mitchell report on the Saddleback forum.

Posted on August 18, 2008 at 12:13 PM ET | Comments (199)

McCain VFW Speech Hits Obama's Iraq War Judgment

"The surge has succeeded and yet Senator Obama still cannot quite bring himself to admit his own failure in judgment," McCain a crowd of several thousand attending the annual convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Posted on August 18, 2008 at 11:24 AM ET | Comments (42)

Lindsey Graham, Olive Garden Fan

Along with his wife and some top aides, John McCain and his campaign road pals, Joe Lieberman and Lindsey Graham, ate dinner at the Olive Garden here last night, a day before McCain was to speak to at the conference of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Posted on August 18, 2008 at 10:48 AM ET | Comments (14)

Rick Warren in the Spotlight

By Perry Bacon Jr. LAKE FOREST, Calif. -- It was the Rick Warren show. Referred...

Posted on August 17, 2008 at 10:37 AM ET | Comments (143)

McCain Corsi Quip Irks Obama Camp

Approached by a reporter at an event and asked about Corsi's book, McCain replied: "Gotta keep your sense of humor."

Posted on August 15, 2008 at 06:21 PM ET | Comments (243)

T. Boone Pickens, Popular Man

T. Boone Pickens, the oilman turned environmental crusader, today met with Republican presidential nominee John McCain and was the featured guest on a conference call with Senate Majority Leader Harry S. Reid.

Posted on August 15, 2008 at 05:54 PM ET | Comments (15)

Buckeye State Ad Battle

McCain and Obama release dueling ads over Ohio DHL deal.

Posted on August 15, 2008 at 05:00 PM ET | Comments (8)

Candidates Face Three Critical Weeks

By Dan Balz Barack Obama returns to action Saturday after a week's vacation for a...

Posted on August 15, 2008 at 01:12 PM ET | Comments (86)

The Price of Gas in Aspen

John McCain learns that gas is no longer $4 in Aspen -- it's $5.10.

Posted on August 15, 2008 at 12:25 PM ET | Comments (9)

McCain's July Haul: $27 Million

McCain finished July with about $21 million in the bank, after raising $27 million.

Posted on August 15, 2008 at 10:40 AM ET | Comments (45)

McCain Ad Slams Obama Tax Plan as "Economic Disaster"

By Jonathan Weisman Just a day after Sen. Barack Obama put the finishing touches...

Posted on August 15, 2008 at 09:59 AM ET | Comments (92)

Straight Talk Express's Limited Engagement

By Robert Barnes ASPEN, Colo. -- For a time today, the Straight Talk Express returned,...

Posted on August 14, 2008 at 11:59 PM ET | Comments (42)

McCain Strategist Predicts Close Va. Race

McCain political director says Virginia should no longer be considered a Republican stronghold.

Posted on August 14, 2008 at 07:22 PM ET | Comments (51)

Phil Gramm Returns to McCain Fold

Former Sen. Phil Gramm, the lawmaker-turned-lobbyist who was unceremoniously sent to the cooler by his friend, Sen. John McCain for saying that the recession was "mental," appeared in Aspen with the GOP nominee today.

Posted on August 14, 2008 at 07:04 PM ET | Comments (17)

FEC Staff Says McCain Bank Loans Legal

Staff attorneys for the Federal Election Commission have recommended that the commissioners accept Sen. John McCain's position that he was legally entitled to withdraw from public matching funds during the primary.

Posted on August 14, 2008 at 05:07 PM ET | Comments (21)

"Left Behind" Authors: Obama Not Antichrist

By Michelle Boorstein This may be a first for a presidential campaign: A debate about...

Posted on August 14, 2008 at 04:28 PM ET | Comments (37)

Obama Tops in Donations from Troops

Report says that Obama received nearly six times as much money from troops deployed overseas as McCain.

Posted on August 14, 2008 at 02:54 PM ET | Comments (257)

Eastwood Makes McCain's Day

Legendary tough guys John McCain and Clint Eastwood got together Wednesday night when they discovered they were staying in the same hotel in Birmingham, Mich., a suburb of Detroit.

Posted on August 14, 2008 at 01:12 PM ET | Comments (10)

Clinton Press Aide Hired by Obama Backer

Jamie Smith is becoming the communications director for Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.V.).

Posted on August 14, 2008 at 01:03 PM ET | Comments (3)

McCain Rules Out Military Action Against Russia

With the man he pops as presumptuous taking R&R in Hawaii this week, McCain did all he could this week to look like President McCain, emphasizing his experience and foreign policy expertise.

Posted on August 14, 2008 at 12:56 PM ET | Comments (29)

Powell Still Undecided, Won't Attend Dem Convention

Former secretary of state throws cold water on speculation that he would attend Denver confab and also endorse Obama.

Posted on August 13, 2008 at 06:15 PM ET | Comments (88)

Cindy McCain Treated for Wrist Sprain

McCain staff said the visit was for an injured wrist, after an enthusiastic supporter shook her hand too hard.

Posted on August 13, 2008 at 04:05 PM ET | Comments (50)

Praising Autoworkers, McCain Reaches Out to "Swing State" of Michigan

Sen. John McCain resumed his tour of the contested Midwest today with fundraisers and a tour of a defense contractor outside Detroit.

Posted on August 13, 2008 at 03:27 PM ET | Comments (14)

McCain's Reed Fundraiser Takes Him Full Circle

John McCain to hold a fundraiser with Ralph Reed, whose career his investigations helped undo.

Posted on August 12, 2008 at 03:58 PM ET | Comments (43)

McCain to Georgian President: "Today, We Are All Georgians"

McCain offers Saakashvili the support of the American people.

Posted on August 12, 2008 at 02:24 PM ET | Comments (170)

Mark Penn's Playbook for McCain

If John McCain's campaign were looking for strategic advice for the fall campaign against Barack Obama, they could click on the Atlantic Monthly's web site.

Posted on August 12, 2008 at 02:02 PM ET | Comments (151)

McCain Pa. Tour Skips Iconic Three Mile Island, Harley Plant

Logistics work against John McCain's message in Pennsylvania.

Posted on August 12, 2008 at 11:46 AM ET | Comments (41)

Vote by Vote, Obama Works to Boost Va. Turnout

The Va. Obama campaign is aiming to register 150,000 voters in the state, on top of the roughly 142,000 new voters who registered in 2008 by the end of primary season.

Posted on August 11, 2008 at 04:57 PM ET | Comments (139)

McCain Campaigns with Ridge as VP Speculation Intensifies

McCain stumps in Pennsylvania with Tom Ridge.

Posted on August 11, 2008 at 02:06 PM ET | Comments (53)

McCain: NATO Should Address "Russian Aggression"

John McCain continues tough talk about Russia.

Posted on August 11, 2008 at 11:21 AM ET | Comments (9)

For McCain, There's Never a Down Moment

By Michael D. Shear ABOARD THE McCAIN PLANE -- As his rival headed to Hawaii...

Posted on August 9, 2008 at 12:01 AM ET | Comments (41)

Liberals Ask Justice to Probe McCain Bundler

By Matthew Mosk MoveOn.Org and an arm of the independent political group Public Campaign Action...

Posted on August 8, 2008 at 03:57 PM ET | Comments (8)

McCain Takes on Pork in Iowa

A day at the Iowa state fair.

Posted on August 8, 2008 at 03:16 PM ET | Comments (9)

New McCain Ad Hits Obama on Celebrity, Taxes

New spot makes questionable claims on tax hikes.

Posted on August 8, 2008 at 12:39 PM ET | Comments (51)

Cheney to Speak at Republican Convention

Cheney to speak at Republican Convention

Posted on August 8, 2008 at 11:44 AM ET | Comments (9)

McCain Calls for Russia to Pull Out of Georgia

McCain comments on the Russia-Georgia situation.

Posted on August 8, 2008 at 11:11 AM ET | Comments (8)

McCain Will Review Donations From Fla. Bundler

Campaign will seek info from all donors who gave through Harry Sargeant

Posted on August 7, 2008 at 06:09 PM ET | Comments (3)

Ads Debate Whether McCain is a Maverick

Duieling web ads take on the topic of whether McCain is a maverick.

Posted on August 7, 2008 at 03:28 PM ET | Comments (4)

Report: Exxon Execs Gave More to Obama

Center for Responsive Politics report outlines giving ffrom oil industry.

