OBAMA SPEECH IN FULL: A MORE PERFECT UNION  —  “We the people, in order to form a more perfect union.”  —  Two hundred and twenty one years ago, in a hall that still stands across the street, a group of men gathered and, with these simple words, launched America's improbable experiment in democracy.

FIRST THOUGHTS: OBAMA'S BIG SPEECH  —  From Chuck Todd and Mark Murray  —  *** Obama's big speech: The last time a top presidential candidate gave an important speech on a sensitive topic was last December, when Mitt Romney talked about American faith.  His speech drew favorable reviews …

Gov. Paterson admits to sex with other woman for years  —  The thunderous applause was still ringing in his ears when the state's new governor, David Paterson, told the Daily News that he and his wife had extramarital affairs.  —  In a stunning revelation, both Paterson, 53, and his wife …

A McCain Gaffe in Jordan  —  AMMAN, Jordan — Sen. John McCain, traveling in the Middle East to promote his foreign policy expertise, misidentified in remarks Tuesday which broad category of Iraqi extremists are allegedly receiving support from Iran.  —  He said several times that Iran …

The Speech  —  Alas, I cannot give a more considered response right now as I have to get on the road.  But I do want to say that this searing, nuanced, gut-wrenching, loyal, and deeply, deeply Christian speech is the most honest speech on race in America in my adult lifetime.

McCain's 67% Favorable Rating His Highest in Eight Years  —  Obama has a 62% favorable rating, while Clinton's is 53%  —  PRINCETON, NJ — John McCain's 67% favorable rating is the highest of any of the three major candidates running for president, and ties for his highest in Gallup polling history.

The Street on Welfare  —  Never do I want to hear again from my conservative friends about how brilliant capitalists are, how much they deserve their seven-figure salaries and how government should keep its hands off the private economy.  —  The Wall Street titans have turned into a bunch of welfare clients.

Analysis: Defining a right of self-defense  —  Analysis  —  The Supreme Court's historic argument Tuesday on the meaning of the Constitution's Second Amendment sent out one quite clear signal: individuals may well wind up with a genuine right to have a gun for self-defense in their home.