Anti-Obama Asians Accused of Racism

Still ostentation averse, Plouffe credits teamwork and focus

(NEWSER) - Stepping out from behind the curtain where he directed Barack Obama's earth-shaking campaign, David Plouffe quietly professes pride in the historic achievement to Lloyd Grove in Portfolio, and talks about a race where stability and consistency won the day and "Clinton might have won the nomination if she had just competed in the far-flung caucus states." Plouffe, who jumped into Obama's corner in January 2007, points to the benefit of an impromptu run: having to make it up as you go along. More»

From 24 to The Fifth Element

(NEWSER) - America may be on the verge of electing its first black president, but pop culture is way ahead of reality. James Earl Jones portrayed the first in The Man (1972), and several have followed. As an entertainment-obsessed nation, asks Slate, might these fictional forebears affect our perception of the real thing?

• 24 (2001-present): Dennis Haysbert. Haysbert has suggested his portrayal of David Palmer—a dependable leader with a friendly baritone—might’ve warmed up American voters for Barack Obama’s bid.

AK gov. steals Dems' after-glow; could attract indy, Hillary voters

(NEWSER) - John McCain turned heads by choosing Sarah Palin today as his running mate, and the Weekly Standard explains why she’s the right woman for the job.

• Democrats just wrapped their glitzy convention, but the Sunday talk shows will be abuzz with Palin chatter.
• The mother of five softens McCain’s “crotchety” image and revives his reputation as “fly-boy and gambler."

Aides didn't defend Obama on McCain's 'race card' accusation

(NEWSER) - The Democratic primary battle ended months ago, but many in both Hillary and Bill Clinton’s circles still harbor a grudge over the way her campaign was painted as racist, Ben Smith writes in Politico. This ill will is coming back to haunt presumptive nominee Barack Obama as he grapples with the McCain campaign's suggestion he is now playing the race card. More»

Clinton Scores 5, blasts rival for lacking Iraq pullout plan

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama easily won the Wyoming caucuses today and added 7 delegates to his tally, Chris Cillizza reports in his Washington Post blog. Obama won 61% of the vote and Hillary Clinton won 38%, scoring 5 delegates. Obama campaign chief David Plouffe called the victory "a very important win" while Clinton's camp depicted the result as a surprisingly good "near split in delegates." More»