Posted on August 7, 2008 at 03:27 PM ET | Comments (4)

More Questions About a McCain Bundler

A new question has surfaced this morning surrounding the bundling activity of Harry Sargeant, the Florida Republican who has raised more than $500,000 for the presidential campaign of Sen. John McCain.

Posted on August 7, 2008 at 12:20 PM ET | Comments (2)

McCain Takes Merger Issue Head On

Heads to Ohio town that could be hit hard by job losses from DHL-Airborne Express merger that his campaign manager helped facilitate.

Posted on August 7, 2008 at 11:38 AM ET | Comments (4)

MoveOn Hits McCain No-Shows

Web spot mocks presumptive GOP nominee for calling on Congress to return despite his absenteeism.

Posted on August 6, 2008 at 07:16 PM ET | Comments (1013)

McCain Visits Thundering Herd

Talks football and leadership at Marshall University

Posted on August 6, 2008 at 07:05 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Touts Expanded Nuclear Power

Republican takes battle over energy to Michigan plant.

Posted on August 5, 2008 at 10:35 AM ET | Comments (8)

Left Keeps Hammering McCain Oil Ties

By Matthew Mosk Left-leaning interest groups, the Democratic National Committee and the campaign of Democrat...

Posted on August 4, 2008 at 04:00 PM ET | Comments (122)

McCain's Country Music Extravaganza

McCain is feted at a country music concert in Florida.

Posted on August 1, 2008 at 07:45 PM ET | Comments (184)

McCain Web Ad Mocks Obama as 'The One'

Openly mocking Obama as having a Messiah complex, McCain launched a new online attack ad today.

Posted on August 1, 2008 at 03:32 PM ET | Comments (239)

McCain's Race Comments an Issue at Urban League

By Juliet Eilperin ORLANDO, Fla. -- A day after he accused Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.)...

Posted on August 1, 2008 at 01:47 PM ET | Comments (240)

McCain Defends 'Celeb' Ad

"We're proud of that commercial," McCain said today.

Posted on July 31, 2008 at 02:18 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Camp: 'Obama Has Played the Race Card'

John McCain's campaign manager accuses Obama of "shameful" and "divisive" conduct.

Posted on July 31, 2008 at 12:42 PM ET | Comments (1366)

Enviros Tag-Team with MoveOn to Attack McCain over Big Oil

The Sierra Club has teamed up with MoveOn to attack John McCain on oil drilling today.

Posted on July 31, 2008 at 12:01 PM ET | Comments (0)

What Obama Electricity Tax?

Both McCain and Obama would make electricity derived from fossil fuels more expensive.

Posted on July 30, 2008 at 06:32 PM ET | Comments (41)

McCain Campaign: Stevens Indictment Showcases Washington Corruption

By Juliet Eilperin KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has yet to comment...

Posted on July 30, 2008 at 05:07 PM ET | Comments (11)

Biopsy Result: McCain's Spot Not Cancer

The biopsy of a spot removed from Sen. John McCain's right cheek was negative.

Posted on July 29, 2008 at 07:28 PM ET | Comments (18)

At Town Hall in Sparks, Questions Run the Gamut

Sen. John McCain gave an introductory speech that touched on half a dozen themes.

Posted on July 29, 2008 at 02:31 PM ET | Comments (40)

McCain Outlines Vice Presidential Selection Philosophy

By Robert Barnes BAKERSFIELD, Ca. -- Sen. John McCain's choice of a running mate appears...

Posted on July 28, 2008 at 06:14 PM ET | Comments (21)

Obama and O'Neill, Mutual Fans

By Jonathan Weisman Former Treasury secretary Paul H. O'Neill may have shown up to Sen....

Posted on July 28, 2008 at 06:03 PM ET | Comments (6)

At Inland Oil Field, McCain Again Offers Support for Offshore Drilling

By Robert Barnes BAKERSFIELD, Ca. -- Sen. John McCain today dramatized his support for offshore...

Posted on July 28, 2008 at 04:40 PM ET | Comments (46)

McCain Continues Attack Over Canceled Obama Hospital Visit

By Michael D. Shear Sen. John McCain and his surrogates continued to press their attack...

Posted on July 28, 2008 at 04:35 PM ET | Comments (159)

McCain's Doctor Removes 'Spot'

Sen. John McCain was sporting a small bandage near his right temple this morning, following the removal of what a campaign aide called a "spot" on his face.

Posted on July 28, 2008 at 02:13 PM ET | Comments (150)

McCain Supports Ariz. Proposal to Ban Affirmative Action

In an interview with ABC, Sen. John McCain said he supports a proposed ban on affirmative action in Arizona.

Posted on July 27, 2008 at 07:47 PM ET | Comments (62)

McCain Again Slams Obama for 'Surge' Opposition

John McCain sharply rebukes Barack Obama over Iraq war policies, saying Obama has failed the test to be commander in chief.

Posted on July 25, 2008 at 03:27 PM ET | Comments (0)

The Fittest of Them All

Arizona Senator John S. McCain and cycling champ Lance Armstrong talk about surviving cancer, staying fit.

Posted on July 25, 2008 at 05:26 AM ET | Comments (0)

As Obama Visits Germany, McCain Visits German Restaurant

By Michael D. Shear Sen. Barack Obama was in Berlin today, for a lofty...

Posted on July 24, 2008 at 05:44 PM ET | Comments (66)

McCain Won't Back Down on Obama Critique

By Robert Barnes Sen. John McCain today refused to apologize for recent comments -- now...

Posted on July 24, 2008 at 05:22 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain to Meet with Dalai Lama

Sen. John McCain will have his own international summit -- of a sort -- tomorrow when he meets with the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.

Posted on July 24, 2008 at 01:36 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain and the Safety of Offshore Drilling

McCain says Hurricanes Katrina and Rita didn't cause spillage. But the spills were large enough to be seen from space.

Posted on July 23, 2008 at 04:21 PM ET | Comments (65)

McCain's Interview on CBS

CBS airs McCain comments out of sequence.

Posted on July 23, 2008 at 03:37 PM ET | Comments (129)

McCain Celebrates His 'JV' Press Pack

Upon arrival in Pittson, Penn., Tuesday night, McCain aides issued faux press credentials for the "junior varsity" press corps covering the Arizona senator.

Posted on July 22, 2008 at 10:39 PM ET | Comments (51)

McCain Touts Iraq Successes, Hits Obama

Presumptive GOP nominee presses Iraq "success" story while campaigning in New Hampshire.

Posted on July 22, 2008 at 01:35 PM ET | Comments (131)

McCain: Obama 'Completely Wrong' on Iraq

McCain hammered his Democratic rival's foreign policy judgment during a visit to former President George H. W. Bush.

Posted on July 21, 2008 at 06:13 PM ET | Comments (0)

Obama, McCain Plan Joint Appearance at Rick Warren's Church

The event will be their first joint campaign appearance.

Posted on July 21, 2008 at 11:30 AM ET | Comments (41)

McCain Outspent Obama in June

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain outspent Democratic rival Barack Obama in June, even though Obama took in considerably more money than McCain that month.

Posted on July 21, 2008 at 08:07 AM ET | Comments (15)

McCain Takes on the 'Cable Monster' and an 'Extreme' Obama

As the general election gets into full swing, John McCain is becoming increasingly adept at name calling.

Posted on July 19, 2008 at 10:44 AM ET | Comments (0)

McCain and Those Bush Tax Cuts

By Perry Bacon Jr. John McCain is now offering another rationale for his opposition to...

Posted on July 18, 2008 at 08:56 PM ET | Comments (0)

Gramm Makes Exit from McCain Team Official

Former Texas Senator formalizes departure after "mental recession" comment.

Posted on July 18, 2008 at 07:58 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain on Iraq Withdrawal "Time Horizon"

McCain spokesperson says agreement is the result of "surge strategy that [Obama] voted against, campaigned against and railed against."

Posted on July 18, 2008 at 02:14 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Talks with GM workers

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) promised to provide a $5,000 tax credit for Americans who buy electric-powered cars such as the future Chevy Volt and "other automobiles that put us on the path to energy independence."

Posted on July 18, 2008 at 11:42 AM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Bites Dog

Candidate makes a stop at Pronto Pup during Michigan swing.

Posted on July 17, 2008 at 08:26 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Softens Spokeswoman's Take on Obama Trip

McCain offered a more charitable interpretation of his opponent's foreign trip, which a spokeswoman had called a "first-of-its-kind campaign rally overseas."

