GOP strategists mull McCain ‘blowout’  —  It sounds crazy at first.  Amid dire reports about the toxic political environment for Republican candidates and the challenges facing John McCain, many top GOP strategists believe he can defeat Barack Obama — and by a margin exceeding President Bush's Electoral College victory in 2004.

Lack of Progress in McCain's Bid Is G.O.P. Concern  —  WASHINGTON — Senator John McCain's presidential campaign is in a troubled stretch, hindered by resignations of staff members, a lagging effort to build a national campaign organization and questions over whether he has taken full advantage …

Gaffe-Prone Obama: 'Thank you everybody.  It's good to be in Sunshine!'  —  How many gaffes can a politician get away with?  —  Obviously none if you're a Republican.  —  But Barack Obama can pretty much say anything and the media brushes it off.  —  Aren't double standards wonderful?

Hillary Clinton Raises the Specter of the Unspeakable  —  Smart candidates don't invoke the possibility of their opponents being killed.  This seems so obvious it shouldn't need to be said, but apparently, it needs to be said.  —  “We all remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June in California …

‘Nothing but Misogynists’  —  Hillary Clinton is now complaining that her candidacy has been harmed by sexism.  Interviewed earlier this week by the Washington Post, Sen. Clinton said the polls show that “more people would be reluctant to vote for a woman [than] to vote for an African American.”

How telecoms are attempting to buy amnesty from Congress  —  (updated below)  —  One of the benefits from the protracted battle over telecom amnesty is that it is a perfect microcosm for how our government institutions work.  And a casual review of the available evidence regarding …

McCain/Bush Fundraiser Moved To Smaller Quarters Due To Poor Ticket Sales/Fears Of Protest  —  A Tuesday fundraiser headlined by President Bush for U.S. Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign is being moved out of the Phoenix Convention Center.  —  Sources familiar with the situation …

Blue America Welcomes Regina Thomas (GA-12)  —  Blue Dog (and virulent Bush Dog) John Barrow (GA-12) always thought he would be vulnerable from the right.  So he moved so far right that he's usually the Democrat most likely to vote with the GOP in the entire Democratic caucus.

Obama criticizes McCain on vet benefits  —  Ariz. senator rebukes scholarship plan, introduces bill to give vets help  —  BAYAMON, Puerto Rico - Barack Obama told veterans Saturday that he can't understand why Republican John McCain opposes legislation that would provide college scholarships …

US residents in military brigs?  Govt says it's war  —  WASHINGTON - If his cell were at Guantanamo Bay, the prisoner would be just one of hundreds of suspected terrorists detained offshore, where the U.S. says the Constitution does not apply.  —  But Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri is a U.S. resident …

Housing woes mount for Rep. Laura Richardson  —  FORECLOSURE: South Bay politician has three homes that have gone into default.  —  Rep. Laura Richardson, who lost her Sacramento home in a recent foreclosure auction, has also defaulted on properties in Long Beach and San Pedro, records show.

The Wisdom In Talking  —  As President Bush commemorated Israel's 60th anniversary by attacking Barack Obama from overseas, here at home he found an all-too-frequent ally: John McCain.  —  When Bush accused “some” — including Obama, Bush aides explained — of “the false comfort of appeasement,” McCain echoed this slander.