Obama's Iraq Stance Sparks Sunday Battle

Republicans called Alaska gov. a 'maverick'

(NEWSER) - Sarah Palin ruled the political morning shows today at the expense of Barack Obama's historic speech last week, Politico reports:

• John McCain rebuked criticisms that Palin was unqualified to be "a heartbeat away" from the presidency. “She’s been commander in chief of the Alaska National Guard," he said on Fox News Sunday. "She’s had judgment on these issues."
• On This Week and Meet the Press, Republicans Sen. Lindsey Graham and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty chimed in that Palin has been "in charge of the National Guard" and a "commander in chief."

Critical contests ahead later tonight in Ohio and Texas

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama and John McCain won their primaries in Vermont tonight, the Burlington Free Press reports. For Obama, it's his 12th straight political victory over Hillary Clinton, though the bigger focus comes later tonight when voters in Ohio and Texas weigh in. Rhode Island also votes. McCain, meanwhile, edges closer to officially securing the GOP nomination, which he could do tonight. More»

Former rival is honored guest at inauguration party

(NEWSER) - Not only is John McCain in town for Barack Obama's inauguration, he's the guest of honor at an event celebrating it, reports the New York Times. In fact, the president-elect has been discreetly consulting his former rival—the one Obama said America can't trust on the Iraq war—on Iraq, foreign policy, and national security appointees (many of whom please the Maverick). More»

Former foes issue joint statement after Chicago confab

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama and John McCain met today in Chicago, and reaffirmed their call for bipartisanship and cooperation, the Tribune reports. The 90-minute meeting, at Obama’s transition headquarters, was described by the president-elect as a “conversation about how we can do some work together to fix up the country.” McCain, asked if he would help see that goal through, was clear. “Obviously.” More»

Election could influence balance of power in Senate

(NEWSER) - John McCain will stump for Saxby Chambliss this week as the Republican Senator drums up support for a Dec. 2 runoff vote against Democrat Jim Martin, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Chambliss has also secured Mike Huckabee to campaign for him in Georgia. Martin, meanwhile, has pleaded with President-elect Barack Obama to stump in the key contest, but no word yet. More»