Poll: Bernie Sanders surges ahead of Hillary Clinton in N.H., 44-37  —  N.H. Democrats lukewarm to her tough image  —  Photo by:  —  Boston Herald front page - Aug 12.  2016  —  Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders has rocketed past longtime front-runner Hillary Clinton in New Hampshire …

The Five Plausible GOP Candidates  —  From a Democratic standpoint, a moderate-conservative Republican ticket representing the two largest swing states would be cause for concern.  —  After their first presidential debates, it is time for Republicans to get serious.  Donald Trump won't be their nominee.

The Worst Ruth Marcus Column Ever  —  We need to freeze this Ruth Marcus column in amber so that it never perishes.  Future generations will not believe that it actually existed if they can't see it with their own eyes.  It is probably the purest form of wankery that has ever been constructed.

How I helped Todd Akin win — so I could beat him later  —  It was August 7, 2012, and I was standing in my hotel room in Kansas City about to shotgun a beer for the first time in my life.  I had just made the biggest gamble of my political career—a $1.7 million gamble—and it had paid off.

Jesse Ventura: Do you think Trump would consider me for VP?  —  Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura says he thinks Donald Trump is the best choice for the GOP and he would consider registering as a Republican to be his vice president.  —  “I shocked my staff today.

State, federal officials clash over health of Animas River  —  EPA asks Hickenlooper to curb remarks about river's health  —  Gov. John Hickenlooper, left, looks at a fish trap being held by Jim White, an aquatic biologist with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, on Tuesday on the banks of the Animas River.

President Obama's Letter to the Editor  —  For the cover story of our Aug. 2 issue, Jim Rutenberg wrote about efforts over the last 50 years to dismantle the protections in the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the landmark piece of legislation that cleared barriers between black voters and the ballot.

GOP candidates wobble but don't fall down  —  Perry, Paul and Santorum keep going, fueled by super PAC money and a hope for that breakthrough moment.  —  The Great 2016 Republican Sorting has begun.  —  Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry thudded first, his campaign acknowledging this week …

Who Threatens America Most?  —  In what order does the Obama administration rank the biggest external threats to America's national security?  The short answer: It depends on whom and which agency you ask.  —  Official opinion is all over the lot, a sign of a rapidly changing world …

Trump Defends Planned Parenthood, Responds to GOP Critics on Hannity  —  Donald Trump sat down with Sean Hannity tonight and did everything from hit back at his conservative critics to defend Planned Parenthood to rip Hillary Clinton over her emails and foundation money.

‘The Artist’ Star Put to Sleep  —  After Prostate Illness  —  Uggie, the famous Jack Russell Terrier from “The Artist” ... has gone to the big doghouse in the sky — after bravely battling a prostate tumor.  —  TMZ has learned the 13-year-old star who played “The Dog” …

'I don't want to die in your cell:' Police release video of Ralkina Jones taken prior to death  —  Ryllie Danylko, Northeast Ohio Media Group By Ryllie Danylko, Northeast Ohio Media Group  —  CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio - “I don't want to die in your cell.”  —  Ralkina Jones spoke those words …

Dissent in Bernie Sanders' camp  —  The candidacy of Sanders adviser Larry Lessig could complicate matters.  —  Lessig speaks onstage at 'MAYDAY: The Fight To Save American, during the 2015 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival.  Getty  —  An adviser to Bernie Sanders has been quietly urging …