AP - Politics: CBSNews.com

McCain Chides A Newly Feisty Obama

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:10:16 EDT

Republican presidential candidate John McCain chided his Democratic rival on Wednesday for getting "a little testy" as Barack Obama sharpened his tone amid a tightening White House race.

The Whereabouts Of The Potential Veep Picks

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:10:53 EDT

The prospective running mates of Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain focused on their day jobs or chores at home Wednesday.

Secret Service Hosts Congress Staffers

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:11:48 EDT

As the Secret Service protects the candidates and secures the sites at the presidential nominating conventions, it will also be hosting congressional staffers who will get a taxpayer-funded, up-close look at security operations.

Democrats To Review Nominating Process

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:11:31 EDT

Democratic Party leaders say they want to regain control of the primary calendar and reduce the number of superdelegates through a new commission.

Secret Service's Job: Secure Political Conventions

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:11:14 EDT

Every day the Secret Service thinks: Today could be THE day.

McCain Again Questions Obama's Judgment On Iraq

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:10:48 EDT

Republican presidential candidate John McCain told voters on Wednesday he is not challenging Barack Obama's patriotism in criticizing his call to pull out of Iraq, only the judgment of his Democratic rival.

Obama Ad: McCain Would Help Corporations

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:12:08 EDT

TITLE: "Three Times"

Giuliani To Give Keynote At GOP Convention

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:11:51 EDT

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani will give the keynote address at the Republican National Convention next month.

Will Young Paul, Huckabee Backers Stay With GOP?

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:11:40 EDT

While this year's presidential election shows signs of drawing in more young voters than any since 1992, the candidates who pulled some of them into the Republican race are long gone _ and it's unclear whether they've taken their young supporters with them.

Party Time! Convention Delegates Face The Music

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:11:41 EDT

In Minnesota, Republicans will be partying to the soothing surf pop of the Beach Boys and classic rock favorites Styx. Democrats in Denver get punk rock and Rage Against the Machine.

Sen. Joe Lieberman To Speak At GOP Convention

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:11:01 EDT

A Republican official tells The Associated Press that Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman will be speaking at the Republican National Convention.

Conventions Blend Money, Parties, Ethics Rules

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:11:50 EDT

Barack Obama and John McCain have burnished images as politicians who keep special interests at arms' length, yet there won't be much stiff-arming at their nominating conventions.

AP IMPACT: Campaigns Take Cash, Seek Details Later

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:12:13 EDT

Neither Barack Obama nor John McCain has consistently followed the government's instructions for keeping prohibited foreign money out of their presidential campaigns, and some of that banned money has slipped into Obama's campaign.

Text Messaging Could Help Obama's Turnout

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:12:37 EDT

When Barack Obama announces his choice for vice president, the real payoff may come during the next few months _ one text message at a time.

Patriotism A Pitfall For Democratic Candidates

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:12:59 EDT

The political landscape is littered with Democrats whose campaigns have been hurt by questions about their patriotism. Barack Obama wants to avoid the same fate.

McCain, Obama To Silence Critical Ads On Sept. 11

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:11:46 EDT

Presidential contenders Barack Obama and John McCain plan to pull ads on Sept. 11 that criticize each other, a respite from the political fray to honor the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks.

Democratic Convention To Highlight "real People"

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:11:04 EDT

An Indiana railroader, an Iowa mother and a Michigan truck driver are getting a moment at the Democratic convention to help portray Barack Obama as the people's champion and counter GOP characterizations of him as an out-of-touch celebrity.

Veep Short-listers Mix Positives And Negatives

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:12:23 EDT

When Barack Obama shows up Saturday in Springfield, Ill., on his way to the Democratic Convention, chances are he'll have his new running mate grinning beside him. But that man or woman is still unknown, even as speculation rises to a fever pitch.

University Won't Open Obama-related Records Now

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:14:03 EDT

The University of Illinois on Tuesday refused to release records relating to Barack Obama's service to a nonprofit group linked to former 1960s radical activist William Ayers.

From An Oil Platform, McCain Touts Drilling Agenda

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:13:22 EDT

Republican presidential candidate John McCain visited this oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday to call for increased offshore drilling that he claims would lower the cost of food and heating homes.

Obama Bids For Western Votes As Key To Victory

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:11:28 EDT

Americans have trekked West in search of riches for more than 150 years _ and Barack Obama is doing the same.

