WHAT'S NEWS . . .
• NBC "political heavyweight" and host of "Meet the Press," Tim Russert, died today after suffering an apparent heart attack (New York Post). NBC anchor Tom Brokaw confirmed his death in a special report. Through tears, NBC News' Andrea Mitchell said the "shockwaves cannot be fully expressed" ("On Call").
• Barack Obama's camp today rejected John McCain's proposal for 10 joint town-hall appearances, offering instead to have just one on the July 4 holiday (release).
• Ex-Sec/State Colin Powell said he faces a difficult choice between McCain and Obama, because "both of them certainly have the qualifications" to be POTUS (Globe and Mail).
• The Obama camp is sending ex-IA caucus dir. Mitch Stewart, "one of Obama's star organizers," to VA to serve as state dir. (TPM).
• For the last 7 days, "Hillary Clinton has been nowhere to be seen" ("Political Ticker").
BY THE NUMBERS . . .
The Hillsboro, OR, School District "received a check" this week for the $8,307.55 HRC's camp owed following a 4/5 rally at Liberty High School (Hillsboro Argus).
WE HEAR . . .
• "We need more politicians, like Dr. Paul, who are not afraid to stand up for our civil liberties" -- Ralph Nader, picking up the torch (release).
• "This is yet another example of John McCain not learning anything from George Bush's mistakes" -- Rep./Orleans founding member John Hall (D-NY), not happy about McCain playing "Still the One" at his NH rally ("First Read").
• "My kids think I look like a dork, but it's the ultimate multitasking" -- Mike Huckabee, who's taken up bicycling despite getting "some strange looks" at the bank drive-through ("Washington Whispers").
• "I had an internal debate" -- Obama, "when a supporter thanked him for wearing a helmet" on his recent bike ride ("The Swamp").
• "We were prepared to move forward with the cutest, fluffiest 12" chestnut and golden-haired squirrel, with a short Farrah-like do in a brown pantsuit and call her Squirellary" -- the people at TheSockObama Co., on why they're not racist (Daily Intel").
HEADS UP . . .
• Robert Plant and Alison Krauss (Merriweather Post Pavilion, 6:30 pm).
• A Taste of the Bahamas (SAT, Bahamas Embassy, 11 am-4 pm, $10).
• Capital Pride Parade (SAT, starts at 23rd and P Sts NW, 6:30 pm).
• K Street After Dark Nightlife Tour (SAT, starts at Tattoo, 9 pm, $20).
• Check out "jaw-dropping examples of horsemanship" at the Mounted Games Across America (SUN, National Mall, 9 am-3 pm).
HOTLINE TV
Ponder just what's up with NV on Hotline TV.
SWIZZLE STICKS
• Someone told FEMA about the floods this time, right?
• Still laboring under the delusion that they can compete with Meghan McCain in the Father's Day gift department, Sasha and Malia Obama have frantically begun vetting potential VPs.
• Concerned about the rumors, tomatoes have launched BitetheSmear.com.
• Because it's Friday the 13th, McCain is wearing his lucky green sweater, carrying his lucky penny and avoiding mirrors.
• Dear Ron Paul, thanks for keeping it interesting. Love Always, Last Call!
• Hazards abound in today's Last Call! Cell Phone Pic of the Day. Keep them coming.
• The 2 current reps who once served as staffers on Select Cmtes that no longer exist are Sheila Jackson-Lee, who served on the House Select Cmte on Assassinations, and Mark Souder, who served on the House Select Cmte on Children, Youth, & Families.
• The winner is Brian McNicoll, and here's his Swizzle Challenge: "In what city did Larry Bird score his career-high 60 points?" The 1st correct e-mailer gets to submit the next question. And thanks for all the e-mails.
???OVERSERVED???
Meetings with foreign leaders that don't involve dancing.
SHOT . . .
"Recent history has made clear that no disagreement can diminish the deep ties between our nations" -- Pres. Bush, applauding French Pres. Nicolas Sarkozy "for pledging to send more troops to Afghanistan" (AFP).
. . . CHASER
"You are my junk. More deadly than Afghan heroin. ... My guy, I roll him up and smoke him" -- pop star/model/French First Lady Carla Bruni Sarkozy, singing her husband's praises ("Washington Whispers").
Nora McAlvanah, Editor Holly Noe, Associate Editor
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