The New York Times Politics

September 17, 2008 Politics

Featured Articles Abortion Issue Again Dividing Catholic Votes By DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK A struggle on how Catholics should apply their beliefs in politics is reaching swing cities like Scranton, Pa. McCain Laboring to Hit Right Note on the Economy By MICHAEL COOPER The senator has struggled to get past the impression that he lacks the experience to address the financial crisis. ADVERTISEMENT Obama Looks to Shift Focus of Campaign to Economy By JEFF ZELENY Having originally built his campaign on his opposition to the Iraq war, Barack Obama is working urgently to seize the economic issue. Lawsuit Is Filed to Halt Alaska Dismissal Inquiry By SERGE F. KOVALESKI and JO BECKER Five Republican state lawmakers argued that the Legislature was conducting a “McCarthyistic investigation” into Gov. Sarah Palin’s dismissal of her public safety commissioner. Questions Emerge Over Police Conduct in St. Paul By COLIN MOYNIHAN City officials have appointed two former federal prosecutors to review the planning and strategies used by the police before and during the Republican National Convention. SNL’s Goals: Funny and Evenhanded By BRIAN STELTER “Saturday Night Live,” which won praise for a recent sketch depicting Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Gov. Sarah Palin, aims to to be an equal opportunity satirist. A Political Punch Line Is Dinner in Alaska By KIM SEVERSON Moose meat has become a political issue and a national punch line, but it’s not the first time Alaska’s love of moose has been the butt of jokes. Ask a question about Alaskan food Times/CBS Poll: Economic Worries Dominate Voters’ Minds By DALIA SUSSMAN The latest survey highlights a bleak mood about the economy, showing that people feel they are worse off than four years ago. The Candidates on the A.I.G. Bailout By KATE PHILLIPS The candidates address the $85 billion bailout of the insurance titan. Clinton Says Thanks, but No Thanks to U.N. Rally With Palin By PATRICK HEALY Advisers to Senator Clinton said that she was surprised to learn that Governor Palin had been invited to the event, and that the Clinton camp did not want to be drawn into a politically loaded moment. Debate Commission, MySpace Open New Site By KATE PHILLIPS A joint venture allows users to follow the debates online, vote on key issues and track how their candidates’ positions match up in states around the country. Obama Raises $11 Million in Hollywood By JEFF ZELENY Senator Barack Obama stood beneath the stars – surrounded by the ones from Hollywood – and tried to soothe the concerns of worrying Democrats. Riding the Rails With Amtrak Joe By MARK LEIBOVICH Senator Joseph Biden returned to his beloved train Tuesday, just like old times. He was traveling light, except for the big entourage. Fiorina Sets off Flap, Saying Palin Not Ready for Big Business By LESLIE WAYNE The Obama campaign jumped on Carly Fiorina after she said she does not think Sarah Palin is ready to run her former company, Hewlett-Packard. Get home delivery of The New York Times for as low as $3.15 a week.

About New York Getting In Palin’s Hair, or Close to It By JIM DWYER For Tina Fey to become Sarah Palin on “Saturday Night Live,” she needed a hairdresser, a team of wig makers, colorists and a pound of human hair. Campaign Stops The Voter’s Burden By DAVID BROOKS and GAIL COLLINS The columnists discuss how predicting who will win and how that candidate will run the country is, well, unpredictable. Multimedia Election Guide 2008 Detailed maps, state profiles, campaign finance reports, poll analysis, where the candidates stand on issues, candidates’ schedules and more. Campaign Countdown 9 days until the first presidential debate 48 days until Election Day nytimes.com/theater A look back at «Rent» Also in Theater: A sneak peek of «Shrek the Musical» Daniel Radcliffe in «Equus» Patti LuPone in «Gypsy»