McCain camp criticism rife with errors  —  Sen. John McCain's top campaign aides convened a conference call today to complain of being called “liars.”  They pressed the media to scrutinize specific elements of Sen. Barack Obama's record.  —  But the call was so rife with simple …

Dodd  —  Very preliminary, no details — but this sounds like a big step in the right direction.  —  One of the problems with this blog is that I ruffled a few feathers back when Bush had an 80 percent approval rating, and somehow I wasn't impressed.  People remember, and as a result …

CNN Poll: GOP takes brunt of blame for economy, Obama gains  —  WASHINGTON (CNN) - A new CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll suggests that by a 2-to-1 margin, Americans blame Republicans over Democrats for the financial crisis that has swept across the country the past few weeks …

Energy Alert  —  While all eyes are diverted to the mess on Wall Street, Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats are attempting to extend the ban on offshore drilling, which is set to expire October 1.  This just in from Jeb Hensarling's office: … As recently as last week, leading Democrats …

How the Democrats Created the Financial Crisis: Kevin Hassett  —  Sept. 22 (Bloomberg) — The financial crisis of the past year has provided a number of surprising twists and turns, and from Bear Stearns Cos. to American International Group Inc., ambiguity has been a big part of the story.

‘First Dude’ Todd Palin Illustrates Alaska's Blend of Private and Public  —  ANCHORAGE — Todd Palin grew up as the archetypal Alaskan — salmon fisherman, champion snowmobiler, North Slope oil worker.  But since his wife became governor 20 months ago, his portfolio has broadened: househusband …

WHY IS OBAMA SO VAPID, HESITANT, AND GUTLESS?  —  Last week really ought to have been the end of the McCain campaign.  With the whole country feeling (and its financial class acting) as if we lived in a sweltering, bankrupt banana republic, and with this misery added to the generally Belarusian atmosphere …

Hypocrisy Bombshell: Antigay John McCain has a Gay Chief of Staff  —  What does John McCain's loyal chief of staff - a man who apparently is in a long-term relationship with another man, and appears to be open about it to John McCain — think about the fact that Sarah Palin devoutly worships …

God, Patriotism and Taxes  —  Joe Biden isn't backing down from his startling claim last week that raising taxes on the rich is the “patriotic” thing to do.  On Thursday he upped the ante, thundering that he also has Jesus in his corner.  “Catholic social doctrine as I was taught it is …

Spies Warn That Al Qaeda Aims for October Surprise  —  Intercepted Messages Asking Local Cells To Be Prepared for Imminent Instructions  —  WASHINGTON — In the aftermath of two major terrorist attacks on Western targets, America's counterterrorism community is warning that Al Qaeda may launch …

Fury at $2.5bn bonus for Lehman's New York staff  —  Up to 10,000 staff at the New York office of the bankrupt investment bank Lehman Brothers will share a bonus pool set aside for them that is worth $2.5bn (£1.4bn), Barclays Bank, which is buying the business, confirmed last night.

Palin's town charged women for rape exams  —  ANCHORAGE, Alaska (CNN) — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's hometown required women to pay for their own rape examinations while she was mayor, a practice her police chief fought to keep as late as 2000.  —  Former state Rep. Eric Croft, a Democrat …

New poll: Zero percent of Americans think national economy is improving.  —  A new American Research Group poll shows that “[n]o Americans say that the national economy is getting better,” while 82 percent say it is getting much worse.  Only 17 percent approve of President Bush's handling of the economy, with 78 percent disapproving.

‘Palin Syrah’ Wine Drops in Sales After Sarah Palin Veep Pick  —  Editor's note: This dispatch comes to us from wine guru Amy Monroe.  She works in the grape business in the Bay Area, and literally stumbled across the “Palin Syrah” this month at a San Francisco wine bar.

Coleman: Government bailout could earn money  —  Senator makes campaign stop at Christy's Cafe in N. Mankato  —  U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman said the massive government bailout of failing financial institutions is not only necessary but could make money for the federal government.