What's The Key Piece Of The Puzzle?

After two national conventions that captured the attention of much of the electorate, Obama and McCain race to find winning strategies in a two-month dash to Election Day.


• EARLYBIRD: WH Suspends Nuclear Deal With Russia | Both Camps Claim 'Change'
• NOMINEES: McCain Stakes His Case On Service | Sexism Debate At Forefront
• BROWNSTEIN: McCain Is Everyone's Maverick Today; What Happens If He's Elected?
• AD SPOTLIGHT: POW Casts Doubt On McCain | New Buys In Michigan, Ohio
• MERCURIO: GOP Shoots The Messengers | ANALYSIS: Newt, Mitt Subtly Eye 2012
LISTEN: XM Radio's POTUS '08 | PHOTOS: McCain's Nomination | QUIZ: Navy Men
More News


CONGRESS

GOP House Leadership Might Have New Look After Elections

Odds-beaters could gain a cult -- and clout -- in a Republican rebuilding project.

Grassroots: Arizona Squeaker

Also: Castle interested if Biden's seat opens, and Andrews will re-enter New Jersey House race.

• House GOP Sees Prospects Turning Around
• Appropriators Foresee Battle Under McCain

LOBBYING

Xcel Seizes Convention Profile With Eye On Congress

With big convention spending and now big name recognition, it looks to become a power player.

Best Buy Works To Get Republicans Plugged In

The electronics retailer keeps up an active schedule with meetings and briefings in St. Paul.

• No Second Acts? Don't Tell Gingrich


DELEGATES

Friendlier Faces In Minnesota

Republicans find a more sympathetic crowd than they encountered in New York four years ago.

Somehow, Six Blocks Too Far

The Minnesota delegation thought it caught a break with its downtown hotel. Not exactly.

Convention Buzz: ISO GOP

Also: Bronzing Peanuts and ditching Grammy.

PROTEST

Focus On Sporadic Violence Frustrates Protesters

Peaceful demonstrators say their message is being overshadowed by skirmishes.

Barr Is Still Going Strong

Some Republicans still have a warm welcome for Libertarian candidate; others keep distance.

• Notebook: Biden Gives Props To Palin




Political Resources

Campaign Tracker

News and resources on the White House, Senate, House and gubernatorial races.


Almanac Of American Politics

The definitive guide to American politics.


Vote Ratings

National Journal's annual rankings define where members of Congress stand ideologically.


Campaign Promises

Search a comprehensive directory of McCain's and Obama's campaign pledges.

First Person
Dan Quayle On Convention Spotlight: "I had a very difficult time getting to the front of the crowd."
Tom Kean: "Sometimes, you get too many people in the kitchen, and there is confusion."
Susan Molinari: "I couldn't see the TelePrompTer, except for little pieces."

Insiders Poll

McCain's Mission: Focus On The Economy

A plurality of Republican Insiders surveyed by National Journal said John McCain's most important task in his acceptance speech is persuading Americans he understands their economic concerns. Top bloggers added for good measure that he should distance himself from the Bush administration.

2012 Crystal Ball

If McCain loses, a majority of Republican Insiders say Mitt Romney will be the GOP's 2012 front-runner; so do a narrow plurality of bloggers.
Slideshows

Delaware Delegate On How GOP Has Changed

The longstanding GOP member reflects on conventions past and outlines priorities for the party platform.


Ron Paul Draws Thousands To Minneapolis

Paul supporters, Jesse Ventura rally to 'start a revolution' to 'bring back the Constitution.'

Iraq Veteran Supports Troops, Mission


National Security Key Issue To FL Delegate


Video

GOP Convention: Sen. John McCain

McCain accepts presidential nomination, promises to recover America's trust.

GOP Convention: Sarah Palin

The Alaska governor accepts VP nomination and the 'challenge of a tough fight.'

Play Of The Day:
Sept. 4

Jon Stewart knows what freedom smells like.

Panel Discussion: Congressional Races

Charlie Cook and panelists give their take on House and Senate races.

GOP Convention: Cindy McCain

The senator's wife says America can trust her husband's 'hand at the wheel.'

Hotline TV: McCain's Big Speech

Will the Arizona senator seal the deal with conservatives or will he fall flat?

GOP Convention: Rudy Giuliani

The former New York mayor praises McCain, slams Obama's track record.

Hotline TV: Palin's Speech

Thoughts on what Gov. Sarah Palin should do to deliver a stellar speech.