10/08/2008
Carl Leubsdorf: Obama wins debate by mirroring campaign
In their second debate, Barack Obama was organized, focused and strategic. John McCain was often rambling, imprecise and tactical. Just like their campaigns.
10/02/2008
Carl Leubsdorf: Sarah Palin's future at stake in VP debate
The principal impact of Sarah Palin's debate performance may be less on this election and more on her long-term political future. By contrast, rival Joe Biden may bear a greater burden in whether this debate affects next month's vote.
09/26/2008
Carl Leubsdorf: McCain ploy ultimately changes little
If John McCain's goal was to change this week's script, he clearly succeeded. But it's unclear if his gambit will succeed in changing the tenor and ultimate result of his race against Barack Obama.
09/18/2008
Carl Leubsdorf: A tougher but urgent transition ahead
Barack Obama and John McCain both hope to speed the transition, but the growth in presidential appointees and an increasingly cumbersome nominations process still mean the next president will need months to create a functioning government.
09/11/2008
Carl Leubsdorf: Can Palin help McCain win?
The question today is whether Sarah Palin's infusion of energy to John McCain's campaign will last longer than the short-lived boost Geraldine Ferraro gave Walter Mondale's in 1984. If it does, it would be another remarkable twist in a remarkable election.
09/04/2008
Carl Leubsdorf: McCain's overstated maverick side
It often has seemed this year that John McCain's maverick side is more stylistic than substantive and that his decision to pursue conservative stances on key issues would undercut his stated desire to work across party lines.
08/27/2008
Carl P. Leubsdorf: Obama-JFK comparisons run deep
There are compelling similarities between the career trajectories of John F. Kennedy, the young, dynamic Democrat, and Barack Obama, the young, dynamic Democrat.
Q&A Ron Kirk
Blog: Trail Blazers
08/23/2008
Biden brings engaging personality to Obama's ticket
The senator unveiled as Barack Obama’s running mate has had his share of problems. But he has also displayed a growing mastery of international and legal issues, an engaging personality and a zest for political combat.
Texas Democrats praise Biden
Trail Blazers blog
08/21/2008
Carl Leubsdorf: Are political conventions still worth it?
Mostly, the Democrats next week and Republicans the week after in St. Paul will display a carefully scripted facade aimed at giving their party its best chance of winning. That raises the question of whether conventions are still worth the time, effort and money. Here's one enthusiastic vote in their favor.
08/14/2008
Carl Leubsdorf: The evolution of running mates
When Barack Obama and John McCain finally choose their running mates, voters can feel sure that these two people were carefully vetted from every possible angle and, if elected, will play a real role in the next administration.
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