Obama calls Afghanistan fight precarious, urgent

KABUL, Afghanistan — Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama says the situation in Afghanistan is "precarious" and "urgent."

Today on the presidential campaign trail

IN THE HEADLINES

McCain adviser Gramm quits after 'whiners' remarks

NEW YORK — Former Texas Sen. Phil Gramm resigned Friday from his role as GOP presidential candidate John McCain's campaign co-chairman, hoping to quiet the uproar that followed his comments that the United States had become a "nation of whiners" whose constant complaints about the U.S. economy show they are in a "mental recession."

McCain paying down primary funds in advance of cap

WASHINGTON — Faced with a spending cap for his fall campaign, Republican presidential candidate John McCain is aggressively spending more money than he is raising during summer months and methodically reducing his cash reserves.

For better or worse, McCain wedded to town halls

DENVER — John McCain was in his favorite campaign setting, a town hall meeting, when he spotted a promising target. "I'd love to recognize you first, sir," the Republican presidential candidate said to a man in a Vietnam War veteran's hat.

Obama to speak at Berlin's Victory Column

CHICAGO — Barack Obama's office said Sunday he will give a speech on the U.S. partnership with Germany and trans-Atlantic relations in front of the gold-topped Victory Column, or Siegessaeule, in the heart of downtown Berlin.

Obama has breakfast with troops in Afghan capital

KABUL, Afghanistan — Barack Obama had breakfast Sunday with U.S. troops in Kabul as part of his visit to Afghanistan.

At the Democrats' party, a Pentecostal minister

DENVER — The request befuddled Leah Daughtry. The experienced political hand in charge of planning next month's Democratic National Convention - a self-described "black chick from Brooklyn" and ordained Pentecostal minister who keeps a Bible in her purse - didn't know what to tell the atheists.

McCain paying down primary funds in advance of cap

WASHINGTON — Faced with a spending cap for his fall campaign, Republican presidential candidate John McCain is aggressively spending more money than he is raising during summer months and methodically reducing his cash reserves.

Today on the presidential campaign trail

IN THE HEADLINES