 |
|
The Morning Grind / Political Hot Topics |
Bush, Kerry plans contrast on key issues
 | |
 | |
 |
 VIDEO |
 CNN's Frank Buckley on Kerry and the Bush military flap.
 CNN's Suzanne Malveaux on the Iraq report.
 CNN's Jeanne Meserve on questions about Bush documents.
|
|
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Check out the links below to hot political stories around the country this morning.
HIGH CONTRAST: President Bush and Democratic challenger John Kerry presented starkly contrasting views of Iraq and each other's health care plans yesterday as three national polls indicated that the race is in flux after Bush's post-convention bounce.
The Boston Globe: Bush, Kerry offer 2 views on Iraq, health care
ELECTION MONITORS: A team of international observers will travel to five states beginning today to monitor preparations for the November 2 presidential election.
The Boston Globe: Global team set to monitor election
UNLIKELY SUPPORT: Senator John McCain, the maverick Arizona Republican, called Thursday for the Florida Supreme Court to allow Ralph Nader's name on the state's presidential ballot.
The New York Times: McCain urges Florida court to allow Nader on state ballot
AT THE REINS: A new center of power has emerged inside John Kerry's presidential campaign, with several veteran Democratic operatives moving quickly to consolidate their influence and effectively take over the nominee's daily message and strategy in the six weeks until the election.
The Washington Post: New blood at heart of Kerry campaign
MILITARY VOTE: With wars in Iraq and Afghanistan having an unclear effect on service members' leanings, both campaigns are working hard for their support.
The Los Angeles Times: Bush and Kerry see openings in military vote
FANTASY WORLD: John Kerry told the National Guard Association yesterday that President Bush "failed to tell you the truth" about Iraq when he spoke to the group Tuesday, and asserted that security conditions in Iraq are far graver than described by Bush in his "fantasy world of spin."
The Boston Globe: Kerry says president concealed truth on Iraq
BEHIND ENEMY LINES: President Bush rode his armored, star-spangled bus through the Democratic stronghold of Minnesota on Thursday as his campaign inaugurated a major push to spend more time and money in opposition territory.
The Washington Post: President ventures to Democratic territory
STEALING SINGS: A West Virginia man said yesterday that Democrats stole his family's Bush-Cheney campaign signs at an event featuring Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards.
The Washington Times: Democrats accused of ripping Bush signs
MASSIVE HEALTH CARE: Using terms reminiscent of Republican attacks on President Bill Clinton's ill-fated effort to reshape the health care system a decade ago, President Bush attacked John Kerry's health care proposal on Thursday, saying "it's a plan that is massive and it's big, and it puts the government in control of health care."
The New York Times: Bush says Kerry is pushing nationalized health care
THE GLOVES ARE OFF: With public support for the war rising despite increased bloodshed, Kerry changes tack, saying Bush's strategy is headed for failure.
The Los Angeles Times: Democrat takes off the gloves on Iraq debate
BUSH TAKES LEAD: President Bush has surged to a 13-point lead over John Kerry among likely voters, a new Gallup Poll shows. The 55%-42% match-up is the first statistically significant edge either candidate has held this year.
USA Today: Bush clear leader in poll
WHITE HOUSE RIPS RATHER: The White House yesterday slammed CBS anchorman Dan Rather for offering President Bush campaign advice and for relying on the "feelings" of a Bush critic to impugn his military record.
The Washington Times: White House rips Rather for report, his advice