Obama Takes McCain To Task On Withdrawal Timetable

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:10:59 EDT

Republican John McCain again insisted victory in Iraq "is finally in sight." So why, asked Democrat Barack Obama, does his presidential opponent still oppose a timetable for withdrawing American forces.

As Expected, UAW Endorses Obama For President

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:11:09 EDT

The United Auto Workers union has given its expected endorsement to Democrat Barack Obama, while criticizing Republican John McCain as an heir to President Bush's policies.

They're Back: Harry And Louise On Health Insurance

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:11:18 EDT

Harry and Louise are back for an encore.

Daschle Says He Won't Be Obama's Veep Choice

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:11:34 EDT

Former South Dakota Sen. Tom Daschle said Monday there is no chance Barack Obama will pick him as a running mate.

The Modern Political Convention Exists To Be Seen

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:11:40 EDT

Modern political conventions are like a Super Bowl minus the game.

Obama Raises $7.8 Million In San Francisco

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:11:57 EDT

Barack Obama raked $7.8 million Sunday at three separate fundraisers in San Francisco, telling a VIP dinner crowd _ many of whom paid $28,500 to attend _ that he would win the presidency in November but to expect a tough battle with Republicans in the meantime.

McCain Gets Briefing On Tropical Storm Fay

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:11:36 EDT

John McCain on Sunday was briefed on Tropical Storm Fay, which scuttled a political fundraiser and is threatening to reach Florida as soon as Monday.

No More Hugs As Obama Tears Into McCain

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:14:14 EDT

So much for hugging in church.

Obama Deflects Swift Boat Question

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:12:45 EDT

Democrat Barack Obama met Sunday with Texas oil baron and longtime conservative activist T. Boone Pickens to discuss strategies for developing alternative energy.

Group Wants To Attack Obama On Abortion

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 12:12:29 EDT

A group purporting to tell the "real truth" about Barack Obama's views on abortion wants a judge to rule it is not subject to federal election restrictions on fundraising and advertising.

Rural Economic Woes May Provide Opening For Obama

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 11:11:31 EDT

The folks in this picturesque mountain community with red barns and Amish buggies have been voting overwhelmingly Republican in national elections for decades.

Ridge: GOP Would Accept Abortion-rights VP

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 11:11:51 EDT

Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge said Sunday he thinks Republicans would accept a vice presidential candidate who supports abortion rights.

Forces Align Against Republicans In Senate Races

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 11:18:06 EDT

Even the top Republican in charge of the party's Senate campaigns concedes that the GOP will lose seats this year _ the only question is how many.

McCain And His Mother Don't Recall Old Lawsuits

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 06:12:31 EDT

Republican presidential candidate John McCain's divorce was amicable enough that he and his ex-wife jointly brought a lawsuit 10 years later to recover damages for lost mementos, but it wasn't amicable enough to prevent McCain's mother from suing his ex-wife to get back some personal property.

Both Parties Reach For Center On Abortion Debate

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 06:12:07 EDT

As Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain compete for centrist voters in their presidential race, both parties have made intriguing nods to the political center on the emotional issue of abortion.

Two Books, Two Styles, One Target: Obama

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:12:32 EDT

Two hot-selling conservative books slam Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama: one using discredited rumors and allegations about his patriotism and personal life; the other claiming his public record doesn't match his image as a new style politician.

McCain Has No Comment On Anti-Obama Book

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:12:41 EDT

John McCain's presidential campaign had no comment Friday about a controversial book that attacks Barack Obama and many say is riddled with errors.

Grim Warehouse Set To Process Convention Arrests

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:12:26 EDT

Individuals arrested at the Democratic National Convention will be processed at an industrial warehouse with chain-link cells topped by razor wire, a facility some have compared to the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay.

Obama Surfs, Honors Late Mother As Vacation Ends

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:12:36 EDT

Body surfing in Pacific waves and walking on the beach are activities any tourist _ even Hawaii native Barack Obama _ might enjoy for his last full day of vacation on the islands. There were solemn moments, too, as Obama ended a weeklong break from campaigning for president.

Groups File Elections Complaint Against Wal-Mart

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:12:04 EDT

The AFL-CIO and three other labor-rights groups have asked the Federal Election Commission to investigate whether Wal-Mart Stores Inc. unlawfully pressured employees to vote against Democrats in November because their party would help workers to unionize.

