Despite Assurances, McCain Wasn't in a ‘Cone of Silence’  —  ORLANDO, Fla. — Senator John McCain was not in a “cone of silence” on Saturday night while his rival, Senator Barack Obama, was being interviewed at the Saddleback Church in California.  —  Members of the McCain campaign staff …

Musharraf Announces His Resignation  —  ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Under pressure over impending impeachment charges, President Pervez Musharraf announced he would resign Monday, ending nearly nine years as the head of one of the United States' most important allies in the campaign against terrorism.

Obama likely to announce VP this week  —  Senator Barack Obama is expected to choose his running mate this week in a key decision about the direction and narrative of his bid for the White House.  —  A person familiar with the campaign's planning noted that Obama's schedule at the end of this week is open …

Obama Facing Attacks From All Sides Over Abortion Record  —  WASHINGTON — When it comes to his abortion record in Illinois, Senator Obama is taking flak from all sides.  —  First, Senator Clinton accused him of lacking political backbone in voting “present” on a bill that …

Colbert, Stewart viewers more well-informed than those watching O'Reilly, Dobbs.  —  A new Pew Survey on News Consumption released yesterday reveals that viewers of The Daily Show and The Colbert Report are more knowledgeable about current events than those who watch Bill O'Reilly, Lou Dobbs …

It's the Economy Stupor  —  By rights, John McCain should be getting hammered on economics.  —  After all, Mr. McCain proposes continuing the policies of a president who's had a truly dismal economic record — job growth under the current administration has been the slowest in 60 years …

Obama: ‘I will win’  —  A confident Barack Obama raised an extraordinary $7.8 million Sunday at three California fundraisers, most if it in large checks to a Democratic Party committee.  —  “I will win.  Don't worry about that,” he said to the crowd of about 1,300 at his third event of the evening, according to the pool report.

Sullivan Spreads Smear of McCain's POW Record  —  It's not surprising that Andrew Sullivan is a bit touchy about the fact that John McCain outperformed Barack Obama on Saturday, but he reaches a new low by approvingly linking to a post on DailyKos accusing McCain of fabricating his story …

Hillary Clinton's rich friend Lady de Rothschild ambushes Barack Obama  —  Diehard Hillary fans plan to protest at the party's crowning of Obama - and may even vote for John McCain  —  At the Democratic national convention next week, Lynn Forester, Lady de Rothschild, one of Britain's …

British anti-Americanism ‘based on misconceptions’  —  British attitudes towards the United States are governed by ignorance of the facts on key issues such as crime, health care and foreign policy, according to a new survey.  —  A poll of nearly 2,000 Britons by YouGov/PHI found that 70 per cent …

A Story With a Few Holes  —  Portrait of Helen Thomas Obscures Flaws  —  “Thank You, Mr. President,” an engaging HBO documentary about the career of journalist Helen Thomas, is a fine little film as far as it goes.  It goes only as far as 38 minutes, actually — quite short for a biographical project.

Gallup Daily: McCain, Obama Remain Tied  —  45% of registered voters support each candidate  —  PRINCETON, NJ — Gallup Poll Daily tracking for Aug. 14-16 finds John McCain and Barack Obama tied at 45% in the latest presidential election trial heat.  —  The race has tightened …

Edwards went for big time  —  Forgive me if I'm straining to believe John Edwards' version of events.  My last conversation with him wasn't a good one.  —  In some ways, that talk reflected the difficult relationship we've had with him since he became a national political figure.

Pelosi and Pickens, investment partners  —  It is difficult to imagine a more unlikely pair of investors than House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Texas oilman T. Boone Pickens.  Pelosi, the San Francisco Democrat, is among the most liberal and pro-environmentalist politicians in Congress …