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What's the etiquette for a mixed-gender ticket?

(NEWSER) - In 1984, Walter Mondale had a strict "hands-off" policy with running mate Geraldine Ferraro, never even putting his palm on her back when they waved to crowds. Two decades later, times have changed: John McCain and Sarah Palin have been embracing on the campaign trail, forgoing handshakes for a series of somewhat stiff hugs. But etiquette for female politicians remains delicate, reports the New York Times. More»

Dem finally clinches the nomination—now the real work begins

(NEWSER) - It wasn’t easy, but a bruised Barack Obama has finally wrapped up the Democratic nomination. The Guardian’s Michael Tomasky knows what he needs to do next:

• Redefine himself. Obama has a lot of time now to remind us why he inspired people in the first place.
• Define John McCain. The honeymoon should be over for the GOP nominee; Obama can attack him pointedly on Bush, Iraq, and his growing array of flip-flops.

Support softens, lead among men falls

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama's popularity has slipped in the past month, especially among men and rich voters, according to a New York Times/CBS News poll. His favorability rating dropped 7 percentage points to 62% during the fallout over inflammatory remarks from his pastor, but the dropoff appears to have leveled off, the Times reports. He and Clinton are in a virtual dead heat, with 46% of Democrats supporting Obama and 43% Clinton. More»

37% approval rating worst of campaign; Obama appears to weather pastor storm

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton is suffering some of the worst poll numbers of her political career, according to an NBC/Wall Street Journal poll. Clinton chalked up a personal approval rating of just 37%, the lowest since March 2001, two months after her election to the Senate. And of Clinton, Barack Obama, and John McCain, the poll ranked Hillary the least capable of uniting the nation. More»

And, poll finds, 19% of Barack-backers would rather go Republican

(NEWSER) - In a troubling sign for Democratic odds of overcoming the primary bloodbath, a poll finds 28% of Hillary Clinton supporters say they would vote for John McCain over Barack Obama, and 19% of Barack boosters would go GOP over Clinton. It’s great news for the crossover-friendly Republican, the Chicago Tribune notes—and suggests Dem “divisions are running deep,” says the pollster. More»