McCain And Obama Face Questions About Their Faith

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:11:47 EDT

The Rev. Rick Warren is so prominent and respected that just being seen with him is a boon for any presidential candidate.

McCain Has Kind Words In Spite Of 'whiners' Remark

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:20:25 EDT

In exile from the McCain campaign since calling the U.S. "a nation of whiners," former Sen. Phil Gramm appears to be back in John McCain's good graces.

McCain Raises $27 Million In July

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:20:01 EDT

John McCain raised $27 million in July, his largest one-month fundraising haul since clinching the Republican presidential nomination.

Monitors Say McCain Did Not Violate Finance Laws

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:12:52 EDT

Republican presidential hopeful John McCain won a round against Democrats on Thursday when the Federal Election Commission rejected their contention that he violated campaign finance laws during the GOP primary.

McCain Running A Tighter, Less Rambling Campaign

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:12:14 EDT

For months, John McCain's presidential campaign was a near-constant swirl of free-ranging chats with voters, garrulous sessions with reporters and quips from the candidate that often had little to do with the day's planned message.

Obama Hits Back At Critical Author

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:12:35 EDT

Barack Obama is hitting back at the author of "The Obama Nation," the book that argues he is a dangerous, radical candidate for president.

Obama Camp Says Detroit Mayor Unwelcome In Denver

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:12:38 EDT

Democratic candidate Barack Obama doesn't want the embattled mayor of Detroit on hand when Obama accepts the party's presidential nomination in Denver.

Play Of The Day: Meghan McCain's Bio For Kids

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:11:00 EDT

Add another book to the pile from this year's presidential campaign, although this one is an especially quick and easy read.

Clinton Backers To Make Noise At Dem Convention

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:11:11 EDT

Still sore from an epic primary battle, some of Hillary Rodham Clinton's supporters aren't buying the unity theme planned for the Democratic National Convention.

NRA To Montana: Obama A Threat To Gun Owners

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:11:05 EDT

The National Rifle Association said Wednesday that Barack Obama's campaign is trying to mislead voters about his past support of gun control, calling the Democratic candidate "a poster child of the extremist, elitist gun control movement."

Pelosi Chides Lieberman Over Obama Remarks

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:11:27 EDT

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized former Democratic Sen. Joe Lieberman Wednesday for campaigning against Barack Obama, calling Lieberman's characterizations of the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee "totally irresponsible."

Home In Chicago, Obama Can Be Regular Guy, Sort Of

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:12:40 EDT

Even a guy running for president has to take his wife out on a date.

Obama Opposes Bush Endangered Species Proposal

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:13:04 EDT

A Bush administration proposal that would eliminate the input of independent government scientists in some endangered species reviews would be tossed out if Democrat Barack Obama wins the White House, his campaign says.

McCain: US Must Reevaluate Relations With Russia

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:12:14 EDT

Republican presidential candidate John McCain says Russia's invasion of Georgia requires a complete reexamination of U.S. relations with the Moscow government.

Cindy McCain Sustains Minor Hand Sprain

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:12:58 EDT

Republican John McCain's wife was treated Wednesday for a "minor sprain" after someone at a campaign event in Michigan shook her hand firmly.

Dean Calls Shooting 'senseless Tragedy'

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:13:24 EDT

Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean says the party's thoughts and prayers are with the head of the Arkansas Democratic Party.

Figure In Abramoff Scandal Raises Money For McCain

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:11:37 EDT

A political strategist tied to the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal is helping raise money for John McCain, urging his fellow Georgia Republicans to attend a fundraiser for the presidential candidate in Atlanta.

McCain Adviser Got Money From Georgia

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:12:28 EDT

John McCain's chief foreign policy adviser and his business partner lobbied the senator or his staff on 49 occasions in a 3 1/2-year span while being paid hundreds of thousands of dollars by the government of the former Soviet republic of Georgia.

Anti-abortion Senator To Speak To Democrats

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:10:44 EDT

Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, a Democrat who opposes abortion rights, will be a featured speaker at the party's national convention, officials said Wednesday.

Poll Notebook: 4 In 10 Not Locked Onto A Candidate

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:12:49 EDT

For all the passion this year's presidential campaign has stirred, more than four in 10 voters are still up for grabs.