Posted on July 17, 2008 at 04:47 PM ET | Comments (32)

Yes We Can? Not So Fast, Says McCain

In case the Democrats' presumptive presidential nominee is casting about for a new slogan, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has a suggestion for him: "No, we can't."

Posted on July 17, 2008 at 01:44 PM ET | Comments (49)

In Nebraska, McCain Fights the 'Headwind'

Unusual state system may allow Obama to pick up Nebraska electoral delegates.

Posted on July 17, 2008 at 08:39 AM ET | Comments (32)

Catholic Activists Ask McCain to Boot Faith Adviser

A group of left-leaning Catholics today publicly asked Sen. John McCain to boot a faith adviser.

Posted on July 16, 2008 at 06:46 PM ET | Comments (43)

McCain Asks NAACP Audience for Votes

GOP presidential nominee says the association "means more to me than any other," despite his historic opposition to many of its policies.

Posted on July 16, 2008 at 12:42 PM ET | Comments (156)

McCain Lists Top Bundlers

The list includes 63 people who have raised in excess of $500,000 for the campaign.

Posted on July 15, 2008 at 04:54 PM ET | Comments (17)

Bush Bristles at Obama Criticism of Iraq War

By Dan Eggen President Bush was drawn into the presidential campaign at a White House...

Posted on July 15, 2008 at 02:19 PM ET | Comments (54)

McCain: 'I Know How to Win Wars'

Arizona senator slams Obama's judgment over Iraq and Afghanistan wars in N.M. speech.

Posted on July 15, 2008 at 12:43 PM ET | Comments (0)

Reid Chastises McCain for Not Voting Since April

As of July 7, McCain had missed 61.8 percent of the roll call votes in this Congress, which made him the No. 1 absentee in the Senate.

Posted on July 11, 2008 at 05:49 PM ET | Comments (82)

Obama: McCain Helped Create Current Energy Woes During Washington Tenure

Obama says that McCain's energy ideas, such as a gas tax holiday and more offshore oil drilling, would do little to reduce prices at the pump.

Posted on July 11, 2008 at 02:47 PM ET | Comments (100)

McCain Distances Himself from Gramm

Phil Gramm "does not speak for me," the Arizona senator says.

Posted on July 10, 2008 at 03:00 PM ET | Comments (241)

McCain Plans to Spend $200 Million Before GOP Convention

Campaign also announces it raised just over $22 million during the month of June.

Posted on July 10, 2008 at 02:36 PM ET | Comments (24)

Gramm Stands by Recession Comments

The top adviser to Sen. John McCain declined to retract the comments quoted yesterday in the Washington Times.

Posted on July 10, 2008 at 01:28 PM ET | Comments (148)

McCain Economic Adviser Calls US 'A Nation of Whiners'

Former senator Phil Gramm says the nation is in a "mental recession," not an actual one.

Posted on July 10, 2008 at 11:17 AM ET | Comments (234)

McCain Sparks Controversy with Social Security 'Disgrace' Comments

Social Security becoming a problem for the presumptive Republican nominee.

Posted on July 9, 2008 at 05:36 PM ET | Comments (108)

McCain Campaign Restricts Press Access

By Michael D. Shear PITTSBURGH -- Welcome to the new John McCain press strategy. Avoid...

Posted on July 9, 2008 at 12:02 PM ET | Comments (40)

McCain's Latest Iran Joke

Responding to a question about a survey that shows increased cigarette exports to Iran, McCain said, "Maybe that's a way of killing them."

Posted on July 8, 2008 at 08:03 PM ET | Comments (344)

Gorbachev Decries Presidential Candidates' 'Cold War'-Style Military Spending Plans

The former Soviet leader called on U.S. presidential candidates to develop alternatives to the use of military power.

Posted on July 8, 2008 at 02:32 PM ET | Comments (63)

McCain Woos Hispanics in LULAC Speech

McCain promises to pursue comprehensive immigration reform "practically and humanely."

Posted on July 8, 2008 at 01:08 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Renews Balanced Budget Pledge

Sen. John McCain pledged today to balance the federal budget by 2013.

Posted on July 7, 2008 at 03:10 PM ET | Comments (43)

Veterans Group Urges Support to 'Finish the Job'

Vets for Freedom releases a television ad.

Posted on July 6, 2008 at 09:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

Jeb Bush Joins McCain on Tour of Basilica in Mexico City

John McCain visited the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe this morning along with his wife and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.

Posted on July 3, 2008 at 02:42 PM ET | Comments (0)

Schmidt, in Memo, Consolidates Control Over Campaign

Sen. John McCain talks with senior adviser Steve Schmidt, left, after arriving in Romulus, Mich.,...

Posted on July 3, 2008 at 12:56 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Briefed Yesterday on Hostage Rescue Operation

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe and his aides had briefed John McCain Tuesday night about the plan to rescue the Americans, along with 12 other captives.

Posted on July 2, 2008 at 07:16 PM ET | Comments (32)

RNC Affiliate to Launch Energy Ads

An independent arm of the Republican National Committee plans to air its first political ad of the 2008 presidential campaign with a spot that contrasts the two candidates on energy issues.

Posted on July 2, 2008 at 07:04 PM ET | Comments (24)

Candidates React to Hostage Rescue in Colombia

The presidential candidates issued statements on today's hostage rescue in Colombia.

Posted on July 2, 2008 at 06:30 PM ET | Comments (21)

War on Drugs Seeing Progress in Colombia, Says McCain

By Juliet Eilperin CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA -- After riding a fast boat on the Port of...

Posted on July 2, 2008 at 05:38 PM ET | Comments (12)

Schmidt Takes Over Day-to-Day Leadership of McCain Campaign

Rick Davis remains atop Team McCain, but move shows sensitivity to criticism.

Posted on July 2, 2008 at 01:10 PM ET | Comments (153)

McCain Travels South, Searching for Message

The McCain campaign seems uncertain what sort of message it is trying to send with trips to Colombia and Mexico.

Posted on July 2, 2008 at 11:45 AM ET | Comments (101)

Politics Stops at Water's Edge, but Not Above It

By Juliet Eilperin ABOARD THE McCAIN CAMPAIGN PLANE -- The moment Sen. John McCain touches...

Posted on July 2, 2008 at 06:00 AM ET | Comments (11)

Obama Weighs in on Clark Comments

Rejects comparison to anti-Kerry Swift Boat veterans.

Posted on July 1, 2008 at 02:57 PM ET | Comments (140)

McCain Picks Fight Over Justices

At Sheriffs' Association gathering, praises Roberts and Alito, hits Obama

Posted on July 1, 2008 at 11:54 AM ET | Comments (41)

McCain Foreshadows Latin America Trip

Sen. John McCain spoke at length about his upcoming trip to Latin America and approach to international affairs during a ride on his Straight Talk Express bus to Pipersville, Pa., today.

Posted on June 30, 2008 at 06:58 PM ET | Comments (17)

Obama Repudiates Clark's Assertions About McCain

Sen. Barack Obama repudiated comments made by retired Gen. Wesley K. Clark over the weekend questioning the significance of Sen. John McCain's military record.

Posted on June 30, 2008 at 01:40 PM ET | Comments (88)

Straight Talk Express Gets an Upgrade

Monday morning marked the inaugural flight of Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) new campaign plane.

Posted on June 30, 2008 at 10:57 AM ET | Comments (38)

Obama Tells Hispanic Leaders McCain "Walked Away" from Immigration Issue

McCain and Obama both speak before National Association of Elected and Appointed Latino Elected Officials.

Posted on June 28, 2008 at 04:53 PM ET | Comments (149)

McCain to Meet with Billy Graham's Son

McCain will fly to North Carolina Saturday afternoon in advance of the private meeting between the two men.

Posted on June 27, 2008 at 05:37 PM ET | Comments (24)

Old Jobs Not Coming Back, McCain Warns Ohio Autoworkers

Sen. John McCain told autoworkers here that he will continue to support the free trade agreements that many of them blame for the loss of their jobs, but said he is hopeful that a shift to new technologies will provide a new market for their skills.

Posted on June 27, 2008 at 05:31 PM ET | Comments (35)

From Iraq to America, McCain Turns a Familiar Phrase

For months, John McCain has been using the exact same phrase to describe his assessment of the situation in Iraq that he's now using to describe his empathy for American suffering tough economic times.

