Gains for McCain in latest USA TODAY/Gallup Poll  —  Republican presidential candidate John McCain moved from being behind by 6 points among “likely” voters a month ago to a 4-point lead over Democrat Barack Obama among that group in the latest USA TODAY/Gallup Poll.

Kaine ‘very, very high’ on VP shortlist  —  As Senator Barack Obama turns to the choice of his running mate, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine has emerged as one of the campaign's potential finalists, sources familiar with conversations in Richmond and in Chicago said.

Bill O'Reilly, Michael Savage, Sean Hannity on accused shooter's reading list  —  4-page letter outlines frustration, hatred of ‘liberal movement’  —  Please download the latest version of Adobe Flash Player, or enable JavaScript for your browser to view the video player.

Is Anything Sacred?  —  Israeli newspaper Ma'ariv was lambasted for printing the note that Obama placed in the Western Wall, allegedly stolen by a Yeshiva student.  “Notes which are placed in the Western Wall are between the person and his Maker; Heaven forbid that one should read them or use them in any way …

Internal Justice Dept. Report Cites Illegal Hiring Practices  —  For nearly two years, a young political aide sought to cultivate a “farm system” for Republicans at the Justice Department, hiring scores of prosecutors and immigration judges who espoused conservative priorities and Christian lifestyle choices.

Sun-Times columnist Robert Novak says he has brain tumor  —  Biopsy set for later today  —  Chicago Sun-Times columnist Robert Novak said today he has been diagnosed with a brain tumor but says that, “God willing,” he plans to be back at work soon.  —  Novak said he was diagnosed Sunday …

U.S. Deficit to Reach Record $490 Billion in 2009  —  The U.S. budget deficit will widen to a record of about $490 billion next year, an administration official said, leaving a deep budget hole that will constrain the next president's tax and spending plans.

How Important Was the Surge?  —  Ten Iraq experts weigh in on the effectiveness of the surge.  —  The past few weeks have been momentous for the national conversation about Iraq.  Nouri al-Maliki's explicitly stated insistence on a timetable for American withdrawal was transformative.

Transcript: ‘Response ... will be a positive one’  —  Ahmadinejad welcomes ‘new behavior’ from United States, if sincere … WILLIAMS: Mr. President, I know you wanted to begin with a statement.  —  AHMADINEJAD: In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful, a prayer for the emergence of the 12th imam.

McCain has spot removed, awaits biopsy  —  Sen. John McCain, who survived melanoma three times after suffering sun damage from his years as a Vietnam POW, said he had a spot of skin removed from his right cheek today.  Doctors will perform a biopsy of the spot, AP reports.

The Greatest Scandal  —  The profound failure of inner-city public schools to teach children may be the nation's greatest scandal.  The differences between the two Presidential candidates on this could hardly be more stark.  John McCain is calling for alternatives to the system; Barack Obama wants the kids to stay within that system.