McCain Pitches Old Geezer Jokes on SNL

Buttoned-up righties may be easier to mock, but some say it's gone a little too car

(NEWSER) - Comedy is taking a prominent place in the US election, and may be leaning even more leftward than usual, the Boston Globe reports. Tina Fey and David Letterman have brought the highest ratings in years with mockery of Sarah Palin and John McCain. And Jon Stewart, a savage critic of conservatives, always thrives in election years. Is there something liberal about comedy? More»

Candidate-comedian's role triggers ethics, political controversy

(NEWSER) - Former Saturday Night Live scribe and current Minnesota Democratic Senate hopeful Al Franken hatched the idea for last night’s sketch mocking John McCain—raising tough political questions for the program and NBC, Politico reports. Critics raised concerns about the propriety of a politician playing a role in an attack on a candidate from the rival party. Franken's involvement may also fuel claims that NBC has a liberal bias, Politico notes. More»

Campaign lays out anti-RNC programs

(NEWSER) - All's fair in the war between conventions, and the Democrats are readying their spoiling machine ahead of the GOP gathering next week, the Swamp reports. An Obama campaign operative’s email lays out the attack Dems will launch from their war room literally across the street from the RNC:

• A mobile billboard (pictured) showing McCain hugging Bush that will follow McCain campaign stops on his way to St. Paul.

But Dem blames Mac for having to opt out of public financing

(NEWSER) - Following fast on Barack Obama’s decision to abandon public financing, a McCain rep said the Dem has failed “the true test of a candidate”—whether he'll stick to his word, Time reports. But Politico notes that an Obama rep blamed McCain: “Our campaign counsels met, and it was immediately clear that McCain’s campaign had no interest in the possibility of an agreement.” More»

Tone-setting blogger stuns GOP by taking a shine to Obama

(NEWSER) - The powerhouse news-aggregating Drudge Report is surprising its loyal fan base by straying from typically conservative output, Politico observes. Editor Matt Drudge had gained the affection of Republicans and ire of Democrats through previous election cycles, but this time the reclusive blogger has displayed a certain fondness for Barack Obama, while damaging Hillary Clinton and John McCain's presidential bids. More»