Jay defends endorsement of Sen. Obama  —  Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., defended his decision to make an endorsement in the race for president during an interview with Gazette editors on Monday.  —  Rockefeller said some have criticized him for endorsing Sen. Barack Obama before the West Virginia primary in May.

McCain seems confused about al Qaeda again, suggests it's a 'sect of Shi'ites.'  —  During today's hearing with Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) questioned Petraeus on what he called “the major threat” of al Qaeda in Iraq.

General Urges 45-Day Halt in Withdrawal of Troops in Iraq  —  WASHINGTON — Gen. David H. Petraeus, the senior American commander in Iraq, recommended on Tuesday halting any additional withdrawals of American troops after July for at least 45 days and possibly more, telling Congress that progress there was “fragile and reversible.”

Surprising Political Endorsements By U.S. Troops  —  American Soldiers Speak Out About Their Presidential Endorsements  —  ABC's Martha Raddatz asked American soldiers in Iraq what issues are most important to them when looking at the presidential candidates.

Grover Norquist Endorses Condi Rice for Veep  —  No speaker goes to conservative activist Grover Norquist's Wednesday breakfast meeting without a purpose.  And so it was with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice two weeks ago when she convinced a rapt audience — without even raising the possibility …

Obama supporter Oprah takes a big dive  —  Much hay was made nearly a year ago when Oprah Winfrey announced that she would support — and campaign for — Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama.  Her effect in boosting support for Obama in early primary and caucus states like Iowa …

The Coming Tax Bomb  —  As the presidential campaign enters its final stages, there will be increased debate over budget priorities and how they will be paid for.  Many commentators and political leaders, including Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, believe that tax increases are needed …

Obama Catching Up With Clinton In Pennsylvania, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; She's Losing Ground Even Among Women  —  Illinois Sen. Barack Obama is catching up with New York Sen. Hillary Clinton in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary and now trails 50 - 44 percent among likely primary voters …

Bill Clinton's Ties To Colombia Trade Deal Stronger Than Even Penn's  —  On Sunday evening, Sen. Hillary Clinton's chief campaign strategist, Mark Penn, resigned after it was revealed he was working (on the side) for the passage of a Colombia Free Trade Agreement that his candidate opposed.

The ‘Obama Effect’ shows itself at Petraeus-Crocker hearing  —  Never underestimate the drawing power of a star.  The crowd lined up for today's hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which will include an appearance by the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination …

Suburban Obama delegate quits over ‘divisive’ remark  —  Moving to nip in the bud some potential bad press, White House hopeful Barack Obama's campaign persuaded a delegate to step down after she was ticketed for calling her neighbor's African-American children “monkeys.”

Michelle Obama speaks at presidential rally in Skibo Gym  —  Only a week after her husband drew throngs to Soldiers and Sailors, Michelle Obama wooed a small crowd at Skibo Gymnasium on Wednesday.  —  Skibo's risers were packed with community members and students from many of Pittsburgh's universities.

Lee Hamilton denies Michael Mukasey's claim about 9/11  —  I just received the following statement from the Vice Chairman of the 9/11 Commission, Rep. Lee Hamilton, in response to my inquiries last week (and numerous follow-up inquiries from readers here) about Attorney General Michael Mukasey's claims …

Obama, 2000: Not A Lot Of “Ideological Differences” With Bobby Rush  —  In yesterday's conversation with Time's Joe Klein (transcript here) I noted that when then Illinois State Senator Barack Obama ran against incumbent Congressman Bobby Rush in the 2000 Democratic primary …