Sarah Palin, media ‘piranhas,’ lobbyists  —  “This ultimately isn't a race between us and Sarah Palin,” David Axelrod, chief strategist for the presidential campaign of Barack Obama, says today.  “It's a race between Barack Obama and John McCain.  They're the candidates for president.”

Zogby Poll: Republicans Hold Small Post-Convention Edge  —  But the race is tight, as both campaigns consolidate support  —  UTICA, New York - Republicans John McCain and Sarah Palin left St. Paul, Minnesota, with a smallish bounce overall and some energy in key demographic groups …

Obama considered joining military, regrets abortion answer  —  Barack Obama says his answer about abortion at the Saddleback Church forum was “probably” too flip.  —  During separate televised interviews last month, Pastor Rick Warren asked the two presidential candidates when a baby gets human rights.

When Barack's berserkers lost the plot  —  My colleagues in the American liberal press had little to fear at the start of the week.  Their charismatic candidate was ahead in virtually every poll.  George W Bush was so unpopular that conservatives were scrambling around for reasons not to invite …

‘Uppity,’ the explanation  —  According to his spokesman, U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, a Southerner born and bred, had no idea on earth that the word “uppity” had racial connotations when he used it to describe Barack and Michelle Obama.  —  No idea at all.  Could have knocked him over with a feather when someone told him.

McCain's history of hot temper raises concerns  —  WASHINGTON — John McCain made a quick stop at the Capitol one day last spring to sit in on Senate negotiations on the big immigration bill, and John Cornyn was not pleased.  —  Cornyn, a mild-mannered Texas Republican …

Palin's Family Has Always Held a Place in Her Politics  —  WASILLA, Alaska — One Friday in June, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin joined the chief of the state prison system on a tour of the Point MacKenzie Correctional Farm, a 90-minute drive north of Anchorage.  It was a routine visit but for the presence of the governor's infant son, Trig.

Anatomy of a Smear  —  Weekly Standard Dean Barnett asking a very important question.  —  One that needs to be answered: Now. … “The author” here is, yes, RAWMUSLGLUTES himself.  WS isn't saying so because they're so repulsed by this vile thing they avoid even naming him anymore.

Democrats regaining wimp factor  —  One of the most notable polling results at the time of the 2006 elections was that Democrats had closed the national-security gap versus Republicans who held a long and significant advantage in that area.  That was short-lived.  —  Unfortunately for Democrats, the gap has reopened.

Hmm, Hillary Clinton ducks chance to attack new GOP star Sarah Palin  —  A very interesting thing didn't happen Saturday.  —  Appearing at a labor rally and stumping for congressional candidates in New York, Sen. Hillary Clinton uttered her most popular line from the recent Democratic National Convention in Denver: “No Way.

Media Bashing 101  —  SARAH PALIN'S national opening last week was judged an unqualified success by the media elite, even though much of her debut speech Wednesday night was devoted to whacking the media elite.  —  “I've learned quickly, these past few days, that if you're not a member …

Clash of the Titans  —  You know what I'm thinking, because you're thinking it, too.  —  If Barack Obama had chosen Hillary Clinton as his running mate, we would now be looking forward to the greatest night in the history of American politics: the Oct. 2 vice presidential debate between Ma Barker and Sarah Barracuda.

Where Eagles Dare  —  When I was briefed on the top-secret mission before it was launched, I thought : “Good grief.  I might have to report on the failure of one of the largest and most important missions of the entire war.”  —  After seven years, the war in Afghanistan has morphed …

McCain-Palin becoming Palin-McCain?  —  Republican vice president pick from Alaska generates excitement, crowds  —  Sen. John McCain, his wife, Cindy, right, andAlaska Gov. Sarah Palin take the stage at a campaign rally in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Saturday.  —  A look ahead for Gov. Palin