Zogby Poll: Republicans Hold Small Post-Convention Edge  —  But the race is tight, as both campaigns consolidate support  —  UTICA, New York - Republicans John McCain and Sarah Palin left St. Paul, Minnesota, with a smallish bounce overall and some energy in key demographic groups …

NOT TRAINING WHEELS WE CAN BELIEVE IN  —  There's a lot of complaining that the McCain campaign won't allow anyone to interview Sarah Palin.  And for the major news outlets that would be in line for such an interview there's a logic to keeping up the drumbeat.

‘Uppity,’ the explanation  —  According to his spokesman, U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, a Southerner born and bred, had no idea on earth that the word “uppity” had racial connotations when he used it to describe Barack and Michelle Obama.  —  No idea at all.  Could have knocked him over with a feather when someone told him.

When Barack's berserkers lost the plot  —  My colleagues in the American liberal press had little to fear at the start of the week.  Their charismatic candidate was ahead in virtually every poll.  George W Bush was so unpopular that conservatives were scrambling around for reasons not to invite …

McCain's history of hot temper raises concerns  —  WASHINGTON — John McCain made a quick stop at the Capitol one day last spring to sit in on Senate negotiations on the big immigration bill, and John Cornyn was not pleased.  —  Cornyn, a mild-mannered Texas Republican …

Palin's Family Has Always Held a Place in Her Politics  —  WASILLA, Alaska — One Friday in June, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin joined the chief of the state prison system on a tour of the Point MacKenzie Correctional Farm, a 90-minute drive north of Anchorage.  It was a routine visit but for the presence of the governor's infant son, Trig.

Hmm, Hillary Clinton ducks chance to attack new GOP star Sarah Palin  —  A very interesting thing didn't happen Saturday.  —  Appearing at a labor rally and stumping for congressional candidates in New York, Sen. Hillary Clinton uttered her most popular line from the recent Democratic National Convention in Denver: “No Way.

Democrats regaining wimp factor  —  One of the most notable polling results at the time of the 2006 elections was that Democrats had closed the national-security gap versus Republicans who held a long and significant advantage in that area.  That was short-lived.  —  Unfortunately for Democrats, the gap has reopened.

Obama considered joining military, regrets abortion answer  —  Barack Obama says his answer about abortion at the Saddleback Church forum was “probably” too flip.  —  During separate televised interviews last month, Pastor Rick Warren asked the two presidential candidates when a baby gets human rights.

Media Bashing 101  —  SARAH PALIN'S national opening last week was judged an unqualified success by the media elite, even though much of her debut speech Wednesday night was devoted to whacking the media elite.  —  “I've learned quickly, these past few days, that if you're not a member …

Clash of the Titans  —  You know what I'm thinking, because you're thinking it, too.  —  If Barack Obama had chosen Hillary Clinton as his running mate, we would now be looking forward to the greatest night in the history of American politics: the Oct. 2 vice presidential debate between Ma Barker and Sarah Barracuda.

Change vs. Change  —  ST. PAUL, Minn. — Change is coming, change you can count on.  —  That is the simple, central message from the two presidential nominating conventions held in Denver and St. Paul during the past two weeks.  —  Whether it is Barack Obama or John McCain going to the White House …

Where Eagles Dare  —  When I was briefed on the top-secret mission before it was launched, I thought : “Good grief.  I might have to report on the failure of one of the largest and most important missions of the entire war.”  —  After seven years, the war in Afghanistan has morphed …

McCain-Palin becoming Palin-McCain?  —  Republican vice president pick from Alaska generates excitement, crowds  —  Sen. John McCain, his wife, Cindy, right, andAlaska Gov. Sarah Palin take the stage at a campaign rally in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Saturday.  —  A look ahead for Gov. Palin