McCain Ally Blasts Palin's Readiness

Columnist's schadenfreude turns to dread over the new face of the party

(NEWSER) - It’s been a fun time for liberals, writes Rosa Brooks in the LA Times. Though initially worried about the boost Sarah Palin gave to John McCain’s polling numbers, Dems were then treated to the defections of some of the GOP’s brightest thinkers. Columnists David Brooks, Charles Krauthammer, and former Bush speechwriter David Frum all backed away from McCain, charging that the Alaska governor was out of her league. More»

(NEWSER) - It's been hard to miss the spate of reports about ugly anti-Obama incidents at McCain/Palin events—a crowd member calling him a “terrorist,” for instance. The media is now playing a game of "find a freak" at GOP rallies and grossly distorting the notion of genuine harm coming Obama's way, writes Sean Collins in Spiked. That these fears have gained traction underscores just how alienated Democrats have become from white, working-class voters. More»

Honchos, candidate huddle at Ariz. ranch to prepare for Thurs. debate with Biden

(NEWSER) - Sarah Palin will be coached by the best people John McCain’s campaign has to offer in preparation for her debate Thursday with Joe Biden, the Wall Street Journal reports. Campaign manager Rick Davis and strategist Steve Schmidt are headed with Palin today to McCain’s Arizona ranch as the campaign comes under fire for mishandling the Alaska governor. More»

Governor recorded video message for separatists this year

(NEWSER) - The latest surprise from Sarah Palin's past is her membership in the fringe Alaskan Independence Party, ABC News reports. A party leader says the governor and her husband were members in the 1990s. Though not strictly secessionist, the AIP is a "states' right party" that wants a vote on leaving the US. Its motto is "Alaska First, Alaska Always"—a far cry from the McCain slogan "Country First." More»

'41,' Barbara to announce support of senator Monday

(NEWSER) - George H. W. and Barbara Bush will endorse John McCain next week, making the announcement in Texas in an effort to enlist voters there to support the presumptive nominee against a formidable rival. Mike Huckabee is optimistic about his prospects in the state, where social conservatives has taken issue with both Bush presidents, CNN reports. More»