William Safire, Nixon Speechwriter and Times Columnist, Is Dead at 79  —  William Safire, a speechwriter for President Richard M. Nixon and a Pulitzer Prize-winning political columnist for The New York Times who also wrote novels, books on politics and a Malaprop's treasury of articles on language …

Despite pressure, McChrystal to hold firm on request for troops  —  Gen. Stanley McChrystal said he will not back down from his request for additional troops in Afghanistan, even though Democrats in Congress and the Obama administration have been hesitant to embrace it.

Was Census Worker Bill Sparkman A Child Predator?  —  Update: Before any more people start going bonkers that I'm accusing Sparkman of anything, take a breath.  I've done a fair amount of crime blogging mixed in with politics over time.  One doesn't rule anything in or out without some firm answers.

New Cheney Taking Stage for the G.O.P.  —  NASHVILLE — Liz Cheney looks nothing like her father, but it is clear who he is.  She was introduced as “our favorite vice president's daughter” at a recent gathering of conservative women here.  She kept invoking him in her speech …

John Edwards' ex-mistress, Rielle Hunter, targeted by Elizabeth Edwards in blog comments - source  —  Former presidential candidate John Edwards is said to be ready to admit that he fathered a love child.  But Hades may have a skating rink before his wife, Elizabeth, signs off on such a confession.

The Outrageous Arrest of Roman Polanski  —  Of all nations, why was it Switzerland — the country that traditionally guarded the secret bank accounts of international criminals and corrupt dictators — that finally decided to arrest Roman Polanski?  There must be some deeper story here …

Germany Swings to the Center-Right  —  Sunday's election results follow a trend in which Socialist parties across Europe have seen sharp declines in their popularity.  —  German Chancellor Angela Merkel cruised to victory in federal elections on Sunday with enough votes to form …

There Are Only Two Choices Left on Iran  —  An Israeli or U.S. military strike now, or a nuclear Tehran soon.  —  Printer  —  Friendly  —  Unless you are a connoisseur of small pictures of bearded, brooding fanatical clerics there is not much reason to collect Iranian currency.

The Australian town that kicked the bottle  —  Drinking fountains replace shop-bought mineral water in environmental initiative  —  Plastic bottles were ceremoniously removed from shelves in the sleepy Australian town of Bundanoon at the weekend as a ban on commercially-bottled water - believed to be a world first - came into force.

Babysitting ban review ordered  —  Lucy Jarrett: “Our children have grown up together”  —  England's Children's Minister wants a review of the case of two police officers told they were breaking the law, caring for each other's children.  —  Ofsted said the arrangement contravened …

‘Meet the Press’ transcript for Sept. 27, 2009  —  MR. DAVID GREGORY: This Sunday: The president on the world stage at a time of growing danger.  The U.S. says Iran has a secret underground nuclear facility capable of weapons production.  —  PRES. BARACK OBAMA: Iran is on notice that …

D.C. job alleged as attempt to deter Romanoff  —  WASHINGTON — Not long after news leaked last month that Andrew Romanoff was determined to make a Democratic primary run against Sen. Michael Bennet, Romanoff received an unexpected communication from one of the most powerful men in Washington.