Lone Star Political Clout Rides Into Sunset

Joe Biden will go down in history with these other respected figures

(NEWSER) - Quite a big deal has been made over Joe Biden dropping the F-bomb . “But America has a long and honorable tradition of top elected officials using salty language,” writes John Dickerson on Slate . Allow him to educate you:

• Barack Obama: Famously called Kanye West a “jackass.”
• Joe Biden: Oh no, this wasn’t his first time. After being greeted by a former colleague as “Mr. Vice President,” he responded, “Give me a fucking break.”

Jolie-Pitt family could be split by ties to Clinton, Obama, genealogist finds

(NEWSER) - The Angelina Jolie-Brad Pitt household might have trouble choosing a Democratic candidate: It turns out Barack Obama is a distant cousin of Pitt’s and Hillary Clinton is a relative of Jolie’s. The author of a new genealogical survey cautions voters not to be too swayed—but it seems fitting that John McCain’s sixth cousin is one Laura Bush. More»

Ratings hit their lowest yet on war's 5th anniversary

(NEWSER) - More than two-thirds of Americans now think George W. Bush is doing a poor job, according to a new poll that pegged his approval rate at 31%—a new low. The director of the CNN poll noted that the hefty 40-point drop in Bush's approval ratings since the start of the Iraq war mirrors the plunge in Lyndon Johnson's popularity as the war in Vietnam dragged on. 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»

Long-shot candidates could both find themselves unseated

(NEWSER) - While Dennis Kucinich is out on the presidential campaign trail, no fewer than four Democrats in his Ohio home district are mounting primary challenges for the longtime congressman's seat, Politico reports. And though Ron Paul's anti-war stance and unconventional views have drawn a fervent national following, conservative voters in his home district in Texas are taking a second look at their rep. More»