Carter tells Obama: don't pick Clinton  —  Barack Obama should not pick Hillary Clinton as his vice-presidential nominee, former president Jimmy Carter has told the Guardian.  —  “I think it would be the worst mistake that could be made,” said Carter.  “That would just accumulate the negative aspects of both candidates.”

Rezko convicted of corruption  —  A federal jury today convicted developer Antoin “Tony” Rezko of corruption charges for trading on his clout as a top adviser and fundraiser to Gov. Rod Blagojevich.  —  Rezko's guilty verdict on 16 of 24 corruption counts could have broad repercussions for Blagojevich …

McCain's Blogger Call Gets Slightly Heated ...  I just finished up a conference call with Sen. John McCain, which became heated at times.  —  When Quin Hillyer of The Examiner noted the perception that some conservatives believe McCain has been disrespectful to them in the past …

Obama talks with Clinton, Lieberman  —  Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), having secured the Democratic presidential nomination, returned to the Senate for a victory lap Wednesday, telling reporters he spoke briefly with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y) and that he was confident the party will be unified in the coming months.

Police to Seal Off D.C. Neighborhoods  —  Can you say Police State?  The Examiner has the scoop on a controversial new program announced today that would create so-called “Neighborhood Safety Zones” which would serve to partially seal off certain parts of the city.

What's on the Michelle Obama Rant Tape?  —  Here's what's known so far:  —  The Michelle Obama Rant Tape was filmed between June 26th - July 1st 2004 in Chicago, IL at the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition Conference at Trinity United Church: specifically the Women's Event.

St. Sabina protests Pfleger's fate  —  ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO |  Cardinal George imposes cooling-off period for firebrand priest while his parishioners turn out in droves to demand he remain at St. Sabina  —  Defiant St. Sabina parishioners demanded Cardinal Francis George reinstate …

‘Assassination’ Artist Is Questioned and Released  —  This morning, a Boston-born performance artist, Yazmany Arboleda, tried to set up a provocative art exhibition in a vacant storefront on West 40th Street in Midtown Manhattan with the title, “The Assassination of Hillary Clinton/The Assassination …

House Chairman Open To Republican Compromise On FISA  —  The House Intelligence Committee's top Democrat disclosed late Tuesday that he is ready to accept a Republican-brokered deal to rewrite the nation's electronic surveillance laws, signaling that a long-running congressional impasse ...  Wed.

Obama Campaign Will Use Six Consulting ‘Teams’  —  Less than 24 hours after securing the Democratic presidential nomination, Barack Obama is putting in place six teams of campaign consultants that will handle advertising, polling and direct-mail efforts for the general election campaign.

She's Still Here!  —  He thought a little thing like winning would stop her?  —  Oh, Bambi.  —  Whoever said that after denial comes acceptance hadn't met the Clintons.  —  If Hillary could not have an acceptance speech, she wasn't going to have acceptance.