CQPolitics.com - John McCain spoke of service, security and shaking up Washington Thursday night as he claimed the GOP presidential nomination that eluded him for almost a decade.

AP - Barack Obama's campaign plans to employ high-profile female supporters in an effort to blunt GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's potential to persuade women to vote Republican.

AP - It may have been in vogue in Alaska forever, but drilling for oil has never been so hot with Republicans as it was on the floor during the final night of the Republican National Convention.

AP - Not since Jacqueline Kennedy first donned her signature pillbox hats have fashionistas paid such close attention to what the women of politics are wearing.

AP - Invigorated by back-to-back political conventions, Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama grappled for the mantle of change Friday as the fall race for the presidency took off in states teeming with the independent voters they needed to win.

AFP - Democrat Hillary Clinton on Thursday rejected John McCain's Republican convention address, and gave her first damning judgement on his vice-presidential running mate Sarah Palin.

AP - Percussion grenades, tear gas and nearly 400 arrests marked the final anti-war march during the Republican National Convention. More than 800 arrests were reported during a week of sometimes peaceful, sometimes violent dissent.

AP - John McCain and Sarah Palin on Friday cast the new Republican presidential ticket as a team of determined reformers eager to challenge Washington's political establishment. "John McCain doesn't run with the Washington herd," said Palin, the 44-year-old Alaska governor and surprise pick as McCain's running mate.

AP - Democrats are calling on a Republican congressman from Georgia to apologize for referring to Barack and Michelle Obama as "uppity," but the lawmaker stood by his comments and said he meant no offense.

AP - Not merely a Republican. Not merely a candidate. John McCain cast himself as a leader for all Americans, regardless of party or status.

AP - Suddenly, drilling for oil is hot.