Tuned In

McCain's Gaffes

The press tends to base its news judgments on whether a statement fits an existing narrrative. If Obama had made the same slips as McCain did, it would've fit right into the well-established "Is he experienced enough?" narrative.

Swampland

Why No Obama Poll Bump?

I wouldn't be surprised if Obama is paying a price for vamping about overseas while banks are cratering, gas prices are soaring and people are getting really, really nervous about their future.

The Middle East Blog

Two Lebanons

On Thursday when I returned to Lebanon, I caught the tail end of the celebrations for the prisoner exchange between Hizballah and Israel, rushing down to the coast to watch marching bands welcome coffins containing the remains of martyred Arab fighters.

The Curious Capitalist

Amazon: The Last Retailer Standing

Costco had been the one really big major bricks-and-mortar retailer not to be hurt by the economic troubles. Not anymore.

VEEPSTAKES FEVER

The political world is on fire with buzz about early McCain and Obama veep decisions. Read what Mark Halperin thinks the advantages of an early pick are on The Page

Dakar

Africa's Lions of the Scrabble Board

When it comes to the World Championship of the French-language version of the erudite board game, Senegal is the team to beat

Preah Vihear

A Rumble in the Jungle?

Cambodian and Thai troops face off around a thousand-year-old Hindu temple. But the standoff may be driven by domestic politics on both sides

Activism, Hollywood-Style

Joel Stein checks out L.A.'s hot liberal fund-raising scene — and falls for The Fall Guy's girl