Posted on June 27, 2008 at 12:03 PM ET | Comments (20)

McCain Praises Supreme Court Gun Decision

Sen. John McCain praised the Supreme Court decision striking down the District's gun ban in a move that will surely please gun owners and the National Rifle Association.

Posted on June 26, 2008 at 12:10 PM ET | Comments (0)

While Fundraising, Bush Mounts Attack on Obama

President Bush suggested that Barack Obama was just another liberal Democrat intent on raising taxes and retreating from Iraq.

Posted on June 25, 2008 at 06:25 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Names His Energy Proposal, Slowly

Sen. John McCain today gave a name to the grab-bag of energy proposals he's unveiled in the last week: The Lexington Project, named, he said, for the town where Americans asserted their independence.

Posted on June 25, 2008 at 04:43 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Pollsters Trash Public Surveys

By Michael D. Shear Sen. John McCain is fighting the perception that he is quickly...

Posted on June 25, 2008 at 02:55 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain to Travel to Colombia and Mexico

Sen. John McCain announced today that he will travel next week to Colombia and Mexico

Posted on June 24, 2008 at 06:53 PM ET | Comments (17)

Obama Ridicules McCain's Energy Plans

Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain spar over energy policy.

Posted on June 24, 2008 at 05:17 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Wants a Greener Government

McCain calls for a greener government, as he gets pummeled on offshore drilling.

Posted on June 24, 2008 at 02:36 PM ET | Comments (0)

Tancredo Questions McCain

Former presidential hopeful Rep. Tom Tancredo questions John McCain on his immigration policy.

Posted on June 24, 2008 at 02:14 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Denounces Top Aide's Comments

Sen. John McCain denounced comments from a top adviser that another terrorist attack in the U.S. would help his campaign.

Posted on June 23, 2008 at 05:18 PM ET | Comments (236)

McCain Talks Energy in California

Sen. John McCain talks electric cars and offshore drilling in California.

Posted on June 23, 2008 at 04:01 PM ET | Comments (45)

McCain Defends NAFTA in Canada

By Perry Bacon Jr. OTTAWA, Canada -- Calling it "not a political campaign trip," John...

Posted on June 20, 2008 at 02:27 PM ET | Comments (36)

Emanuel Asks McCain to 'Clarify' Stance on Great Lakes Oil Drilling

By Michael D. Shear Democrats are not about to let Sen. John McCain's support for...

Posted on June 20, 2008 at 02:11 PM ET | Comments (24)

DNC FOIAs State Department on McCain Contacts

The Democratic National Committee has submitted a request under the Freedom of Information act to the State Department, asking for records relating to actions by Canadian Ambassador David Wilkins in helping to set up a visit to Ottawa by Sen. John McCain. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on June 20, 2008 at 01:55 PM ET | Comments (8)

Democrats Question Ambassador's Role in Organizing McCain Speech in Canada

A $100-a-plate luncheon speech by Sen. John McCain in Ottowa was organized in part by U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins, and Democrats alleged that Wilkins's actions could be construed as a violation of the Hatch Act, which prohibits many kinds of political activities by government employees. -- By Michael D. Shear

Posted on June 19, 2008 at 11:49 PM ET | Comments (51)

McCain Raises Money the Hard Way

By the count of some reporters who trail him daily, McCain has attended more than 90 fundraisers since March 5. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on June 19, 2008 at 11:30 AM ET | Comments (52)

Giuliani's Approach to Terrorism, as Mayor and Candidate

Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, pictured at the Swiss Economic Forum in Thun,...

Posted on June 18, 2008 at 12:50 PM ET | Comments (0)

Poll: McCain Trounces Obama Among White Evangelicals

Sen. John McCain so far is performing well among rank and file evangelical voters, according to the latest Washington Post-ABC News poll. --Perry Bacon Jr.

Posted on June 18, 2008 at 12:34 PM ET | Comments (0)

Giuliani Chimes In, Bashing Obama on Sept. 11

Former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani accused Barack Obama of having a "September 10" mentality and taking a "softer" approach to terrorism. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on June 18, 2008 at 10:21 AM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Talks Energy, Slams Obama as "Carter"

In a speech intended to kick off a lengthy discussion about the nation's energy needs, John McCain accused Democratic Sen. Barack Obama of favoring failed energy policies based largely on the imposition of higher taxes. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on June 17, 2008 at 05:42 PM ET | Comments (0)

Obama Accuses McCain of Playing Politics with National Security

Barack Obama strongly rejected accusations from the John McCain campaign that he is soft on terrorism. Anne E. Kornblut

Posted on June 17, 2008 at 04:39 PM ET | Comments (0)

Terrorism Takes Center Stage as Obama Responds to McCain Camp's Charges

Obama campaign clashes with McCain on how to handle terrorism. --Alec MacGillis

Posted on June 17, 2008 at 02:40 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Advisers Slam Obama for 'Sept. 10 Mindset'

John McCain advisers call Barack Obama as "naïve" and "delusional" in his approach to terrorism. --Anne E. Kornblut

Posted on June 17, 2008 at 11:11 AM ET | Comments (0)

New MoveOn Ad Targets McCain's War Stance

MoveOn and AFSCME team up to run an antiwar ad in Wisconsin, Ohio and Michigan. --Shailagh Murray

Posted on June 17, 2008 at 10:36 AM ET | Comments (29)

Obama Has 20 Point Lead on Lowering Gas Prices

Half of voters say Barack Obama would have better chances of easing pain at the pump. --Jon Cohen

Posted on June 16, 2008 at 07:30 PM ET | Comments (130)

McCain Calls for End to Offshore Drilling Ban

In a break with environmentalists, John McCain is advocating an end to the offshore oil rig drilling ban. --Micheal D. Shear

Posted on June 16, 2008 at 03:53 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Meets with Iraqi Foreign Minister

John McCain met privately with Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari this morning at his campaign headquarters. --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on June 15, 2008 at 01:34 PM ET | Comments (17)

McCain Texas Fundraiser Back On, Sans Oilman

Updated 4:37 p.m. By Juliet Eilperin Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz) has decided to hold a...

Posted on June 15, 2008 at 01:06 PM ET | Comments (132)

McCain Reaches Across the Aisle in Virtual Town Hall

By Michael D. Shear Sen. John McCain held a novel, virtual town hall meeting Saturday...

Posted on June 14, 2008 at 05:32 PM ET | Comments (79)

McCain Says No to Returning Funds Raised by Controversial Oilman

Updated 4:09 p.m. By Juliet Eilperin Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) will not return the $300,000...

Posted on June 14, 2008 at 02:39 PM ET | Comments (178)

McCain Cancels Fundraiser with Oilman Who Joked About Rape

By Juliet Eilperin Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) Friday suddenly cancelled an upcoming fundraiser at...

Posted on June 13, 2008 at 10:43 PM ET | Comments (70)

McCain to Woo Clinton Supporters on Saturday Conference Call

Presumptive GOP nominee plans a personal outreach effort to former Hillary Clinton volunteers and backers. --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on June 13, 2008 at 03:03 PM ET | Comments (100)

McCain Applauded for Opposition to Court Decision on Guantanamo Bay

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) was applauded today in New Jersey when he decried Thursday's Supreme Court ruling granting foreign terrorism suspects at Guantanamo Bay the right to challenge their detention in civilian courts. --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on June 13, 2008 at 12:16 PM ET | Comments (74)

From Testing to Merit Pay, McCain Advisers Lays Out His Education Thinking

By Maria Glod Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) hasn't said much about how to fix America's...

Posted on June 12, 2008 at 05:06 PM ET | Comments (13)

Citing His Age, Italian Prime Minister Backs McCain

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi endorsed John McCain because, he said, McCain made him feel young. --Dan Eggen

Posted on June 12, 2008 at 04:19 PM ET | Comments (11)

McCain Brings Back the 'Bitter' Controversy in Pa.

John McCain brought up Barack Obama famous description of small town voters at a Pa. Town hall. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on June 11, 2008 at 02:10 PM ET | Comments (44)

Lieberman Points to McCain's Son in Defending His Dad

Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) broke a McCain campaign taboo this afternoon -- he invoked the service of McCain's son in Iraq. --Jonathan Weisman

Posted on June 11, 2008 at 01:44 PM ET | Comments (37)

McCain Recommends Mentors as Gang Violence Fix

The Republican presidential nominee did not talk the way many Republican candidates do about the need for a crackdown on gangs, or tougher prison sentences or a need to enforce gun laws. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on June 11, 2008 at 01:35 PM ET | Comments (6)

Timing of Iraq Troop Withdrawal 'Not Too Important,' Says McCain

Sen. John McCain said this morning on the "Today Show" that when U.S. forces come home from Iraq is "not too important," so long as they are no longer in harms way there. --Jonathan Weisman

Posted on June 11, 2008 at 12:01 PM ET | Comments (47)

Democrats Join to Tout Obama, Bash McCain

By Ben Pershing With a long and divisive primary fight finally behind them, the bulk...

