Darkness at Dusk  —  It's only been a week since the defeat, but the battle lines have already been drawn in the fight over the future of conservatism.  —  In one camp, there are the Traditionalists, the people who believe that conservatives have lost elections because they have strayed from the true creed.

Obama Spokesperson: He Doesn't “Hold Any Grudges” Against Lieberman, Won't Take Position On Whether To Oust Him From Committee  —  President-Elect Barack Obama doesn't “hold any grudges” against Senator Joe Lieberman for opposing his presidential candidacy, and will not take any position …

BUSH ANGER: OBAMA AIDES LEAK CHAT DETAILS  —  Just hours after President Bush and President-elect Obama met in the Oval Office of the White House, details of their confidential conversation began leaking out to the press, igniting anger from the president, sources claim.

Sarah Palin says she'll ‘plow through the door’ if there's an opening in 2012 or beyond  —  That gosh-darned mainstream media.  Can't live with 'em, can't campaign without 'em.  —  Less than a week after she and John McCain lost their bid for the White House, a combative Sarah Palin …

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST  —  John Hinderacker, arguably the most influential conservative blogger in the country ...  At the feet of masters.

Obama to Explore New Approach in Afghanistan War  —  The incoming Obama administration plans to explore a more regional strategy to the war in Afghanistan — including possible talks with Iran — and looks favorably on the nascent dialogue between the Afghan government and “reconcilable” …

Obama-Clinton soap opera takes new turn  —  Michelle Obama wasn't always an admirer of Hillary Clinton, but last Wednesday the soon-to-be first lady dialed up the former first lady for pointers on protecting her two young daughters from the media maelstrom of the White House.

For South, a Waning Hold on Politics  —  VERNON, Ala. — Fear of the politician with the unusual name and look did not end with last Tuesday's vote in this rural red swatch where buck heads and rifles hang on the wall.  This corner of the Deep South still resonates with negative feelings about the race of President-elect Barack Obama.

Obama likely to escape campaign audit  —  The Federal Election Commission is unlikely to conduct a potentially embarrassing audit of how Barack Obama raised and spent his presidential campaign's record-shattering windfall, despite allegations of questionable donations and accounting that had the McCain campaign crying foul.

EXCLUSIVE: Gingrich, Steele duel privately for RNC job  —  A behind-the-scenes battle to take the reins of the Republican National Committee is taking off between former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele.  —  Neither man will acknowledge his interest in the post …

Intelligence Policy to Stay Mostly Intact  —  WASHINGTON — President-elect Barack Obama is unlikely to radically overhaul controversial Bush administration intelligence policies, advisers say, an approach that is almost certain to create tension within the Democratic Party.

Most affluent voters key to Obama sweep  —  Barack Obama promised he would lower taxes for 95 percent of Americans and presumably raise them for the 5 percent who benefited most under President Bush's tax policies.  But, remarkably, the most affluent 5 percent supported Obama and that was perhaps the key to his victory last week.

McCain Owes Sarah Some Straight Talk  —  Where's John McCain's honor when we need it?  —  We'll find out tonight, when the Arizona Republican appears on “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno.  In the week since the election, Mr. McCain's campaign team has leaked some nasty stuff about Sarah Palin.

Most uncounted ballots will be tallied Wednesday  —  90,000 VOTES: Stevens vs. Begich isn't the only race in question.  —  khopkins@adn.com  —  Look for the needle to move on Alaska's landmark U.S. Senate race and other tight contests this week, with the Division of Elections planning …

(D.) for Vendetta  —  The champagne is barely off the ice and Democrats are already celebrating their new majorities by punishing a few heretical colleagues.  In almost every sense, John Dingell and Joe Lieberman are loyal Democrats.  But Mr. Dingell is holding down the party's right flank on energy …

Goodbye and Good Riddance  —  After eight years of President Bush, we almost don't know how to function without him — almost.  But before we move on, we should pause to remember just what we're leaving behind.  —  Just over two years into George W. Bush's presidency …

In Northeast, Lost in a Blue Wave  —  Region's GOP Moderates Alienated by Party Agenda, Some Leaders Say  —  BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Among the biggest casualties from last week's election here in the Northeast may be the Republican Party itself.  —  A map of the states won by President-elect Barack …

John Edwards returns to public stage in Indiana  —  BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards is returning to the public stage for a speech at Indiana University, three months after he acknowledged an affair with a woman hired to produce videos of him in 2006.

Georgia congressman warns of Obama dictatorship  —  WASHINGTON (AP) — A Republican congressman from Georgia said Monday he fears that President-elect Obama will establish a Gestapo-like security force to impose a Marxist or fascist dictatorship.  —  “It may sound a bit crazy and off base …