Does John Edwards Condone Hate Speech?  —  A bit of a tempest is brewing over the strident and profanity-laced writings of John Edwards' official campaign "blogmaster," Amanda Marcotte.  She joined the Edwards campaign last week, and she's already gotten a lot of attention.

Libby Live: Tim Russert, One  —  Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be live-bloggers.  Trying to keep up with the tapes of rapid-fire Fitz and soft-spoken Scooter was no fun.  But now we're back in the world of live witnesses, who hopefully will pause for breath more often ...

Senate Dems to try again on the 'surge'  —  As Senate Democrats seek votes on capping troop numbers and funding for Iraq, they may use the pending bill on the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission as a vehicle.  That would set up a replay of the debate over funding for troops that this week derailed …

Bill Banning iPods In Crosswalks Slated For Albany  —  State Sen. Kruger: Electronic Devices Put Many In Danger  —  (CBS) NEW YORK First it was cell phones in cars, then trans fats.  Now, a new plan is on the table to ban gadget use while crossing city streets.

Matthews drops the F-bomb.  —  Once again allowing his emotions to get the better of him, Hardball host Chris Matthews told Don Imus this morning that he's "so sick of Southern guys with ranches running this country.  I want a guy to run for President who doesn't have a f**king — I'm sorry, a ranch."

Cheney's Son-In-Law Blamed for Delaying Investigations of Homeland Security Department  —  The Department of Homeland Security refuses to cooperate on oversight activities, according to testimony offered today by GAO Comptroller General David Walker and Homeland Security Inspector General Richard Skinner.

Baghdad Push Begins, U.S. Military Says  —  The long-awaited Baghdad security operation has begun, the top United States military spokesman in Iraq said today, also confirming that a transport helicopter had come down near Baghdad.  He declined to comment on any casualties.

Mistrial in Watada court-martial  —  FORT LEWIS — The court-martial of 1st Lt. Ehren Watada ended in a mistrial Wednesday.  —  The case's just, Lt. Col. John Head, declared the trial over after a day of wrangling over a stipulation of facts that Watada had signed before the trial …

Air America Fire Sale  —  Documents: Bankrupt liberal radio network to sell for $4.25 million  —  Bankrupt and about to lose Al Franken, its marquee star, Air America Radio is set to change hands for the bargain price of $4.25 million, according to new court documents.

From Spaceflight to Attempted Murder Charge  —  Like most of today's astronauts, Lisa Marie Nowak worked in relative obscurity — even last July, when she took the spaceflight that she had spent 10 years at NASA hoping for.  —  She is famous now, the smiling image of her in astronaut gear …

Military: No Gitmo guard abuse evident  —  SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - An Army officer who investigated possible abuse at Guantanamo Bay after some guards purportedly bragged about beating detainees found no evidence they mistreated the prisoners — although he did not interview any of the alleged victims, the U.S. military said Wednesday.