White House rips Trump over birther reaction  —  President Obama's top spokesman slammed Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump on Friday for failing to condemn a supporter who claimed Obama is a Muslim who was born abroad.  —  “Is anybody really surprised this happened at a Donald Trump rally?”

Joe Biden Edges Closer to Joining Presidential Race  —  Vice president's aides debate timing of entry and hone message for a possible campaign  —  Vice President Joe Biden's aides in recent days called Democratic donors and supporters to suggest he is more likely than not to enter the 2016 race …

Are Democrats and Republicans talking about the same country?  —  To the Democratic candidates, the 2016 presidential campaign is about shrinking the gap between rich and poor; combating climate change; and expanding voting rights, gay rights and workplace equality for women.

Phoenix freeway-shootings suspect Leslie Allen Merritt Jr. tied to first 4 incidents  —  After arrest, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey tweets: ‘We got him!’  —  CONNECT  —  For nearly three weeks, life in Phoenix and the Valley was under a darkening cloud of fear as vehicles driving on freeways were hit …

This Bonkers CNN Guest Who Co-Chairs ‘Women For Trump’ Is Television Magic  —  If you don't know the name Paula Johnson, you soon will.  That's because the co-chair of the New Hampshire-based Women for Trump organization was a guest on CNN's Legal View Friday morning, and it was television magic.

First Wave at Omaha Beach … UNLIKE what happens to other great battles, the passing of the years and the retelling of the story have softened the horror of Omaha Beach on D Day.  —  This fluke of history is doubly ironic since no other decisive battle has ever been so thoroughly reported for the official record.

The White House is more afraid of offending China's president than the pope  —  THE VATICAN has raised objections to a few of the guests invited to the White House arrival ceremony next week for Pope Francis.  The Wall Street Journal reported that the guests include transgender activists …

Trump plan calls for nationwide concealed carry and an end to gun bans  —  Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump — who said he has a concealed carry permit — called for the expansion of gun rights Friday, including making those permits applicable nationwide.

Pope Francis' fact-free flamboyance  —  Pope Francis embodies sanctity but comes trailing clouds of sanctimony.  With a convert's indiscriminate zeal, he embraces ideas impeccably fashionable, demonstrably false and deeply reactionary.  They would devastate the poor on whose behalf he purports to speak …

Is Kentucky clerk Kim Davis back in hot water?  —  Shares -  —  OWENSBORO, Ky. — The attorney for one of the deputy clerks in Kim Davis' office says Davis disobeyed a federal judge's order when she altered marriage license forms for same-sex couples.  —  In a separate filing Friday …