Gramm calls slowdown ‘mental’  —  Former Sen. Phil Gramm, a top economic adviser to presumptive GOP nominee John McCain, referred to the economic slowdown as “a mental recession” and called the United States “a nation of whiners.”  —  The comments, in an interview with The Washington Times …

McCain forcefully rebukes Gramm  —  John McCain strongly disavowed the comments today of his campaign co-chair and economic adviser, saying Phil Gramm “does not speak for me — I speak for me.”  —  “So, I strongly disagree,” McCain told reporters gathered for a press conference that was added …

McCain Campaign Initially Stood By Gramm Remarks  —  The McCain campaign is working hard to distance itself from statements made by economic adviser Phil Gramm describing the current economic downturn as a “mental recession” and saying America had “sort of become a nation of whiners.”

Gramm: ‘What we need is more leadership and less whining’  —  (CNN) — Top McCain adviser Phil Gramm tells CNN that his most controversial comment about the economy in a recent interview has been misinterpreted.  —  The former Texas senator, who advises presumptive Republican nominee John McCain …

President George Bush: 'Goodbye from the world's biggest polluter'  —  George Bush surprised world leaders with a joke about his poor record on the environment as he left the G8 summit in Japan.  —  The American leader, who has been condemned throughout his presidency for failing to tackle climate change …

Bush to G8: 'Goodbye from the world's biggest polluter'  —  After rejecting global climate-change targets, George Bush's parting shot to the G8 summit  —  President George Bush signed off with a defiant farewell over his refusal to accept global climate change targets at his last G8 summit.

Rove ignores panel's subpoena, refuses to testify  —  WASHINGTON (CNN) — Karl Rove, President Bush's longtime political guru, refused to obey an order to testify before a House Judiciary Committee hearing Thursday.  —  Rove's lawyer asserted that Rove was “immune” from the subpoena …

OBAMA'S KIDS....Andrew Sullivan goes ballistic about the Obama family interview with Access Hollywood: … I gather that a fair number of people feel the same way, and even Obama himself now says he wouldn't do it again.  Am I living in a bubble when I say that I'm just flabbergasted by this reaction?