Defying Canon and Civil Laws, Church Failed to Stop a Priest  —  On the surface, the Rev. Shawn Ratigan was just the kind of dynamic new priest that any Roman Catholic bishop would have been happy to put in a parish.  He rode a motorcycle, organized summer mission trips to Guatemala …

Sept. 7: Polls Find Hints of Obama Convention Bounce  —  The three national tracking polls that were published on Friday all moved toward President Obama, probably reflecting momentum from the Democratic convention.  —  In the Gallup national tracking poll, Mr. Obama moved into a three-point lead …

A Nation of Sandra Flukes  —  According to Georgetown Law student Sandra Fluke, invited to address the Democratic convention and the nation, America faces a stark choice this November.  “During this campaign, we've heard about two profoundly different futures that could await women in this country …

Obama Speech Ratings Down From '08, But Top Romney … REACT:  —  FOLLOW:  —  2012 Convention Coverage, 2012 Convention Media, 2012 Election Media Coverage, 2012 Media Coverage, Obama Convention Speech, Obama Speech Ratings, Convention Ratings, Obama Convention Speech Ratings, Media News

Obama reelection message hits Florida  —  Seminole, Florida (CNN) - President Barack Obama took his “ready to go forward” message to Florida voters in his first stop Saturday on a bus tour through the swing state.  —  The president was introduced by former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist …

Are Republicans Fooling Themselves?  —  Overall, the Democrats put on an effective show.  With the possible exception of the McGovern convention, this was the most left-leaning Democratic gathering in memory.  Some of that may have been counterproductive, particularly on social issues.

Romney WILL play in Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania  —  When the Romney-Ryan ticket announced a major ad campaign in eight states last night, the media noted that Wisconsin and Michigan were not among them and then jumped to the conclusion that these states are no longer in play.  Wrong.

Surprise!  HHS pilot program to send 2 million poor seniors from Medicare into ... voucher programs  —  I know that every campaign promise Barack Obama makes has an expiration date ... but this is ridiculous.  The confetti is barely off the floor at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte …

Post-Convention Ad Crush to Get Even Heavier  —  Get ready, presidential swing states.  Now the campaign ad crush — and TV spending spree — really begins.  —  The TV ad war for the 2012 presidential contest, its total spending expected to swell to $1.1 billion, is set to start anew …

The Thing Nobody Talked About at the Conventions  —  Except John Lewis, of course.  And maybe Elizabeth Warren.  —  CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There are some politicians — not many, but a very distinct few — who, when they talk to you about one specific issue, you listen politely, agree wholeheartedly …

Ann Romney: birth control, gay marriage not “what this election is going to be about”  —  DAVENPORT, Iowa - Ann Romney told KWQC TV6 news Friday that birth control and gay marriage are issues that “distract from what the real voting issue is going to be at this election.”

Christian pastor jailed in Iran for 3 years is freed, watchdog group says  —  Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani is greeted by family as he is released from an Iranian jail.DAVID NEJAT SABET  —  An undated photograph circulated by religious rights organizations shows Youcef Nadarkhani and his family.

Born This Way: Sympathy and Science for Those Who Want to Have Sex with Children  —  It's not easy to listen to Terry talk about the time he had sex with a seven-year-old girl.  But after his psychotherapist put us in touch, he agreed to lay it all out for me during a phone call and email …

“They Won't Magically Turn You Into A Lustful Cockmonster”: Chris Kluwe Explains Gay Marriage To The Politician Who Is Offended By An NFL Player Supporting It  —  Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo has spoken out in favor of a Maryland ballot initiative that would legalize gay marriage.