By almost every measure, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's overseas tour that concluded here Saturday was a clear success, with meticulously planned and deftly executed events designed to beam back images to the United States of a politician comfortable on the world stage. ...more

July 27, 2008

President Bush lifted nearly two decades of executive orders banning drilling for oil and natural gas off the country's shoreline on Monday while challenging Congress to open more areas for exploration to address soaring energy prices. ...more

July 15, 2008

John McCain has outdone presidential rival Barack Obama in campaign donations from Hillsborough County in recent months, reflecting evidence nationally that his fundraising is picking up steam -- or that Obama's may be losing some. ...more

July 14, 2008

WASHINGTON -- If the presidential election goes to the dogs, John McCain is looking like best in show. From George Washington's foxhound Drunkard to George W. Bush's terriers Barney and Miss Beazley, pets are a longtime presidential tradition for which the presumed Republican nominee seems well prepared, with more than a dozen. ...more

July 8, 2008

After less than an hour visiting a housing assistance agency, President Bush and his motorcade sped to a private home here last Tuesday to make a quick appearance - and deliver a whole lot of money - for the Republican Party. ...more

July 6, 2008

No More War Resolutions Years ago, I had a couple of hours with the current Republican nominee for president. At that time, RADM 'Junior' McCain, whom I'd known for some time, asked me if I'd give his son, LT John S. McCain, III, a lift on my flight from Norfolk to Glenview, Ill. I wish I could have five minutes of that three-hour flight to seek his pledge on a paramount national security issue. ...more

July 5, 2008

Facing strong U.S. pressure and global dismay over oil prices, Saudi Arabia said Sunday it will produce more crude this year if the market needs it. But the vague pledge fell far short of U.S. hopes for a specific increase and may do little to lower prices immediately. ...more

June 23, 2008

HOW THEY STAND ON EXPANDED OIL DRILLING IN THE GULF OF MEXICO ...more

June 20, 2008

Citing the specter of attacks from independent groups on the right, Sen. Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, announced Thursday that he would opt out of the public financing system for the general election campaign. ...more

June 20, 2008

An extraordinary outpouring of tributes to Tim Russert continued nonstop Saturday as people left flowers and notes at NBC's Washington bureau, the presidential candidates praised his fairness and his network planned a special edition of "Meet the Press" for today. ...more

June 15, 2008