Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world like a Colossus. That may turn out to be a problem.
Barack Obama was touring the geopolitical capitals of the Middle East and Europe all this week. He travelled less as a mere nominee for the U.S. presidency (even that is not yet officially secured) than as some combination of emperor and rock star.
anchester, N.H., there was not a legion, not even a clutch of reporters, but one lonely local newsperson to witness the arrival of the other nominee.

By Pamela Meister In the wake of The Big Three TM news anchors falling over each other to accompany Barack Obama on his trip to the Middle East and Europe

After days of all-but whining about the blanket media coverage Barack Obama is getting on his overseas tour, John McCain's campaign this afternoon argued that the press in key swing states is actually focusing on the message it wants to present voters.
"In the past few days, the gap between what the national press corps is writing and focusing on and what actual voters in battleground states are reading is larger than usual," the campaign said in a memo on the "coverage gap." "This is extremely important to note because according to recent polls, the majority of Americans consume their news from local and regional newspapers and local television news programs. One survey

By Michael Bérubé - July 25, 2008, 8:28AM EARTH, July 25, 2008 - The entire world drafted an open letter to Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) today, asking him to drop out of the U.S. presidential race and concede the presidency to Senator Barack Obama (D-Illinois).
"Ordinarily we do not interfere in America's internal affairs," said a spokesman for the rest of the planet, "even when it has become clear, as in recent years, that American voters are about to elect ignorant, incoherent buffoons who will add immeasurably to our immiseration. But this time is different. We didn't think it was worth our while to step up for your Carter or Mondale or Dukakis or Gore or Kerry -- besides,

by PageOneQ Dr. James Dobson, after originally refusing to endorse Senator John McCain (R-AZ) for president, appears to be softening his stance as the

The cost of energy, especially the “cost of gas,” has zoomed to the top of voters’ economic concerns, according to the latest NBC/Wall Street Journal poll.

EVEN as his turn on the global stage hit an emotional peak in Berlin, Barack Obama faced evidence of stubborn election challenges back home.
Fresh polls show he has been unable to convert weeks of extensive media coverage into a widened lead. And some prominent Democrats whose support could boost his campaign are still not enthused about his candidacy.
d and the first four days of his trip.

LONDON (AP) - Barack Obama's campaign has received roughly 10 times more money from declared U.S. donors living in Germany, France and Britain than his Republican rival, reflecting his popularity in Europe as he makes his first tour of the continent as the presumed Democratic nominee.
Federal Election Commission reports show Obama has raised at least $1 million from donors who identify themselves as Americans living in Great Britain, Germany and France, while John McCain has taken in at least $150,000.
tion drive to make it easier for Americans abroad to cast ballots in the November election.

While I may not concur with his political views, I clearly admire many of Sen. Barack Obama's personal traits and values.
Obama, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, was born Aug. 4, 1961, to Barack Obama Sr., a native of Kenya, and Ann Dunham, a native of Kansas, who met at the University of Hawaii. Obama, who was raised by his mother after his father returned to Kenya, graduated from Columbia University in 1983.
m thin-skinned when family members are criticized; personally I consider defending one's family a strong virtue. I often reflect on the bad rap Sen. Edmund Muskie received during his bid for the presidential nomination when he tearfully defended his wife from attacks.

*** Obama’s election to win: How important has this overseas trip been for Obama? Look no further than our latest NBC/WSJ poll, which has Obama leading

I was reading an interview with a Republican insider the other day - I can’t remember where — and he was asked whether he had any optimism at all about the presidential election this year. He said if the race was about John McCain, the GOP had no chance. If the race was about Barack Obama, Republicans have a shot.
In this sense, the GOP wants one thing: to make the entire election a referendum on the Democrat. And in a sense, that’s precisely what’s happening — both sides’ TV ads are about Obama. Both sides’ speeches are about Obama. When Obama sits down for an interview, he talks about his vision. When McCain sits down for an interview, he talks about Obama’s vision.