•McCain calls on Bush to condemn ad questioning Kerry's Vietnam service; DNC asks stations not to run spot. One veteran backs off claims. McClellan: "The president is calling for an immediate cessation to all the unregulated soft money activity." [WP, NYT, LAT, WT, BG]
•Bush signs $417 billion defense bill, including pay increases and $25 billion for Iraq, Afghanistan: "With this legislation, America's military will know that their country stands behind them as they fight for our freedom and as they spread the peace." [WT]
•Bush, in Ohio and Michigan, promotes flextime, encourages supporters to reach undecided voters. Company president explained to Bush: "We sell air to our customers." Replied Bush, "You and I are in the same business, is it hot air, by any chance?" [WP, NYT, LAT, BG]
•Kerry pushes energy plan in Missouri: "We are going to create the jobs of the future, because I want America's security to depend on America's ingenuity and creativity, not the Saudi royal family." [NYT, BG, USAT]
•Kerry says he would not have remained in classroom on 9/11. Giuliani: "John Kerry must be frustrated in his campaign if he is armchair quarterbacking, based on cues from Michael Moore." [LAT, WT, BG, USAT]
•Powell defends war, denies tension within administration: "We haven't had a failure in Iraq. We have gotten rid of a horrible dictator." [WP]
•Keyes reportedly says yes, to "address all issues on Sunday" regarding run against Obama. [WP, USAT]
•Bush steps up campaigning. [USAT]
•Teresa has her own followers. [USAT]
•Falwell to educate conservative preachers about what activities threaten tax-exempt status. [WP]
• FEC dismisses suit against "Fahrenheit 9/11." [LAT]
