McClellan: WH wanted him to stay silent  —  Former White House press secretary Scott McClellan, speaking out for the first time since publication of his searing memoir, told NBC's “Today” show on Thursday that he erroneously believed what President Bush was saying about the war but now is answering …

CNN's Yellin: Network execs killed critical White House stories  —  On Wednesday night, CNN's Jessica Yellin talked to Anderson Cooper about Scott McClellan's tell-all memoir and agreed with the former press secretary that White House reporters “dropped the ball” during the run-up to war.

Pelosi vows to prevent fight at Dem convention  —  (05-28) 20:17 PDT San Francisco — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she will step in if necessary to make sure the presidential nomination fight between Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama does not reach the Democratic National Convention …

Best Bitch Slap EVAR  —  Even Malkin has given up on Auschwitzgate, but Dan Riehl and his band of desperados soldier on: … Apparently, Dan-o couldn't figure out the great uncle's middle initial, so that must mean he doesn't exist.  The word went out: KERNERS ARE GO!

Michelle Obama In Phoenix: “Fear Is A Useless Emotion”  —  stumble digg reddit del.ico.us news trust buzz up  —  Tuesday, George Bush and Michelle Obama each traversed McCain's home state of Arizona to raise money for the presidential election.  Bush headlined fundraisers for John McCain in Phoenix …

George Bush Authorized the Leak of Valerie Wilson's Identity  —  Scottie McC doesn't know it yet.  But that's basically what he revealed this morning on the Today Show (h/t Rayne).  —  During the interview, Scottie revealed the two things that really pissed him off with the Bush Administration.

Rupert Murdoch predicts landslide for Democrats  —  CARLSBAD, California (Reuters) - News Corp Chief Executive Rupert Murdoch on Wednesday predicted a Democratic landslide in the U.S. presidential election against a gloomy economic backdrop over the next 18 months.

Gay rights advocates score wins in NY, Calif.  —  ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Gay rights advocates had reason to celebrate on both coasts Thursday, with New York set to recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere and California preparing to begin issuing marriage licenses to gay couples on June 17.

CHARACTER AND THE PRIMARIES OF 2008  —  If campaigns for president are in part a battle for control of the master narrative about character, Democrat Barack Obama has not enjoyed a better ride in the press than rival Hillary Clinton, according to a new study of primary coverage …

What Is Going On At Trinity Church?  —  First of all, this has nothing to do with Barack Obama but I have to ask, what in the world is going on at Chicago's Trinity Church?  This is simply outrageous:  —  I repeat, this has NOTHING to do with Barack Obama, but there is clearly something wrong at Trinity Church in Chicago.

Team McCain: Ready for Prime Time?  —  John McCain knows how to win small.  No other candidate in memory has done it better.  Give him a microphone, a chartered bus and some Purell, and he can take down a state with raw hustle and personality — a few corny jokes, some “straight talk” and his own heroic tale.