AP - When Barack Obama arrived at the Democratic National Convention eight years ago, he was a politician in need of clout.

AP - Republican presidential candidate John McCain prides himself on being gung-ho about pursuing the Iraq war even if it hurts him politically. Recent events in Baghdad threaten to put him still farther out on a limb, however, as the Bush administration works toward a troop withdrawal schedule that is more aggressive than McCain envisions.

AP - Some prospective running mates of Democrat Barack Obama spent Friday at home or with family, while several spoke to their constituents at events in their home states.

AP - The suspense holding, Barack Obama readied an announcement by text message Friday of his vice presidential running mate from a list suddenly spiced by a dark horse from Texas.

Reuters - Bosnian Serb war crimes suspect Radovan Karadzic has asked the United Nations tribunal in The Hague to replace the judges who are overseeing the preparatory stage of his trial for charges including genocide.

AP - Barack Obama likes to say, "We can't afford to give John McCain the chance to serve out George Bush's third term."

AP - A threatening letter containing an unidentified white powder was sent to a John McCain campaign office in this south Denver suburb Thursday, authorities said. No injuries were immediately reported. Authorities later said the substance was not hazardous.

Politico - CHESAPEAKE, Va. – By the time Barack Obama is ready to announce his vice presidential pick, will anyone believe him? 

AP - John McCain may have created his own housing crisis.

AP - Republican presidential candidate John McCain prides himself on being gung-ho about pursuing the Iraq war even if it hurts him politically. Recent events in Baghdad threaten to put him still farther out on a limb, however, as the Bush administration works toward a troop withdrawal schedule that is more aggressive than McCain envisions.

AP - It was a coup for Democrats: An emerging young evangelical voice, a registered Republican no less, accepted their invitation to deliver a prayer at next week's Democratic National Convention.

AP - Barack Obama has decided on his running mate. He's just not telling who — yet.

Reuters - A key United Nations rights body voiced alarm on Monday at mounting racial violence in Russia and called on Moscow to take firm action against ultra-nationalist and neo-Nazi groups and hate speech in the media.