AMAZING BUT TRUE

The presumptive GOP nominee holds a town hall meeting at a local high school gym in Sparks, Nevada.

He’ll also hold a fundraiser in the state before heading off to Colorado. Permalink

Obama: Washington, DC

McCain: Sparks, Incline Village, NV; Englewood, CO Permalink

ABC: Led with Americans driving less in response to high fuel prices. Four minutes in, recapped the candidates’ day focused on energy and the economy, said they seem to be running toward the political center. Matthew Dowd said they appear to prefer talking about other topics. Report said to expect to see McCain talking more about drilling in the future, and Obama about middle-class tax cuts. Also recapped McCain’s dermatological procedure, and Obama’s sore hip. In an interview from Baghdad, Gen. Petraeus said he had “good exchanges” with Obama, and said the Senator did acknowledge improvements in Iraq. But asked about Obama’s response to the surge, Petraeus said he seeks to avoid minefields of every kind — including political.

CBS: Led with White House projection of federal deficit including candidates’ reactions. Followed with package on Obama and McCain economic plans. Covered Obama’s roundtable, highlighting Warren Buffet’s input. Recapped McCain’s push for offshore drilling during visit to oil derrick.

NBC: Williams broadcast from Tehran, spent lengthy first chunk of broadcast airing interview with Ahmadinejad, who recognized a U.S. Shift toward his country, said they have been at the table for talks. 11 minutes in, mentioned McCain’s growth removed from his cheek. Then, covered veepstakes, listing the usual suspects. Said surprise picks for Obama would be Kaine, Nunn. Said McCain has narrowed it down to Romney, Portman, Pawlenty; his surprise pick would be Ridge. Permalink

It is just one poll, folks, but the latest USA Today/Gallup survey suggests McCain jumped 10 points since last month.

McCain 49, Obama 45

Dates conducted: July 25-27. Error margin: 4 points. Read more here.

This is NOT the Gallup tracking poll that was Drudged all around showing Obama up 9.

NY Times’ Nagourney: Where is Obama’s polling bounce? Permalink

MSNBC News reports the candidate stopped by the law firm of former deputy attorney general Eric Holder while in D.C. Monday.

Holder is one of two people heading Obama’s effort to select a running mate.

Plus: Campaign topper Plouffe is joining the Democrat on the road Monday, along with top aides Axelrod and Gibbs, a rarity for Team Obama.

Developing...

Permalink

The network announces Monday that Mark Whitaker, an NBC News Senior Vice President, will take over Tim Russert’s role as Washington, D.C. bureau chief.

His position includes executive oversight of “Meet the Press” as well as network election and political coverage.

Whitaker will also continue in his current role as SVP. Release here. Permalink

The presumptive GOP nominee tells CNN’s “Larry King Live” that he blames himself for the one serious bout of melanoma he had several years back.

“I let it go and go and go. I was running for president at the time. I’m not making that mistake again.”

Also says he’ll announce his veep as soon as the process is completed and he “won’t be driven by any other factors, the Olympics, or any other.”
Permalink

Politico cites sources saying the Virginia governor is “very, very high” in the ranking to fill Obama’s veep slot.

The 50-year-old has submitted “piles of documents” to the campaign, and is “getting a critical examination,” sources say.

And/But: Sources add he hasn’t spoken personally to Caroline Kennedy.

WashPost also reports Kaine is being vetted and having “serious conversations” with Obama about joining the ticket.

Plus: McCain offers more details about his VP search, suggests it could be a business person. Permalink

WashPost says the Senator will spend a week in his native Aloha State in mid-August, mainly on vacation.

He reportedly will attend at least one fundraiser while he’s there. Permalink

McCain speaks to reporters and pushes his energy proposals after touring an oil derrick near Bakersfield, California.

“There is some instances where in a matter of months they could be getting additional oil…there’s abundant resources…” Watch video above.

Adds “I’m sorry Senator Obama opposes it.” Once again labels him “Dr. No.”

Also reiterates his proposal for more nuclear power plants, discusses clean energy.

Obama camp responds here. Permalink

The Senator says Monday’s medical procedure removing a patch of skin from his right temple was not a major event. Click above to watch.

The four-time melanoma survivor also urges Americans to wear sunscreen, and check for skin discolorations.

Mayo Clinic releases statement: “This is a routine minor procedure.” Permalink

The presumptive Democratic nominee says the country’s “economic emergency” is worsening while meeting with top economic leaders in Washington, D.C.

“There were some irresponsible decisions that were made on Wall Street and in Washington.”

He gathered with major business and economic leaders — including former Treasury Secretaries Rubin and O’Neill and Google CEO Eric Schmidt — to discuss economic policy.

On afternoon media call, former Sen. Bradley says the meeting demonstrates that Obama is “putting the economy No. 1 on his agenda.” Permalink