CAMPAIGN 2008

Endorsements big lifts for Obama, blows to Clinton

Endorsing Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination for president, former Sen. John Edwards on Wednesday threw his stature as a champion of the working class behind a one-time rival whose failure to appeal to that bloc has been a political weakness.

POLITICO

GOP cancer: Party could lose 20 more seats

The Republican defeat in Tuesday’s special election in Mississippi, in a deeply conservative district where, in an average year, Democrats cannot even compete, was a clear sign that the GOP has the political equivalent of cancer that has spread throughout the body. Many House GOP operatives are privately predicting that the party could easily lose up to 20 seats this fall.

THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE

The McCain doctrines

In contrast to the insecurities of the many boomer politicians who avoided service in Vietnam or marched against it, the Senate’s former soldiers exude a confidence that goes beyond military matters. The war in Iraq has tested some of these friendships, however. (May need to register)

Obama appeals to working whites in Michigan

One day after an embarrassing rejection by West Virginia's blue-collar voters, Barack Obama on Wednesday plunged into the task of convincing working-class whites that he understands them and will do more to help them hold their jobs and pay their bills than Republican John McCain.

Clinton to press ahead, regrets racial tension

Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton vowed to remain in the presidential race until the final primaries next month while her campaign built a case that she now leads in the popular vote if the disputed contests in Michigan and Florida are counted.

Obama, Clinton surrogates stump in Puerto Rico

Two prominent surrogates of Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton stumped for the candidates Wednesday, a sign of how important this U.S. island territory's primary next month has become.

Third House loss shakes GOP, raises fears for fall

Stunned House Republicans vowed campaign changes Wednesday and debated the wisdom of attacking Democratic presidential front-runner Barack Obama in congressional races after their third straight election defeat in once-friendly territory.

McCain's wife sells Sudan-related investments

Cindy McCain, whose husband has been a critic of the violence in Sudan, sold off more than $2 million in mutual funds whose holdings include companies that do business in the African nation.

Dems grant access to 55 bloggers for convention

Democrats have chosen 55 bloggers who will be granted access to the national convention in Denver this summer.

Mixed results for divisive ballot measures

Opponents of abortion and race-based affirmative action have had more setbacks than victories so far this political season as they try to place measures with a strong pull for conservative voters on the ballots of numerous states this November.

Edwards endorses Obama

Democrat John Edwards endorsed former rival Barack Obama on Wednesday, a move designed to help solidify support for the party's likely presidential nominee even as Hillary Clinton refuses to give up her long-shot candidacy.

NARAL Pro-Choice America backs Obama

Democrat Barack Obama has won the endorsement of NARAL Pro-Choice America, a leading abortion rights advocacy organization that has supported rival Hillary Rodham Clinton throughout her political career.

Obama woos working-class voters in Michigan

Democrat Barack Obama, campaigning in a state that poses several challenges for him in the fall, appealed to working-class voters Wednesday with a pledge to pump billions of dollars into efforts to revitalize the nation's manufacturing sector.