Memo to Scott McClellan: Here's what happened  —  Until now, we've resisted the temptation to post on former White House press secretary Scott McClellan's new book, which accuses the Bush White House of launching a propaganda campaign to sell the war in Iraq.  —  Why?  It's not news.

Obama “deeply disappointed” in Father Michael Pfleger.  UPDATE Pfleger apology.  —  WASHINGTON—Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) said in a statement he was “deeply disappointed” in Father Michael Pfleger, after the priest —in a scene caught on videotape— mocked Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y) …

The right-wing Politico cesspool  —  Politico reporter Mike Allen, formerly of The Washington Post and Time, appeared yesterday on the show of right-wing radio host Mike Gallagher.  The two of them guffawed together at how absurd are Scott McCellan's claims that the media was “deferential” …

Harvey Korman, 81; versatile Emmy-winning comedian  —  The late Harvey Korman, second from right, in a 1968 skit on “The Carol Burnett Show,” in which some shapely legs — and then their owners — are revealed to the audience.  From left, Betty Grable, Martha Raye, Jackie Gregory, Lyle Waggoner, Korman and Burnett.

Video: Rupert Murdoch on Politics, Obama and McCain  —  Here are some more video highlights from the D6 interview of Rupert Murdoch, Chairman and CEO, News Corporation, conducted by conference co-hosts Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher.

Gallup Daily: Obama Back Up By Double-Digits  —  Obama, Clinton now running similarly close races vs. McCain  —  PRINCETON, NJ — Barack Obama has, for the moment, re-established a double-digit lead over Hillary Clinton in national Democratic voters' nomination preferences in Gallup Poll Daily tracking, 52% to 42%.

Democratic Leaders Pushing Superdelegates To Commit  —  stumble digg reddit del.ico.us news trust buzz up  —  WASHINGTON — Top Democratic leaders intend to push for a quick end to the battle for the presidential nomination when primaries are over next week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Thursday …

THE POLITICS OF MASCULINITY.  —  I've been sort of struggling with whether to write this post, but after Daniel Larison and Matt Stoller both toed around the point while offering their takes on Webb, I guess it's worth doing.  Let me start by saying that this isn't really about James Webb.

U.S. Cites Big Gains Against Al-Qaeda  —  Group Is Facing Setbacks Globally, CIA Chief Says  —  Less than a year after his agency warned of new threats from a resurgent al-Qaeda, CIA Director Michael V. Hayden now portrays the terrorist movement as essentially defeated in Iraq and Saudi Arabia …

White women cold toward Obama  —  Barack Obama's favorability ratings among white women have declined significantly in recent months, particularly among Democrats and independents, presenting an immediate obstacle for the likely Democratic nominee as he moves to shore up his party's base.

China's Cyber-Militia  —  CHINESE HACKERS POSE A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER TO U.S. GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE-SECTOR COMPUTER NETWORKS AND MAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR TWO MAJOR U.S. POWER BLACKOUTS.  —  Sat.  —  Computer hackers in China, including those working on behalf of the Chinese government and military …

Dunkin' Donuts pulls Rachael Ray ad  —  The coffee and donut chain says it yanked online spot to avoid ‘misperception’; professor says links to extremism are narrow-minded and even racist.  —  BOSTON (AP) — Dunkin' Donuts has pulled an online advertisement featuring Rachael Ray after complaints …

Poll: Is Our Message More Effective Without GOP Label?  —  Very sobering read.  -Patrick  —  A new poll by widely respected Public Opinion Strategies pollster Glen Bolger has some very interesting data on an important question: What do voters think of the Republic message when it isn't attached to the GOP label?

The Reality Situation  —  You are now engaged in a campaign debate over whether to talk with Iran.  As I'm sure you both know, this is a political exercise that will have little relevance should you actually take office.  —  In the White House, you will find yourself spending more time on Iran than any other foreign policy issue.

McCain proposal for joint action gains support  —  WASHINGTON - Gaining ground this political season is a proposed League of Democracies designed to strengthen support for the next president's overseas agenda and ensure a global leadership role for the United States.

McClellan's Motive  —  It's not money, according to McClellan's publisher, Peter Osnos.  From the WaPo: … But wouldn't a low advance increase McClellan's incentive to make some money off of his book's sales—which, in turn, could lead him to write a harsher book than he originally intended …