Posted on June 10, 2008 at 05:13 PM ET | Comments (0)

Obama Campaign Plans Fundraisers in China

The events are scheduled to raise money from American citizens in Shanghai and Bejing. --Matthew Mosk

Posted on June 10, 2008 at 03:14 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Greeted by Antiwar Protesters at DC Speech

An anti-war protestor interrupts the speech by Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) June...

Posted on June 10, 2008 at 10:42 AM ET | Comments (0)

As Prices Soar, McCain Returns to Gas Tax Holiday Proposal

By Michael D. Shear RICHMOND -- On the day that Sen. Barack Obama launched a...

Posted on June 9, 2008 at 03:45 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Opens His Fundraisers to the Press

John McCain will open his fundraisers to the press pool. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on June 9, 2008 at 03:08 PM ET | Comments (0)

The Content of Their Characters

GOP presidential candidate John McCain, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. By Dan Balz Barack Obama...

Posted on June 9, 2008 at 11:27 AM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Economic Adviser Derides Bush

By Michael D. Shear Republican Sen. John McCain's top domestic policy adviser derided President Bush's...

Posted on June 6, 2008 at 08:27 PM ET | Comments (0)

Opponents Use McCain's Straight Talk to Taunt Him in Fla.

By Robert Barnes FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Sen. John McCain at times on his Florida...

Posted on June 6, 2008 at 01:20 PM ET | Comments (49)

McCain Wants a Man on Mars

In meeting of Florida newspaper editors, pushes for more NASA funding, touts state's role as fall battleground. --Robert Barnes

Posted on June 5, 2008 at 06:10 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Raises Millions

John McCain raised $21.5 million last month, up from the $18 million he collected in April. --Matthew Mosk

Posted on June 5, 2008 at 03:49 PM ET | Comments (89)

McCain Challenges Obama to 10 Town Hall Meetings

John McCain challenged his Democratic rival to a series of 10 joint town hall meetings, starting next week in New York City. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on June 4, 2008 at 12:35 PM ET | Comments (185)

Poetry Question Stumps McCain

John McCain no expert in the poetry in America. --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on June 3, 2008 at 09:17 AM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Aide Sees Sexism, a View That Fits a Pattern

McCain campaign tries to make the most of Clinton voters's dissatisfaction. --Garance Franke-Ruta

Posted on June 2, 2008 at 08:52 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Calls Iran 'Foremost' Middle East Enemy

John McCain calls for sanctions against and international divestment from Iran in speech to AIPAC. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on June 2, 2008 at 11:24 AM ET | Comments (0)

DNC Uses McClellan in Anti-McCain Spot

Updated 6:01 p.m. By Michael D. Shear It didn't take long for Democrats to...

Posted on May 30, 2008 at 04:38 PM ET | Comments (33)

Troop Numbers Flap is 'Nitpicking,' Say McCain Advisers

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., speaks at a news conference Friday, May 30, 2008, in Milwaukee....

Posted on May 30, 2008 at 02:12 PM ET | Comments (31)

McCain Asserts Return to Pre-Surge Iraq Troop Levels

John McCain misstates the number of troops in Iraq. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on May 30, 2008 at 12:57 PM ET | Comments (164)

Presidential Candidates May Miss Climate Vote

McCain said he did not support the bill sponsored by two of his closest allies, Sens. Joseph I. Lieberman (I-Conn.) and John Warner (R-Va.), because it doesn't offer enough aid to the nuclear industry, and he would not come to the floor to vote on it. --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on May 29, 2008 at 12:14 PM ET | Comments (64)

Wheat, Silver and Nuclear Waste: McCain Takes Questions In Nevada

John McCain answers questions at a town hall in Reno. --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on May 28, 2008 at 04:00 PM ET | Comments (29)

Candidates Agree on Darfur

In an unusual joint statement, the three major presidential candidates warned the government of Sudan that they are united in demanding a halt to the violence and genocide in Darfur. --Michael Abramowitz

Posted on May 28, 2008 at 09:44 AM ET | Comments (3)

McCain Calls for New Arms Treaty With Russia

Sen. John McCain today called for negotiating a new arms control agreement with Russia that would further reduce nuclear weapons, staking out a position on nonproliferation that was somewhat at odds with the policies of the Bush administration. --Glenn Kessler

Posted on May 27, 2008 at 12:37 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Breaks with Bush Over North Korea

Sen. John McCain broke today with President Bush's new policy on North Korea. --Glenn Kessler

Posted on May 26, 2008 at 07:00 PM ET | Comments (0)

For Memorial Day, McCain Critical of Webb's G.I. Bill

Speaking at a Memorial Day ceremony in New Mexico, Sen. John McCain asserted that the G.I. Bill sponsored by Virginia Sen. James Webb will drive soldiers out of the armed services. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on May 26, 2008 at 02:02 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Hosts Three Possible Running Mates

By Juliet Eilperin and Michael D. Shear As Sen. John McCain and his top aides...

Posted on May 25, 2008 at 07:30 PM ET | Comments (96)

Cindy McCain Releases 2006 Tax Returns

Sen. John McCain's wife earned about $6 million in income in 2006 and paid taxes of about $1.7 million. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on May 23, 2008 at 05:10 PM ET | Comments (0)

Bush Plans Fundraisers for McCain

President Bush is finally hitting the campaign trail for presumptive GOP presidential nominee John McCain. --Michael Abramowitz

Posted on May 23, 2008 at 03:03 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Attacks Obama as Inexperienced

"I have the knowledge, the background and the judgment to lead this nation. My opponent does not," John McCain said of Barack Obama. --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on May 22, 2008 at 10:03 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Denounces Hagee

John McCain renounces controversial Christian pastor John Hagee after learning that Hagee had said Nazism constituted an expression of God's will.--Juliet Eilperin and Michelle Boorstein

Posted on May 22, 2008 at 04:26 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Resumes Talk of Comprehesive Immigration Reform

Senator endorses more visas for high-tech workers during visit to California. --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on May 22, 2008 at 04:23 PM ET | Comments (0)

Obama, McCain Tussle Over Veterans Issues

Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) waves upon his arrival on Capitol Hill in...

Posted on May 22, 2008 at 02:53 PM ET | Comments (190)

The Debt Piles Up

The staggering cost of the 2008 presidential campaign has left behind a trail of candidates who are shouldering massive debts. --Matthew Mosk

Posted on May 21, 2008 at 08:12 PM ET | Comments (39)

A Retreat, Not an Interview

John McCain and his wife, Cindy, are entertaining a group of prominent Republicans -- including Governors Charlie Crist (Fla.) and Bobby Jindal (La.) and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney -- for social, rather than political, reasons, aides say. --Jeffrey H. Birnbaum and Juliet Eilperin

Posted on May 21, 2008 at 08:01 PM ET | Comments (16)

Obama Homes in on McCain in Florida

Spending the day in vote-rich central Florida, Obama credited Clinton as a worthy opponent who had blazed a trail for female candidates, but his focus was all McCain. --Shailagh Murray

Posted on May 21, 2008 at 02:56 PM ET | Comments (66)

Hagel Suggests McCain Will Change Tune If Elected

Sen. John McCain may be blasting Sen. Barack Obama now for his willingness to meet with Iran's leaders, but Sen. Chuck Hagel -- a close friend of McCain's -- suggested tonight that McCain's rhetoric stems from presidential politics, not conviction. --Glenn Kessler

Posted on May 20, 2008 at 10:19 PM ET | Comments (27)

Reacting to Baker Video, McCain Slams Obama's Judgment

In an interview with reporters aboard his campaign bus today, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) again harshly criticized Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) for his approach to handling hostile leaders. --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on May 20, 2008 at 06:02 PM ET | Comments (8)

McKinnon To Step Aside From McCain Effort

Mark McKinnon, the lead media consultant for Sen. John McCain's (Ariz.) presidential bid, is stepping down from that role -- making good on a pledge he made last year not to work against Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) in the fall campaign. --Chris Cillizza

