Pentagon Confirms That It Told Obama He Couldn't Visit Army Base With Campaign Staff  —  I've just gotten clarification from the Pentagon on what really happened with regard to Barack Obama's canceled visit to an Army base in Germany, something the McCain campaign has been using to hit Obama since yesterday.

Security Guard Confirms Late-Night Encounter Between Former Sen. John Edwards, Tabloid Reporters In Beverly Hills Hotel  —  A hotel security guard told FOXNews.com he intervened this week between a man he identified as former Sen. John Edwards and tabloid reporters who chased …

I worked out with Obama!  —  HE CURLED 32 KILO DUMBBELLS NEXT TO ME +++  BARACK IS TOP FIT +++  HE DIDN'T SWEAT AT ALL  —  As thousands waited at the Sieges Saule monument in Berlin to hear Obama's sensational speech, a BILD reporter met Barack all alone - in the gym!

The K Street Project, Part Blue  —  As most of Washington met last week to fret over the economy, Harry Reid was attending a less-noticed summit.  The Senate majority leader had summoned the titans of more than a dozen industry trade groups to a Capitol Hill meeting, where he delivered a crisp message …

55% Rate Obama's Berlin Speech Good or Excellent; 46% Think Europe Should Be More Like U.S.  —  Over half of Americans (55%) rate Barack Obama's historic speech in Berlin yesterday good or excellent, and the Democratic presidential candidate is experiencing a modest bounce over John McCain nationally …

McCain Blows Off WSJ Reporter (VIDEO)  —  John McCain's famously cozy relationship with the press is getting a bit testy.  Taking questions in Columbus, Ohio, on Thursday the Arizona Republican blew off Wall Street Journal reporter Elizabeth Holmes, right after she stated her name and affiliation.

Israeli paper publishes Obama Western Wall prayer … JERUSALEM (AP) - A written prayer that Barack Obama left this week in the cracks of the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site, asks God to guide him and guard his family, an Israeli newspaper reported Friday.

Obama Brings His Charm Offensive to Paris  —  Jay Solomon and Mike Esterl report on Barack Obama's visit to Europe.  —  Barack Obama brought his European charm offensive to Paris Friday, as French supporters lined the streets outside of the French president's office, the Palace Elysee, to catch a view of the American politican.

Obama veep team floats Republican name  —  Barack Obama's vice presidential search team has floated the name of a member of President Bush's first-term Cabinet, Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, as Obama's running mate.  —  The search committee, now led by Caroline Kennedy and Eric Holder …

For Targeted GOP Senate Candidates, St. Paul Is Not A Choice Destination  —  Nine of 12 targeted Republicans running in the most competitive Senate races this fall are either skipping the Republican convention in St. Paul, Minn., or have not decided whether to attend.

End Of An Error  —  The inimitable Shelby Steele had a great op-ed in the WSJ this week.  In a sort of political eulogy for Jesse Jackson, Steele goes beyond the “Jesse is jealous” argument and delves into the profound generational gap between Jackson and Obama:

Critic Or Cheerleader: The Definitive McCain Iraq Timeline  —  Here it is: We've created a comprehensive time-line of John McCain's statements on Iraq, from the inception of the conflict to the present.  —  Our time-line casts some doubt on a key McCain campaign claim …

Gallup Daily: Obama by 6, Is There a Europe Effect?  —  Obama moves back to significant lead over McCain  —  PRINCETON, NJ — Barack Obama has expanded his lead over John McCain in the Tuesday through Thursday Gallup Poll Daily tracking rolling average, and now has a 47% to 41% advantage over his Republican challenger.

MCCAIN HITS HARD  —  Before a military audience in Denver today, John McCain launched his strongest attack yet against Barack Obama.  The attack was devastating because it is true.  Here are some excerpts; McCain began by recalling the beginning of the surge: … That recitation of Obama's conduct is entirely factual.

Schock treatment: Bush welcome  —  ( Reporting in from the president's trip to Peoria, brought to you by Clout Street:)  —  Illinois state Rep. Aaron Schock of Peoria isn't one of those Republicans who shy away from appearing with President Bush.  —  When Air Force One landed …