Election Recycling: John Edwards Is Very Beautiful Edition
•Gay marriage ban defeated. Christian groups vow fight;Bush"deeply disappointed," but softened wording: "What they do in the privacy of their house, consenting adults should be able to do. . . But that doesn't mean we have to redefine traditional marriage." [ WP , WP , NYT , WT ]
• Bushrallies base.Dowd: "In close elections in today's environment, the old political strategy of focusing just on independents won't work. Campaigns have to motivate supporters at the same time of appealing to swing voters." [WP , NYT , WT , USAT ]
•Contrary to wild speculation,Cheneyinsists he'll stay on ticket. [ NYT , WP ]
• Edwards,in Iowa, begins solo tour with positive tone: "Tony Blairdidn't run from the report [on faulty intelligence]. It's because he understands what leadership is. . . What we need in the White House is somebody who has the strength, courage and leadership to take responsibility and be accountable, not only for what's good, but for what's bad." [ WP , NYT , LAT ]
• Kerryreaches out to black, Hispanic voters with ad buy; speech to NAACP today. Black lawmakers say ads are uninspired, lackluster. [ WP , LAT , BG ]
•NAACP complains ofBush'sdecline;Bushto address Urban League. Said lecturer, "You send subtle signals to the conservative white South that we don't like those radical extremist black leaders, even though no fair-minded person thinks the NAACP is radical." [ WP , LAT , WT ]
•"Ask the President" events are limited toBushsupporters. [ LAT ]
• Bushups attacks. [ WT ]
• Bushsupport softens in Ohio. [ USAT ]
• KerryaccusedBushof not reading intelligence report he didn't read himself. [ NYT ]
• Teresabrings unconventional, intimate style to campaigning: "I have to say thatJohn Edwardsis very beautiful. And my husband is very smart." [ NYT ]
• Hillarysays she's not disappointed with convention speaking schedule;Carvillepredicts she'll give speech. [ NYT , WT ]
•Voting mechanisms in Florida still a mess. [ NYT ]
• Ridgeapplauds DNC security, warns of terror. [ WP , LAT , WT , BG ]
•Slim-Fast dropsWhoopiforBushjokes. [ USAT ]