Believe Me, It's Torture  —  What more can be added to the debate over U.S. interrogation methods, and whether waterboarding is torture?  Try firsthand experience.  The author undergoes the controversial drowning technique, at the hands of men who once trained American soldiers to resist—not inflict—it.

Obama Got Discount on Home Loan  —  Shortly after joining the U.S. Senate and while enjoying a surge in income, Barack Obama bought a $1.65 million restored Georgian mansion in an upscale Chicago neighborhood.  To finance the purchase, he secured a $1.32 million loan from Northern Trust in Illinois.

Schmidt takes control of day-to-day operation  —  Steve Schmidt is taking over the day-to-day operation of John McCain's campaign, according to multiple campaign sources.  —  At a staff meeting in the campaign's Arlington, Va., headquarters this morning, campaign manager Rick Davis made the announcement about Schmidt's new role.

LIMBAUGH SIGNS THROUGH 2016; $400 MILLION DEAL SHATTERS BROADCAST RECORDS  —  The American broadcast industry is rocked, realigned and blasted into a new orbit, yet again, by Rush Limbaugh, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.  —  In what is being described as an unprecedented radio contract …

Cochran recounts McCain dustup with the Sandinistas  —  GULFPORT —Notably mild-mannered Republican Sen. Thad Cochran shocked many earlier this year with comments about John McCain's volatile temper.  He has since mended fences with the GOP presidential nominee.

The Wrong Stuff  —  On the way back from Unity, N.H., Friday evening, Barack Obama's plane got diverted by bad weather.  Instead of landing at Reagan airport, it landed farther out at Dulles.  —  Before he got into his S.U.V., Senator Obama walked hesitantly toward the press, who were standing nearby.

Hispanic Voters Solidly Behind Obama  —  Few demographic differences evident among Hispanics  —  PRINCETON, NJ — Hispanic registered voters' support for Barack Obama for president remained consistent and strong in June, with Obama leading John McCain by 59% to 29% among this group.

“Black national anthem” causes stir at Hick speech  —  As Denver dignitaries gathered Tuesday for Mayor John Hickenlooper's State of the City address, City Council President Michael Hancock introduced singer Rene Marie to perform the national anthem.  —  But that's not what she did.

Obama to lay out ambitious national service plan  —  (CNN) — Continuing his week-long focus on patriotism and national service, Sen. Barack Obama will lay out a plan Wednesday to create new volunteer and service opportunities to address some of the nation's most pressing challenges.

McCain Backer's Firm Pleaded Guilty To Funding Terrorist Group In Colombia  —  The co-host of a recent top-dollar fundraiser for Sen. John McCain oversaw the payment of roughly $1.7 million to a Colombian paramilitary group that is today designated a terrorist organization by the United States.

Bush's Third Term  —  We're beginning to understand why Barack Obama keeps protesting so vigorously against the prospect of “George Bush's third term.”  Maybe he's worried that someone will notice that he's the candidate who's running for it.  —  Most Presidential candidates adapt their message …