AP - The Democratic National Committee plans to target Republican John McCain and help Democrat Barack Obama with an independent ad campaign run by veteran Democratic strategist Jonathan Prince, Democrats familiar with the decision said Thursday.

AP - John McCain said Thursday that his proposal to suspend the gas tax for three months this summer may need to be extended longer if high gas prices continue to take a toll on the economy.

AP - John McCain's presidential campaign had a hard time Thursday with Barack Obama's upcoming overseas trip.

AP - Although Republican presidential candidate John McCain has called Social Security "a disgrace," he still cashes his own retirement check every month.

AP - Though he's raking in the cash so far, Barack Obama's decision to forgo public funds for the fall campaign means he must keep up his torrid pace — a tall order that will tax his time, test his Internet support and require the help of Democratic donors who once wished for his defeat.

AP - Sen. Barack Obama 's trip to the Middle East and Europe marks his first high-profile step onto the international stage, a campaign-season audition of sorts for a presidential hopeful pledging a new era in diplomacy and an end to the U.S. combat role in Iraq.

AP - The first war crimes trial at Guantanamo Bay can begin Monday, a federal judge ruled, saying civilian courts should let the military process play out as Congress intended.

AP - A plan emerging in Congress would require government approval of executives' pay at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as part of a federal lifeline for the mortgage companies.

AP - Former President Clinton said Thursday he is eager to campaign for Barack Obama whenever the Democrat needs him, but has not given any thought to whether he wants to speak at the party convention in Denver.

AP - Stirring her morning coffee, lifelong Republican Grace Droog voiced her doubts — and those of many evangelical voters — about what she isn't hearing from John McCain in this year's presidential election.

AP - What gets under Barack Obama's skin? Criticism of his wife, Michelle Obama.