U.S. History

AP - Barack Obama's newly minted running mate will join the Democratic hopeful onstage Saturday at a rally in this capital city where Obama launched his White House bid, a campaign official said.

AP - Democrat Barack Obama challenged Republican opponent John McCain on Tuesday to stop questioning his "character and patriotism."

AP - When Barack Obama shows up Saturday in Springfield, Ill., on his way to the Democratic Convention, he'll have his new running mate grinning beside him. But that man or woman is still unknown, even as speculation rises to a fever pitch.

AP - An Indiana railroader, an Iowa mother and a Michigan truck driver are getting a moment at the Democratic convention to help portray Barack Obama as the people's champion and counter GOP characterizations of him as an out-of-touch celebrity.

AP - As speculation over veep choice grows, Obama plans to visit Ill. capital where campaign began ... McCain flies to Gulf of Mexico oil platform, calls on Obama to support offshore drilling ... Western states, traditionally Republican, offer possible opening for Obama ... Obama tells military veterans that McCain is wrong to question his character and patriotism ... Atlanta fundraiser tied to Abramoff scandal figure brings in more than $1.75 million for GOP

AP - Americans have trekked West in search of riches for more than 150 years — and Barack Obama is doing the same.

AP - Republican presidential candidate John McCain visited this oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday to call for increased offshore drilling that he claims would lower the cost of food and heating homes.

Politico - John McCain is seriously considering choosing a pro-abortion-rights running mate despite vocal resistance from conservatives, with former Democratic vice presidential nominee Joseph I. Lieberman (I-Conn.) very much in the mix, close McCain advisers say.

AP - John McCain raised more than $1.75 million for Republicans Monday at a fundraiser that became high profile after a political operative connected to disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff promoted it.