Obama Raises $1.3 Million At Hawaii Fundraiser

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 05:14:16 EDT

Hawaiian vacations aren't usually money makers, but Barack Obama's has been, as his home state supporters contributed $1.3 million to his campaign at a sold-out fundraiser Tuesday.

Hagel As Obama Veep Draws Concern From Both Sides

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 05:13:40 EDT

Talk of Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel as a potential running mate for Democratic candidate Barack Obama tends to confound partisans in both parties.

Ohio Voting Law May Be A Boon For Obama Supporters

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 05:13:58 EDT

Never mind the last days of the presidential campaign. The busiest days for Barack Obama's campaign in this perennial swing state are likely to be a month before Election Day.

Analysis: McCain, Obama Condemn Russian Aggression

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:12:31 EDT

Republican John McCain quickly took a hardline stand against Russia after it sent troops and tanks into the former Soviet state of Georgia. Democrat Barack Obama's initial condemnation of Russia was tempered by a call for diplomacy and restraint on all sides.

Pelosi, Michelle Obama To Kick Off Dem Convention

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:12:10 EDT

Michelle Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will be the featured first-night speakers at the Democratic National Convention, which also will include a videotaped message from Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy.

Race Questions Cast Doubt On Presidential Polls

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:12:42 EDT

The year was 1984, and the state was Iowa. A white man who had just voted walked out of his precinct caucus and saw the Rev. Jesse Jackson standing outside.

Nominee Cut Alfalfa During Last Denver Convention

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:12:46 EDT

The last time Denver hosted the Democratic convention, the city's elite drove electric cars, only three states allowed women to vote, and the all-but-certain nominee stayed home on his Nebraska farm cutting alfalfa.

Sen. Landrieu's Name Removed From Obama Fundraiser

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:13:29 EDT

Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu, who faces a tough re-election, has had her name removed from a fundraiser announcement for presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Former GOP Rep. Leach Of Iowa Endorses Obama

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:13:11 EDT

Former U.S. Rep. Jim Leach, a leading Republican moderate with a foreign policy background, is endorsing Democrat Barack Obama for president.

Al Franken Seeks To Get Back More US Iraqi Funds

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:12:55 EDT

Senate candidate Al Franken called on the U.S. to rescind $7.1 billion that's committed but not yet obligated to Iraqi reconstruction, and spend it instead on highway infrastructure improvements in the United States.

Obama's 'no Income Taxes On Seniors' Draws Critics

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 03:15:58 EDT

If you're a senior citizen and make less than $50,000 a year, Barack Obama has a deal for you: the rest of your life free of federal income tax.

Report: Clinton Told To Cast Obama As Un-American

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:15:52 EDT

Hillary Rodham Clinton's top campaign strategist advised her to cast presidential rival Barack Obama as having questionable "roots to basic American values and culture" and use the theme to counter the image that his background is diverse and multicultural.

McCain's 'celebrity' Taunts Are Bugging Obama

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:15:57 EDT

In a presidential campaign freighted with war, recession and energy woes, a jibe featuring Paris Hilton, of all things, seems to have struck a nerve in Democrat Barack Obama. For the second time in two weeks, he aired a TV ad Monday rebutting Republican John McCain's claim that Obama is little more than a celebrity, like the blonde hotel heiress.

Candidates' Top Songs _ From ABBA To The Fugees

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:16:39 EDT

Barack Obama and John McCain agree on Frank Sinatra.

Sen. Byrd Pleads For An Honest, Humble President

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:16:19 EDT

The nation's longest-serving U.S. senator tells candidates John McCain and Barack Obama that to be the great president America needs they need to be what George W. Bush was not.

Obama Supporters To Get VP Announcement Via Text

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:15:13 EDT

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is close to choosing a running mate, and the first person to find out could be you.

McCain, Obama And The Search For Good Office "Chi"

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:17:31 EDT

With a few simple changes in their Senate offices, both presidential candidates could improve their health, relationships and maybe even get a few more votes, says Taylor Vance, a Feng Shui consultant.

Obama, McCain: By Their Offices Ye Shall Know Them

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:17:08 EDT

By their offices ye shall know them.

Obama Tries To Turn 'celebrity' Label On McCain

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 07:11:13 EDT

"Flip-flopper" is so 2004.