Obama Denies Connection to Palin Family Rumors

Many pundits ruled out Obama victory early

(NEWSER) - With the election over, what's more fun than calling out all those whose predictions were off—way off. Der Spiegel lists some highlights:

• "He cannot win, Bill. He cannot win." Hillary Clinton, on Barack Obama
• "We'll win Florida." Rudy Giuliani
• "Virginians are really getting fired up for this ticket of McCain and Palin." George Allen
• "Romney for the Republicans, Hillary for the Democrats." Ann Coulter, on the nominees

Focuses on McCain, avoids fueling Palin fever

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama has maintained near-silence on the subject of Sarah Palin, a quiet amplified by his newfound willingness to aggressively attack John McCain, reports the Los Angeles Times. Her name is rarely mentioned outside of references to the McCain-Palin ticket; when asked directly about her, he switches the focus back to McCain; Joe Biden remains equally mum. More»

GOP distracting from issues with 'Swift Boat politics,' Dem charges

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama fired back today at a McCain campaign ad claiming he smeared Sarah Palin, calling the tactic "phony outrage and Swift Boat politics," the Washington Post reports. Obama used the phrase "lipstick on a pig" to describe John McCain's policies during a campaign stop yesterday, which the McCain camp criticized as a sexist reference to Palin. More»

(NEWSER) - Talk shows were once again abuzz this morning, as both presidential campaigns entered the two-month sprint to the White House. A round-up of today’s highlights:

• Obama revealed to ABC’s George Stephanopoulos that he’d once seriously considered joining the military, and rebutted Palin’s jabs at his community organizing background: “For folks who suddenly have tried to grab the change banner, you know, they've got a very traditional view of what service means.”

Obama advisers struggle to criticize milestone for women

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama and John McCain are tinkering with political strategy today to account for Sarah Palin's game-changing entrance into the campaign. Camp Obama, which had planned attack ads against likely veep candidates Mitt Romney and Tim Pawlenty, is struggling to criticize Palin, knowing she represents a political milestone for women. The camp's latest ad mentions her only in passing, the New York Times reports. More»