Bush United Nation, But Not the Way He Planned

Terrorism, recession, economy drive nationwide rage

(NEWSER) - With town halls gone mad and anti-Obama protesters toting guns, this is America’s angriest summer in recent memory, McClatchy reports. The fury of voters has deep roots, from a long history of hate groups to anti-Vietnam marches to rage against George W. Bush when he left office—but it’s only intensified under Barack Obama. Town halls "were the most visible sign of something that may be larger," one expert says. More»

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama will appear on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno this Thursday during his tour of Southern California, the New York Times reports. Obama was a guest on Leno during the campaign, but sitting presidents rarely appear on late-night television. Aides say Obama will address issues related to the economy and be “as funny as the times allow.” More»

Says he knows he's unpopular

(NEWSER) - President Bush knows he doesn't have a lot of fans, but is proud that he didn't "compromise my soul to be a popular guy," he tells Fox News. It's particularly tough to like him given the current economic situation, he concedes. "What do you expect? We've got a major economic problem and I'm the president during the major economic problem," he said. "Do people approve of the economy? No. I don't approve of the economy." More»

Transition moving quickly between president, successor

(NEWSER) - President George W. Bush will meet with Barack Obama early next week to discuss plans for transition, the Washington Post reports. Obama received his first intelligence briefing this morning, and key staffers have been given expedited security clearances. “We face economic challenges that will not pause to let a new president settle in,” the President said, explaining the hasty measures. More»

McCain too busy with attack ads; losing support among base

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama continues to rise in the polls just as John McCain falls, with the latest numbers giving the Democrat a 10-point lead over his opponent, reports the Washington Post. Voters also gave Obama a clear lead on taxes and leadership for the first time in the election. McCain, meanwhile, is seen as too focused on attacking Obama, and is losing support even among his base. More»