RNC loses top fundraiser  —  In another serious blow to the Republican National Committee, one of its top fundraisers — and its few remaining connections to the traditional GOP donor base — has resigned a senior, unpaid position.  —  Former Ambassador Sam Fox, a top supporter of George W. Bush …

Obama Limits When U.S. Would Use Nuclear Arms  —  WASHINGTON — President Obama said Monday that he was revamping American nuclear strategy to substantially narrow the conditions under which the United States would use nuclear weapons, even in self defense.  —  But the president …

‘Collateral Murder’ in Baghdad Anything But  —  Wikileaks, the website devoted to publishing classified documents on the Internet, made a splash today with a video claiming to show that the U.S. military “murdered” a Reuters cameraman and other Iraqi “civilians” in Baghdad on July 12, 2007.

‘I NEVER CONSIDERED MYSELF A MAVERICK’.... To say that Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) built his most recent persona — the latest in a series — around the notion of being a “maverick” would be a dramatic understatement.  The “m” word was practically a verbal tick for McCain — he'd use it constantly …

Tea Party 48% Obama 44%  —  On major issues, 48% of voters say that the average Tea Party member is closer to their views than President Barack Obama.  The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 44% hold the opposite view and believe the president's views are closer to their own.

Obama Throws “Disappointing” First Pitch  —  Marking a 100-year tradition, President Obama today threw out the first pitch at Nationals Stadium, kicking off the season at the opening game of the Washington Nationals vs. the Philadelphia Phillies.  —  The presidential pitch went high and wide …

Why Sen. Ensign should be worried about possible indictment  —  In the federal penal code, it is known as “structuring.”  —  And it is a word Sen. John Ensign should remember because it is very likely to be on any indictment with his name on it.  —  That's what I am told by a reliable source familiar …

McMillen: I Was Sent to Fake Prom  —  To avoid Constance McMillen bringing a female date to her prom, the teen was sent to a “fake prom” while the rest of her class partied at a secret location at an event organized by parents.  —  McMillen tells The Advocate that a parent-organized prom happened behind …

Mark Your Calendars: The Democratic National Convention to be Held the Week of September 3, 2012  —  I am excited to announce that the Democratic Party will gather for our 46th National Convention during the week of September 3, 2012.  At the convention, we will re-nominate President Barack Obama …

At Least 7 Die in West Virginia Coal Mine Explosion  —  At least seven miners were killed and 19 were unaccounted for after an explosion ripped through a West Virginia coal mine on Monday, state emergency officials said.  —  The explosion occurred about 3 p.m. at the Upper Big Branch mine …

How the GOP Purged Me  —  I am an old Republican.  I am religious, yet not a fanatic.  I am a free-marketer; yet, I believe in the role of the government as a fair evenhanded referee.  I am socially conservative; yet, I believe that my lesbian niece and my gay grandchild should have the full protection …

Tina Fey interview: Sarah Palin in her sights  —  Tina Fey talks about her new film - and plans to revive her sensational impression of the former vice-presidential candidate.  —  One day Tina Fey was an actress in a little-seen television sitcom, worshipped by an ardent cult following but mainly ignored by mainstream audiences.

Secretary LaHood Announces DOT is Seeking Maximum Civil Penalty from Toyota  —  WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is seeking the maximum civil penalty of $16.375 million …

Senator Reid pokes fun at Gov Palin - check out the video  —  The focus is bad (yes, I know)....but here is Senator Reid having some fun with his supporters:

The Rise of the New Paternalism  —  For as far back as memory reaches, people have been telling other people what's good for them — and manipulating or forcing them to do it.  But in recent years, a novel form of paternalism has emerged on the policy stage.

Can CNN Be Saved?  —  Listening to Jon Stewart helped destroy CNN.  Now imitating him might be the network's only hope of salvation.  —  It was October of 2004, the heat of the presidential campaign, when Stewart showed up on “Crossfire,” long CNN's flagship political program, and delivered a now-legendary tirade.

Several Doses of Pessimism  —  If you need cheering up, read no further.  Here are a couple of pessimistic evaluations of recent events.  First, Frank Gaffney asks Who Lost Iraq? … Jonathan Spyer, meanwhile, observes the Druse and draws sad but logical conclusions.