Obama Can't Win Against Palin  —  Of all the advantages Gov. Sarah Palin has brought to the GOP ticket, the most important may be that she has gotten into Barack Obama's head.  How else to explain Sen. Obama's decision to go one-on-one against “Sarah Barracuda,” captain of the Wasilla High state basketball champs?

GOP foreign policy experts cool on Palin  —  In state after state, rally after rally, Sarah Palin is generating record levels of enthusiasm among the Republican base.  Crowds chant her name, congressional candidates cite her in their ads and there are numerous reports of a surge in grass roots volunteers for the McCain campaign.

Canadian doctor warns Sarah Palin's decision to have Down baby could reduce abortions  —  Sarah and Todd Palin's decision to complete her recent pregnancy, despite advance notice that their baby Trig had Down syndrome, is hailed by many in the pro-life movement as walking the walk as well as talking the talk.

The Hockey Way of Life in Wasilla  —  WASILLA, Alaska — Like many parents here in the communities near Anchorage, Sarah Palin raised her older children in hockey rinks.  —  Powered on white mochas and an aerobics class or two, Ms. Palin, the Alaska governor and Republican nominee for vice president …

PALIN'S BOOK-BANNING EFFORTS, REDUX.... Here's what we know about Sarah Palin's interest in banning books.  Time reported last week that Palin asked the Wasilla librarian, Mary Ellen Baker, about the process for banning library books.  Baker was reportedly “aghast” at the question.

Pentagon memorial to 9/11 victims to be dedicated Thursday  —  The first national memorial to victims of the terrorist attacks is already attracting survivors, family members and friends.  —  WASHINGTON — Two years ago, Tom Heidenberger led a team of amateur cyclists 3,800 miles …

Obama's woes have nothing to do with ‘lipstick’  —  Howard Fineman on the candidate's pride, strategy and stump speak  —  Democratic Presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. gestures as he speaks during a town hall meeting in the library of Granby High School in Norfolk, Va., Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2008.

McCain finally answers some questions — or tries to answer some questions.  He's terrible.  —  NOTE FROM JOHN: Watch McCain about a minute and a half into the tape, when he's asked what National Security credentials Sarah Palin has.  He replies “energy.”  The reporter goes, no, I asked you about national security.

Squad of G.O.P. Aides Prepares Palin for Interviews  —  Two weeks ago, People magazine was granted an exclusive interview with Senator John McCain's new running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska, who spoke about motherhood and career, life in Alaska and the historic nature of her candidacy.

Critics: Under Palin, Wasilla charged rape victims for exam  —  Two state leaders lashed out at the public record of Gov. Sarah Palin on Wednesday as witnesses in a new “Alaska Mythbusters” forum coordinated by supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Why Do Lies Prevail?  —  John McCain was not offended when Barack Obama described McCain's policy agenda as putting “lipstick on a pig.”  I can't prove that, but it seems so obvious to me that it's more like a fact than an opinion.  Nor could McCain possibly have thought …

Republicans have hijacked 9/11  —  An American tragedy made into a political commodity  —  SPECIAL COMMENT  —  As promised, a Special Comment about our sad anniversary tomorrow.  —  Or, more correctly, what our sad anniversary tomorrow has been turned into by the presidential administration …

Palin Returns To Alaska  —  Upon arrival, she bypassed the press (oh no!) on the tarmac to see someone special:  —  UPDATE: Welcome, National Review (thanks, Lisa) and Say Anything.  —  Today is so schizophrenic.  On the one hand we get a peek at unalloyed joy (above) …

The Ads That Aren't  —  Candidates Let Media Spread the Message  —  When Democrats turned their attention to national security themes at their nominating convention last month, Sen. John McCain's campaign was ready.  In a withering TV commercial called “Tiny,” McCain claimed that Sen. Barack …

Gallup Daily: McCain 48%, Obama 44%  —  McCain has held significant lead for last four days  —  PRINCETON, NJ — Registered voters continue to express a slight preference for John McCain (48%) over Barack Obama (44%) in the latest Gallup Poll Daily tracking presidential trial heat.