Sen. Jesse Helms is Dead at 86
Polarizing North Carolina lawmaker was known as 'Senator No.'

Can Obama Turn Red States Blue?
Barack Obama woos Montana despite state's history of voting Republican.

McCain 3.0: A Comeback Story?
The Note: Script in place for another comeback story -- if problems are solved.

Refining Policy: Obama Tries to Explain Iraq Stance
'08 Democrat Seeks to Clarify 16-Month Withdrawal Plan

Economic Woes Galore Face G-8 Leaders
G-8 leaders meeting next week face the worst economic outlook in a decade.

Closing Gitmo: Timing is Everything
Bush admin. grappling with legal, practical issues of possibly closing facility.

Report Card: McCain on Pace With Obama
But Arizona senator's campaign is again struggling with organizational issues.

McCain Talks Drugs, Trade in Colombia
Presumptive GOP nominee informed of dramatic Colombian hostage rescue attempt.

Pentagon Top Brass: Don't Attack Iran
Joint Chiefs Chair on Iran: "A third front ... would be extremely stressful."

The Note: Must-Reads
In New Poll Obama Leads, but McCain Hanging Around