Posted on May 20, 2008 at 01:38 PM ET | Comments (5)

McCain, Wooing Florida, Hits Obama on Cuba Policy

MIAMI -- Using a Cuban folklorico band as a warm-up act, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) highlighted his opposition to the Cuban government this morning and questioned Sen. Barack Obama's (D-Ill.) willingness to talk to its current president, Raul Castro. --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on May 20, 2008 at 12:30 PM ET | Comments (66)

Clinton Disappears From Obama's Script

Barack Obama tells the story of the debate over the gas tax as if it were just a debate between himself and John McCain and did not also include Hillary Clinton. --Matthew Mosk

Posted on May 19, 2008 at 11:02 PM ET | Comments (41)

Obama Faults McCain on Lobbyist Influence

In the escalating war of words between Barack Obama and John McCain, Obama skewers McCain for his campaign's ties to lobbyists. --Matthew Mosk

Posted on May 19, 2008 at 02:37 PM ET | Comments (73)

McCain's Finance Co-Chair Resigns in Ongoing Lobbyist Purge

Tom Loeffler becomes the fifth person to resign from John McCain's campaign because of lobbying ties. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on May 18, 2008 at 03:24 PM ET | Comments (0)

Obama Knocks McCain on Social Security

GRESHAM, Ore. -- Sen. Barack Obama came to a senior citizens center here to discuss the squeeze faced by middle-class retirees and reiterate his longstanding proposal to eliminate income taxes for any senior making less than $50,000 per year. --Matthew Mosk

Posted on May 18, 2008 at 03:10 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Touts 'Oldness' to be President

Sen. John McCain mocked his age by declaring he has the "oldness" to be president and urged Democrats to continue fighting over the nomination even beyond their convention, as he made his second appearance on Saturday Night Live. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on May 18, 2008 at 10:42 AM ET | Comments (0)

Presidential Candidates Offer Prayers for Sen. Kennedy

The presidential candidates offer their prayers and best wishes to Sen. Ted Kennedy after he suffers a seizure and is hospitalized. --Matthew Mosk

Posted on May 17, 2008 at 01:17 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Staffers Run Afoul of Campaign Ethics Policy

The campaign of Sen. John McCain continued to dismiss staffers this week for violating the campaign's new ethics policy as Democrats ratcheted up pressure on some of McCain's top advisers for their lobbying backgrounds. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on May 16, 2008 at 04:03 PM ET | Comments (0)

Obama 'Puzzled' by Controversy Over Meeting Foreign Leaders

Sen. Barack Obama this afternoon described his diplomatic approach as being consistent with decades of U.S. foreign policy, and expressed surprise with President Bush's position that it would be wrong to meet with foreign adversaries. --Matthew Mosk

Posted on May 16, 2008 at 03:28 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Hit Again on Arizona Land Deals

Sen. John McCain's ties to the real estate development arm of his home state's power company continued to prove nettlesome today. --Matthew Mosk

Posted on May 16, 2008 at 03:07 PM ET | Comments (0)

Sounding the General Election Bell

The general election begins.

Posted on May 16, 2008 at 01:04 PM ET | Comments (61)

Rubin Accuses McCain of Hypocrisy

Jamie Rubin accuses John McCain of hypocrisy.

Posted on May 16, 2008 at 12:42 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain: Iraq War Can Be Won by 2013

Sen. John McCain predicted today that the Iraq war would be won and most American troops would come home by 2013 if he is elected president, joining his Democratic rivals for the first time in offering a timeline for a large-scale military withdrawal. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on May 15, 2008 at 10:49 AM ET | Comments (0)

Text of McCain's Speech on First-Term Goals

Text of this morning's speech in Columbus by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.

Posted on May 15, 2008 at 10:27 AM ET | Comments (0)

Cindy McCain Divests $2 Million with Sudan Ties

Cindy McCain on Wednesday divested herself of $2 million in mutual funds that invested in Sudan. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on May 14, 2008 at 07:39 PM ET | Comments (0)

Dems, McCain Jockey on Environment

Arizona Sen. John McCain claims the environmental mantle, but the record shows that Democrats Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama have also pushed for a strong response to global climate change. All three presidential hopefuls differ with President Bush on the issue.

Posted on May 14, 2008 at 07:17 AM ET | Comments (8)

McCain Again Steps Away From Bush

John McCain touted his green credentials and against distanced himself from the president. --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on May 13, 2008 at 06:37 PM ET | Comments (26)

MoveOn Targets McCain Aides

The liberal online advocacy group MoveOn.Org Political Action has sent out a new e-mail that seizes on the weekend purging by Sen. John McCain of two advisers who had registered as lobbyists for the repressive regime of Burma. --Matthew Mosk

Posted on May 13, 2008 at 05:51 PM ET | Comments (10)

McCain Supporting Pastor Apologizes

Pastor John Hagee apologized today in a letter to the Catholic League for comments that angered Catholic leaders. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on May 13, 2008 at 03:08 PM ET | Comments (73)

McCain Breaks with Bush on Climate Change

John McCain broke sharply with President Bush today, arguing for mandatory curbs on greenhouse gas emissions and issuing emissions credits to polluters. --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on May 12, 2008 at 04:28 PM ET | Comments (53)

Will McCain Back Warming Bill?

By Juliet Eilperin Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) comments about climate change Friday have sparked a...

Posted on May 10, 2008 at 02:37 PM ET | Comments (12)

McCain Touts Environmental Record; Disputes Huffington Claim

John McCain talks to the press about environmental questions, as well as his campaign's statements about Barack Obama and McCain's vote in election 2000. --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on May 9, 2008 at 01:26 PM ET | Comments (74)

'West Wing' Actors Confirm Account of McCain Vote

Bradley Whitford and Richard Schiff say they recall the presumptive GOP nominee saying at a 2001 dinner party that he did not vote for President Bush. --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on May 9, 2008 at 06:01 AM ET | Comments (80)

McCain, on Daily Show, Runs Through Runningmate Options

John McCain considers an officemate from "The Office" and defends linking Barack Obama to Hamas on "The Daily Show With John Stewart," airing tonight. --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on May 7, 2008 at 07:36 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain's Big Night

NYC event set to bring in $7 million for the presumptive GOP nominee. --Matthew Mosk

Posted on May 7, 2008 at 12:05 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Vows to Push Religious Freedom

ROCHESTER, Mich. -- Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) delved into issues of religious freedom and human rights Wednesday morning, telling a crowd of several hundred supporters that policymakers need to confront the fact that "evil still exists in the world." --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on May 7, 2008 at 11:28 AM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Sees Roberts, Alito as Examples

In speech at Wake Forest University, presumptive GOP nominee Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) decried "the common and systematic abuse of our federal courts by the people we entrust with judicial power." --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on May 6, 2008 at 11:15 AM ET | Comments (98)

McCain Addresses Charlotte Chamber of Commerce

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A day before North Carolinians head to the polls, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) addressed Charlotte's Chamber of Commerce on slew of business-oriented issues. --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on May 5, 2008 at 11:52 PM ET | Comments (6)

McCain Denies Huffington Vote Claim

After sitting on the story for nearly eight years, Arianna Huffington said yesterday that John McCain told her soon after the 2000 election that he did not vote for George W. Bush. --Howard Kurtz and Juliet Eilperin

Posted on May 5, 2008 at 06:25 PM ET | Comments (54)

MN Gov. Pawlenty Questions McCain's Stance on Bridge Collapse

Sen. John McCain today attempted to clarify comments about the collapse of a bridge in Minneapolis, saying that he never intended to say that federal budget earmarks were the cause of the fatal collapse of the span.--Juliet Eilperin and Michael D. Shear

Posted on May 1, 2008 at 11:15 PM ET | Comments (18)

Pelosi Comes Out Against Proposed Gas Tax Holiday

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) lent her name to the growing chorus of Democrats opposed to a gasoline tax holiday proposed by Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and John McCain. --Jonathan Weisman

Posted on May 1, 2008 at 02:59 PM ET | Comments (142)

A Tipping Point for Obama -- or Just a Dip?

