The Palin interview  —  It is embarrassing to have to spell this out, but for the record let me explain why Gov. Palin's answer to the “Bush Doctrine” question — the only part of the recent interview I have yet seen over here in China — implies a disqualifying lack of preparation for the job.

McCain Grilled On “The View”: Sarah Palin, His Abortion Stance, His Obama Attack Ads, And More  —  The ladies of “The View” confronted John McCain today for lying in recent attack ads.  In arguably his toughest interview yet, View co-host Joy Behar asked McCain:

Biden Releases 10 Years of Tax Returns  —  Joe Biden today released ten years of his personal income tax returns, drawing further attention to the tax issues raised by Sarah Palin's tax problems associated with her per diem reimbursements while governor of Alaska.

Obama camp seizes on ‘divorced’ comment  —  After a week on defense, Barack Obama's campaign is roaring back with a new theme for attacking John McCain: “out of touch.”  —  In a conference call with reporters on Friday morning, the Obama campaign seized on a comment by McCain in Thursday …

Battle for Congress Suddenly Looks Competitive  —  Democrats' double-digit lead on the “generic ballot” slips to 3 points  —  PRINCETON, NJ — A potential shift in fortunes for the Republicans in Congress is seen in the latest USA Today/Gallup survey, with the Democrats now leading …

Todd Palin subpoenaed in firing probe  —  The state Senate Judiciary Committee voted 3-2 today to subpoena 13 people — including the husband of Gov. Sarah Palin — in an investigation of whether Palin abused her power in trying to get her former brother-in-law fired.

McCain Issues A Challenge: ‘Nobody Can Name’ An Issue I Have Flip-Flopped On  —  On ABC's The View today, host Joy Behar complained to John McCain that “you used to be more of the Maverick, then you sort of turned.”  “In what way?”  McCain asked.  “You became much more lockstep, I think …

McCain Pre-Palin: Mayors And Governors Can't Handle National Security  —  When does being a governor or mayor for a short period of time not disqualify your credentials on national security?  When you are John McCain and your task is to defend your vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

McCain takes slim lead over Obama in AP-GfK poll … WASHINGTON (AP) - Republican John McCain has taken a modest lead over Barack Obama entering the final seven weeks of their presidential contest, buoyed by decisive advantages among suburban and working-class whites and a huge edge …

New animal rights ad: Hey, Palin's a savage who enjoys seeing animals suffer  —  Fun and games from the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund, casting our heroine in the role of a cartoon sadist.  Consider it a complement to WaPo hyperventilation last week about why she increased spending for teen moms by …

Attack Politics 101  —  Phil Singer mostly nails this: … Therein lies the rub of the McSame strategy and the challenges Obama has attacking.  The McSame attack directly contradicts McCain's image as Bush's #1 rival in the Republican Party, something Democrats were all too happy to stoke back in the day.