Kerry: McCain confused, ‘unbelievably out of touch’  —  John Kerry, who's served in the past as Obama's heavy-hitter on national security, expressed incredulity at McCain's remark this morning that the timing of troops return is “not too important.”  —  “It is unbelievably out of touch …

EX POST MCCAINO  —  The McCain campaign is hitting back hard against Democratic criticism of his “not that important” quote this morning on Today.  But as often is the case with McCain, the explanations of what he said are even sillier than the original statement.

It's Not Important?  Context Is Always Important  —  Democrats and allies are jumping on John McCain for telling NBC's Matt Lauer that “it's not important” when troops return from Iraq.  Period.  There's no because.  There's almost never a because when one side seizes on the comments of another.

NBC/WSJ Poll: Post-primary bump for Obama  —  Challenges for both Obama, McCain indicate very competitive race ahead  —  WASHINGTON - Days after becoming his party's presumptive nominee and receiving an endorsement from his chief rival, Hillary Clinton, Democrat Barack Obama has opened …

TEASING TODAY'S NBC/WSJ POLL  —  From NBC's Mark Murray  —  Here's one question from today's NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll that we're releasing early: 59% say it's more important to have a president who will focus on progress and moving America forward, versus 37% who would rather the president protect what has made America great.

WSJ/NBC Poll Shows Change Trumps Experience  —  Susan Davis reports on the presidential race.  —  The latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll results will be released later today, but an early teaser offers a snapshot on how voters are sizing up the John McCain-Barack Obama contest.