After Obama's rough patch, the Clinton campaign says the tide is turning her way. But is it? --Dan Balz

Posted on May 1, 2008 at 02:53 PM ET | Comments (595)

McCain Visits a Hospital in Allentown

ALLENTOWN, Pa. -- Sen. John McCain heaped praise on a hospital here for its innovative use of technology as he continued a week-long health-care tour aimed at highlighting his free-market plans for revamping the way medical insurance is delivered. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on April 30, 2008 at 06:56 PM ET | Comments (0)

The Candidates on Iran

The Institute for Science and International Security, a Washington-based nonpartisan research organization, today released the candidates' responses on whether they would demand that Iran suspend its uranium enrichment program. --Glenn Kessler

Posted on April 29, 2008 at 07:41 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Unveils Health Care Plan

TAMPA, Fla. -- Sen. John McCain rejected calls for universal health coverage and reaffirmed his faith in the economic principles that have guided President Bush for eight years, declaring Tuesday that government's role in health care should be limited to kick-starting a competitive marketplace so people can buy their own insurance. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on April 29, 2008 at 12:29 PM ET | Comments (0)

Health Care on McCain Horizon

Sen. John McCain will outline his market-based health care plan tomorrow. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on April 28, 2008 at 07:57 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Plans Major NY Fundraiser

Sen. John McCain will hold his first really big fundraiser next week in New York City, a gala event hosted by New York Jets owner Woody Johnson in conjunction with the Republican National Committee and expected to raise about $4 million. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on April 28, 2008 at 07:44 PM ET | Comments (0)

Clinton Joins McCain in Criticizing Obama on Gas Tax

GRAHAM, N.C. -- In the latest example of Sen. Barack Obama facing two opponents, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton today joined Arizona Sen. John McCain in criticizing Obama for not supporting a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax. --Perry Bacon Jr. and Peter Slevin

Posted on April 28, 2008 at 07:36 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Opposes Equal Pay Law

NEW ORLEANS -- Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who skipped a Senate vote seeking equal pay for women last night in order to campaign for president, said he opposed the measure because it would prompt a flood of lawsuits. --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on April 24, 2008 at 02:11 PM ET | Comments (30)

McCain, in Lower Ninth Ward, Blasts Bush Katrina Response

NEW ORLEANS --Touring the Lower Ninth Ward this morning, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) blasted the Bush administration's handling of Hurricane Katrina and vowed to respond differently if elected president. --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on April 24, 2008 at 12:04 PM ET | Comments (104)

In Johnson's Footsteps, McCain Finds Republicans

INEZ, Ky. -- Greeted with whoops and cheers by a crowd in a packed courthouse here this morning, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) pledged to help small rural communities that have been largely overlooked by national politicians. --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on April 23, 2008 at 12:47 PM ET | Comments (0)

Suburban Party-Switchers at the Polls

Debbie McCarter, right, Ward 1 democratic leader, sips on her coffee as folks walk by...

Posted on April 22, 2008 at 02:48 PM ET | Comments (0)

Is McCain a Different Kind of Republican?

McCain is a different kind of Republican. But he will carry the burden of a damaged GOP brand all the way through to November. --Dan Balz

Posted on April 22, 2008 at 02:05 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Responds to Post Story on Temperament

John McCain's campaign calls a Washington Post story about his temper a "smear job." --Michael D. Shear

Posted on April 21, 2008 at 02:37 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Launches Tour of 'Forgotten Places'

Sen. John McCain began an effort to reach out to minorities and the poor this morning, saying in Selma, Alabama, that he will spend the week visiting people who have been ignored by politicians in both parties. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on April 21, 2008 at 09:32 AM ET | Comments (28)

Clinton Says McCain No Better Than Bush

Keeping up her end of their long-distance dialogue, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton criticized Sen. Barack Obama on Sunday for praising Sen. John McCain on the campaign trail.--By Anne E. Kornblut

Posted on April 20, 2008 at 06:17 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Blasts Obama Over William Ayers

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) questioned Sen. Barack Obama's (D-Ill.) affiliation with a sixties radical today, foreshadowing the kind of cultural divide that will likely dominate any contest between the two parties during the general election. --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on April 20, 2008 at 02:46 PM ET | Comments (129)

Obama Debate Complaints Greeted by Clinton Mockery

RADNOR TOWNSHIP, Pa.-- A day after Barack Obama complained about the questions he was asked at a Democratic presidential primary debate this week, Hillary Clinton mocked him. By Perry Bacon Jr.

Posted on April 18, 2008 at 12:50 PM ET | Comments (274)

John McCain Releases Tax Returns

Sen. John McCain this morning released tax returns showing that he took in $420,000 in income last year and $320,000 in 2006.--Matthew Mosk

Posted on April 18, 2008 at 12:01 PM ET | Comments (53)

McCain Campaign Shifts into General Election Mode

Sen. John McCain raised $15 million in March and has $10 million in the bank, his top advisers said this morning. Rick Davis, McCain's campaign manager, shared the figures during a wide-ranging briefing at the campaign's Virginia headquarters. --Matthew Mosk

Posted on April 18, 2008 at 11:20 AM ET | Comments (5)

McCain Introduces 'Gas Tax Holiday' Legislation

Sen. John McCain introduced legislation that would create a "gas tax holiday" this summer in which the federal government would suspend imposition of the 18-cent per gallon gas tax. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on April 17, 2008 at 07:24 PM ET | Comments (26)

McCain Pitches Tax Cuts at Meeting with CEOs

SOUTH MILWAUKEE -- A day after John McCain offered an economic vision that included breaks for business and corporate America, he traveled to a mine equipment plant here for a round-table discussion with titans of industry. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on April 16, 2008 at 02:16 PM ET | Comments (0)

British Prime Minister to Meet with McCain, Clinton, and Obama

The British prime minister is visiting Washington this week, and for the first time in seven years his most important meeting may not occur in the Oval Office: Gordon Brown is planning to meet Thursday with each of the three U.S. presidential candidates, an effort to obtain a first-hand judgment of how U.S. policies -- and the relationship between Britain and the United States -- may change come January. --Michael Abramowitz and Kevin Sullivan

Posted on April 15, 2008 at 06:40 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Offers Populist Message, Corporate Tax Cuts

Sen. John McCain today offered sweeping rhetoric about the economic plight of working-class America, even as he spelled out a tax and spending agenda whose benefits are aimed squarely at spurring business and corporate growth. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on April 15, 2008 at 11:40 AM ET | Comments (163)

McCain Proposes Medicare Drug Benefit Changes

Sen. John McCain will propose that affluent seniors pay more for government provided drug benefits as a way to control health care spending, aides said during a preview of a major economic speech the senator will deliver Tuesday in Pittsburgh. --Michael D. Shear and Jonathan Weisman

Posted on April 14, 2008 at 08:21 PM ET | Comments (0)

Bloomberg Uses Candidates to Argue for Tighter Gun Laws

A coalition of big-city mayors is using the words of the three presidential candidates as backing for their mission to enforce stricter gun control. The group, called Mayors Against Illegal Guns, has released a television ad that shows Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain each calling for legislation to close the loophole that allows guns to be sold at gun shows without the same checks as in a store. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on April 14, 2008 at 07:06 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Backs Newspaper Shield Law

Sen. John McCain told newspaper executives that he supports a "shield law" to protect reporters who don't reveal their anonymous sources, putting him at odds with the Bush administration, which has threatened to veto the bipartisan legislation. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on April 14, 2008 at 04:50 PM ET | Comments (19)

McCain Calls Obama's Comments 'Elitist'

Sen. John McCain said Sen. Barack Obama's comments about "bitter" Americans suffering economic distress were "elitist" and he called them a "contradiction from what I believe America is all about." --Michael D. Shear

Posted on April 14, 2008 at 11:28 AM ET | Comments (429)

Dems., Seeking to Hamstring McCain, to File Public Financing Suit

The Democratic National Committee announced today it will file a lawsuit in U.S. District Court Monday to force Sen. John McCain to stay in the public financing system until he formally accepts the Republican presidential nomination in September. --Matthew Mosk

Posted on April 13, 2008 at 01:59 PM ET | Comments (110)

Obama Concedes He Misspoke

As his political opponents heap on scorn, Sen. Barack Obama acknowledged that he chose his words poorly when describing small-town Pennsylvanians at a fundraiser on Sunday. But he didn't back off the message he had sought to convey. --Shailagh Murray

Posted on April 12, 2008 at 12:08 PM ET | Comments (596)

Obama Calls Small-Town Pennsylvanians 'Bitter'

Sen. Hillary Clinton criticized Sen. Barack Obama for a comment the Illinois senator made at a fundraiser in San Francisco earlier this week in which he referred to voters in Pennsylvania as "bitter." --Perry Bacon Jr.

