Top Aides Leave McCain Camp  —  Senator Retools Campaign Team as Money and Support Fall Off  —  In the mid-1990s, years before Sen. John McCain officially launched his first bid to become president, it was John Weaver who convinced the senator that he had all the ingredients to win the GOP nomination and the Oval Office.

Al Qaeda Cell in the U.S. Or On Its Way, According to New Intel  —  Brian Ross Reports:  —  Senior U.S. intelligence officials tell ABC News new intelligence suggests a small al Qaeda cell is on its way to the United States, or may already be here.  —  The White House has convened …

Presidential Candidates In First Ever Gay Debate  —  (Los Angeles, California) For the first time the leading candidates for the presidency will hold a televised debate devoted solely to LGBT issues.  —  The one-hour event will be held on August 9 and broadcast on gay network LOGO at 9:00 pm ET …

White House Is Accused of Putting Politics Over Science  —  Former Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona told a Congressional committee today that top officials in the Bush administration repeatedly tried to weaken or suppress important public health reports because of political considerations.

'Hustler' Call May Have Prompted Vitter Admission  —  Justin Rood Reports:  —  A call from Hustler magazine may have prompted a Louisiana Republican senator to expose his past with an escort service run by the so-called "D.C. Madam," the Blotter on ABCNews.com has learned.

Madam: Vitter a client at Canal Street brothel  —  U.S. Senator David Vitter visited a Canal Street brothel several times beginning in the mid-1990s, paying $300 per hour for services at the bordello after he met the madam at a fishing rodeo that included prostitutes and other politicians …

President Bush Visits Cleveland, Ohio  —  Fact Sheet: A Day in Cleveland: President Bush Calls on Congress to Act to Fund Vital Priorities  —  THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Fred.  Thanks for coming.  Thanks for having me.  It's a smart marketing tool — you know, all the cameras.  (Laughter.)

Bush says no Iraq shift; criticism rises  —  WASHINGTON - President Bush threatened to veto legislation setting a date for a troop withdrawal from Iraq on Tuesday despite growing bipartisan calls in Congress for an end to U.S. participation in the war and sharp criticism of the Iraqi government.

Christian Heathens  —  In case anyone's wondering what kind of appreciation Democrats can expect for publicly discussing their faith, here it is: … According to the religio-politico industry's liberal lobby, there are hordes of good Christians who've reluctantly been voting for Republicans …

Bush jokes.  Crowd laughs.  Girl cries.  —  A question for President Bush on immigration rose up like a ghost from the grave this afternoon in Ohio.  —  Only the questioner was a 13-year old blonde-headed girl, Jessica Hackerd, from Brecksville, Ohio, who immediately broke into tears after making her inquiry.

This is not our fight  —  Congress must end U.S. role in a civil war nobody voted for  —  On Oct. 11, 2002, the Senate gave President Bush authority to use force against Iraq.  Nearly five years later, it is time for Congress to say enough is enough.  —  The American people have waited long enough for progress in Iraq.

Senate Panel Cuts Off Funds to Cheney  —  WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Democrats moved Tuesday to cut off funding for Vice President Dick Cheney's office in a continuing battle over whether he must comply with national security disclosure rules.  —  A Senate appropriations panel chaired by Sen. Richard Durbin …

Richardson sorry for 'maricón' moment  —  BUZZ  —  Democratic presidential hopeful Bill Richardson apologized this week for using a Spanish-language slur for gay people, even as he suggested it smacked of politics that news of his "maricón" moment is surfacing now, more than a year later.