How Bush's grandfather helped Hitler's rise to power  —  Rumours of a link between the US first family and the Nazi war machine have circulated for decades.  Now the Guardian can reveal how repercussions of events that culminated in action under the Trading with the Enemy Act are still being felt by today's president

California Supreme Court overturns gay marriage ban  —  In a 4-3 ruling, the justices rule that state marriage laws are unconstitutional.  —  SAN FRANCISCO — The California Supreme Court ruled today that same-sex couples should be permitted to marry, rejecting state marriage laws as discriminatory.

McCain adviser ousted in conflict uproar  —  John McCain's campaign asked a prominent Republican consultant, Craig Shirley, to leave his official campaign role Thursday after a Politico inquiry about Shirley's dual role consulting for the campaign and for an independent “527” group opposing the Democratic presidential candidates.

Conyers: 'We're closing in on Rove'  —  Just off the House floor today, the Crypt overheard House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers tell two other people: “We're closing in on Rove.  Someone's got to kick his ass.”  —  Asked a few minutes later for a more official explanation …

TOO HARD A BALL  —  Right-Wing Radio yakker crashes and burns like the Hindenburg while trying to talk about appeasement ...

House Republicans Collapse on Iraq  —  Today, about 100 House Republicans refused to vote for more war funding, voting ‘present’.  They are trying to hand off the war to the Democrats, but even Democrats were able to increase their ‘no’ vote number on funding from 141 to 149; the bill failed.

Re: The Obama Campaign Goes Completely Insane  —  I completely concur with John.  The President's speech was a beautiful, eloquent address celebrating the birth of the Jewish state.  Here is the offending passage: … Obama's faux anger in reaction to Bush's speech is ludicrous.

Massive Blowback To NARAL's Obama Endorsement  —  The endorsement of Barack Obama by the nation's foremost abortion-rights advocacy group is causing major fissures and backlash within the women's rights community.  —  Hours after Obama received the support of NARAL's Political Action Committee …

Senate panel adds immigration measure to Iraq supplemental  —  The Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday added to an Iraq spending bill a controversial provision to help pave the way for undocumented agriculture workers to win legal status, a move that may reopen the divisive immigration debate on the Senate floor.