*
The Economist finds that economists
overwhelmingly prefer Obama. Surprisingly (to some of us at least, who might expect a GOP lean) the polled economists tend Democratic in general -- 45%, vs. 10% Republican -- but pretty much all of the independents are backing Obama.
*
The Chicago Tribune endorses Obama -- the first time it's ever endorsed a Democrat for President. The
LA Times also endorses Obama -- reportedly their first endorsement since Nixon in 1972, as well as their first Democrat-for-President endorsement.
*
Colin Powell endorses Obama, calls Palin unqualified.
Video, and
excerpt on being American and Muslim.
* Freddie Mac used stealth lobbying of Republicans in 2005 to
shoot down Hagel's attempt to increase regulation; this was after it came under Republican control.
* Ultraconservative Salafi Islam
on the rise in relatively liberal places like Egypt.
* Cindy McCain's income is $4-6 million, mostly from assets, for an estimated and inherited net worth of $100 million.
*
Election campaign as D&D campaign*
31,000 year old dog bones. Mentions 26,000 yo footprints of a child and dog.
* Pet
cat and dog interactions.
*
Jewish settlers disrupt olive harvest, attack photographers.
* Bush administration
denied FBI request for more resources to go after white-collar crime; administration worried about "over-deterrence" for corporate risk-taking.
* Campaign
fight over Catholics, including antiabortion Catholic scholars endorsing Obama on social justice grounds. Palin as a
True Lifer but sssh, don't spook the independents.
* South Dakota out again to
ban abortion.
* McCain's votes against
access to family planning.