Superstitious McCain Knocks on ... Newsroom

Many pundits ruled out Obama victory early

(NEWSER) - With the election over, what's more fun than calling out all those whose predictions were off—way off. Der Spiegel lists some highlights:

• "He cannot win, Bill. He cannot win." Hillary Clinton, on Barack Obama
• "We'll win Florida." Rudy Giuliani
• "Virginians are really getting fired up for this ticket of McCain and Palin." George Allen
• "Romney for the Republicans, Hillary for the Democrats." Ann Coulter, on the nominees

Obama gets Clintons, Gore; McCain counters with Schwarzenegger, Giuliani

(NEWSER) - In the final days of the presidential campaign, the candidates are ramping up their schedules and bringing in their parties’ big names to motivate voters, the New York Times reports. John McCain, in addition to sending running mate Sarah Palin on a grueling two-day sprint across the country, has enlisted the help of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Rudolph Giuliani. More»

Obama, McCain to visit Ground Zero

(AP) - Americans marked the seventh anniversary of 9/11 with a heartfelt ceremony at Ground Zero and other solemn remembrances nationwide. Relatives of victims gathered in Lower Manhattan for readings from dignitaries and a recitation of the names of the dead. Later today, presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain were due at Ground Zero to pay silent respects. More»

Watchers agree they never left, but require an event, like Palin's candidacy, to reemerge

(NEWSER) - The culture wars are heating up again, thanks to Sarah Palin’s staunch opposition to abortion and demonstrated fondness for firearms, Politico reports. Social issues have been largely absent from the campaign so far, with both candidates preferring to focus on the war and the economy. But Palin’s own pregnancy (and her daughter’s) are forcing McCain and Obama to address the issues head on. More»

Biden dominates Sunday talk shows

(NEWSER) - The newly announced Obama/Biden ticket predictably dominated the talk shows today. Politico gives the run-down:

• Obama VP adviser Caroline Kennedy told Meet the Press she hoped Joe Biden would prove to be as sage a pick as her father's choice of LBJ.
• House Speaker Nancy Pelosi turned Biden's rep for gaffes into a snipe at Bush on NBC, saying Obama "is not just choosing a yes man, but a person that will speak what he believes.”