Posted on April 11, 2008 at 08:37 PM ET | Comments (138)

McCain Challenges Obama on Public Financing

Sen. John McCain prods Sen. Barack Obama to live up to a past commitment to accept public funds for the general election. --Dan Balz

Posted on April 11, 2008 at 03:37 PM ET | Comments (47)

Citizen McCain

New efforts to make sure John McCain's citizenship is not questioned.

Posted on April 11, 2008 at 11:42 AM ET | Comments (6)

McCain Urges Olympic Ceremony Boycott

Republican presidential candidate John McCain added his voice to the growing chorus of officials urging President Bush to consider boycotting the opening ceremonies at the 2008 Olympics in China. --Dan Balz

Posted on April 10, 2008 at 02:05 PM ET | Comments (20)

Obama Rallies Gary with Talk of Tough Times

GARY, Ind. -- Sen. Barack Obama brought his newly minted economic populist message to one of the country's most troubled cities -- and a key front in his nomination battle with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. --Shailagh Murray

Posted on April 10, 2008 at 01:59 PM ET | Comments (98)

McCain Refines Plan for Homeowners

BROOKLYN -- Two weeks after drawing criticism for saying he favored only a limited federal role to help deal with the home mortgage crisis, Republican presidential candidate John McCain sought to assure Americans he is prepared to use the government where necessary to help ease the impact of a declining economy on working families. --Dan Balz

Posted on April 10, 2008 at 01:39 PM ET | Comments (56)

Candidates React to Carter Hamas Plans

Former president Jimmy Carter plans to meet next week in Damascus with Khaled Meshal, the head of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, in a direct rebuke of the Bush administration's campaign to isolate it. Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, was quick to blast Carter's reported plans, while Clinton and Obama issued statements with milder language, saying they "disagreed" or did "not agree" with Carter's plans. --Glenn Kessler

Posted on April 9, 2008 at 07:13 PM ET | Comments (38)

On the Stump, McCain Outlines Differences with Bush

WESTPORT, Conn. -- Speaking before a global investment firm this afternoon, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) took pains to distance himself from President Bush even as he reiterated his support for Gen. David Petraeus's handling of the war in Iraq. --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on April 9, 2008 at 06:56 PM ET | Comments (41)

No "Shermanesque" Statement from Rice

Condoleezza Rice has said she has no plans to seek the vice presidency, but hasn't

Posted on April 8, 2008 at 12:25 PM ET | Comments (0)

Campaign Finance Reform Group Targets McCain

Tonight, as McCain is joined at the Willard Hotel by a crowd of Washington lobbyists who will be donating to his presidential campaign, the Public Campaign Action Fund will protest the senator who was once an ally. --Matthew Mosk

Posted on April 8, 2008 at 11:37 AM ET | Comments (0)

Rice: Still Not Running for VP

Condoleezza Rice wants it known: Despite recently speculation, she is still not interested in being vice president. --Glenn Kessler

Posted on April 7, 2008 at 06:25 PM ET | Comments (122)

McCain to Release Taxes Mid-April

By Matthew Mosk Now that both Democratic presidential contenders have made public their tax returns, Republican John McCain has made plans to follow suit. --Matthew Mosk

Posted on April 7, 2008 at 05:21 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Makes the Case for Staying in Iraq

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Speaking just a day before Gen. David Petraeus will testify before Congress about progress in the war in Iraq, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said this morning his Democratic rivals' promise to withdraw amounts to "the height of irresponsibility" and "a failure of leadership." --Juliet Eilperin

Posted on April 7, 2008 at 12:33 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Returns Donor Cash

Sen. John McCain's campaign returned $3 million to donors this week, a campaign spokesman said, but not because he didn't want their money. The accounting move was aimed at preserving his ability to accept public financing for the general election. --Matthew Mosk

Posted on April 4, 2008 at 04:07 PM ET | Comments (24)

McCain to Take Secret Service Protection

Sen. John McCain has decided to request Secret Service protection and will meet with officials from the agency in the next several days, a senior aide said today. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on April 4, 2008 at 03:01 PM ET | Comments (10)

McCain Apologizes for Opposing MLK Holiday

Sen. John McCain apologized Friday for opposing a federal holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr. as he honored the slain civil rights leader at the hotel where he was assassinated 40 years ago. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on April 4, 2008 at 12:17 PM ET | Comments (104)

Obama to Address King's Legacy in Indiana

Today is the 40th anniversary of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, and both Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and John McCain will commemorate the day with appearances in Memphis. Sen. Barack Obama, however, couldn't make it to Memphis. --Shailagh Murray

Posted on April 4, 2008 at 10:55 AM ET | Comments (14)

Secret Service Says McCain Has No Protection

Arizona Sen. John McCain is not currently protected by the Secret Service, despite having locked up the GOP nomination for president and spending most of his time campaigning before large crowds, the director of the agency testified today. --Christopher Lee and Michael D. Shear

Posted on April 3, 2008 at 01:34 PM ET | Comments (137)

A McCain Skeptic, Dobson Still Not Won Over

In the weeks since he became the presumptive Republican nominee, polls show that Arizona Sen. John McCain has been steadily winning over rank and file evangelicals and conservatives. But when it comes to conservative Christian leaders, McCain is still largely in a stand-off. Chief among his critics is long-time evangelical leader James Dobson. --Krissah Williams

Posted on April 2, 2008 at 01:02 PM ET | Comments (11)

McCain Assembling Veep List

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Sen. John McCain told a radio talk show host that he is "getting together a list" of names to be his vice presidential running mate, but he said the process is still in its early stages. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on April 2, 2008 at 12:49 PM ET | Comments (60)

Elizabeth Edwards Issues a Challenge to McCain on Health Care

Elizabeth Edwards steps back into the fray with an attack on Sen. John McCain's health care plan. --Krissah Williams

Posted on April 1, 2008 at 05:32 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain's 'Unruly Passions'

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Sen. John McCain today declared that he had once been "captive to the unruly passions of youth" as he recalled his "usual immature ways" while attending Episcopal High School. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on April 1, 2008 at 01:21 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Derides Obama's National Security Thinking

JACKSON, Miss. -- Sen. John McCain derided rival Democrat Barack Obama as having no experience with the history of warfare, saying the lack of knowledge explains Obama's attacks on McCain's Iraq positions. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on March 31, 2008 at 11:04 PM ET | Comments (0)

Tears and Talk of War's Cost as McCain Bus Rolls Through Mississippi

MERIDIAN, Miss. -- If Sen. John McCain needed another reminder of the tragedy of the Iraq war he supports, he got it as he rode in his Straight Talk bus here. For almost 20 minutes, McCain sat on the bus with Rachel Lee, a fourth grade teacher whose Marine son was killed by an IED in Iraq last year, while serving in al-Anbar province. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on March 31, 2008 at 04:06 PM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Expresses Surprise at Iraq Developments

MERIDIAN, Miss. -- Sen. John McCain expressed surprise that Iraqi leader Nouri al-Maliki instigated a battle in the southern Iraqi city of Basra in recent days without, according to McCain, notifying the U.S. first. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on March 31, 2008 at 11:36 AM ET | Comments (0)

McCain Talks About His Father

MERIDIAN, Miss. -- Sen. John McCain returned to his ancestral home state to kick of a week-long biographical tour aimed at reintroducing himself to the American people and to highlight his military background. --Michael D. Shear

Posted on March 31, 2008 at 11:10 AM ET | Comments (6)

McCain Democrats? Putting a Survey in Historical Context

By Jon Cohen Democrats afraid their party will suffer from the extended primary battle point...

Posted on March 27, 2008 at 06:05 PM ET | Comments (15)

A Survey That Raises Tough Questions

Democratic superdelegates watching the competition between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and wondering what to do ought to take a look at the latest NBC News-Wall Street Journal poll. The survey, out Thursday morning, doesn't provide all the answers they're looking for but does raise all the right questions. --Dan Balz

Posted on March 27, 2008 at 05:50 PM ET | Comments (44)

McCain, Under Pressure, Revisits Economic Questions

The McCain campaign revisited the economy today, issuing a statement saying that he would not be opposed to all attempts to help struggling homeowners, as long as speculators were not bailed out. --Alec MacGillis and Krissah Williams

Posted on March 27, 2008 at 05:23 PM ET | Comments (3)

In Romney Territory, a McCain Pitch

Can Mitt Romney act as a rainmaker for John McCain in Colorado and Utah?--Alec MacGillis