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Politics up to the Minute

Headlines from June 15th, 2008

Obama: "Too Many Fathers Are MIA"

Speaking in a Chicago church, the Senator calls out absentee fathers, especially in the black community, for "acting like boys instead of men." Watch the speech here. "We need fathers to realize that responsibility does not end at conception. We need them to realize that what makes you a man is not the ability to have a child – it’s the courage to raise one." Also calls for promoting the value of empathy and instilling an "ethic of excellence" in children. Suggests tossing elaborate eight-grade graduation ceremonies-- "Let’s give them a handshake and tell them to get their butts back in the library!" Read his full speech here. Permalink

Motown Anticipates Obama Visit

The Senator will make his first appearance in Detroit in nearly a year on Monday. The Detroit News: "Obama today brings his traveling economic policy show to Michigan ... laying out a series of policies that aides believe will convince voters here he can help reverse the state's decades-long slide." He may face an awkward challenge in interacting with the city's embattled mayor. He'll also make a pitstop in industrially declining Flint, which, according to the Detroit Free Press, is "a natural side trip for any Democrat who preaches economic recovery for the middle class." Permalink

McCain Texas Fundraiser Back On, Minus Host

Campaign revives event at a new location without host Clayton Williams, who once joked about rape. Unnamed aide: "Mr. Williams will not be attending the Midland event later this summer." Permalink

"Meet the Press" Remembers Tim Russert

Tribute broadcast opens on Russert's empty chair, and empty table. Panel led by Tom Brokaw sits in front of Russert's table on the "Meet the Press" set. Guests include Barnicle, Carville, Betsy Fischer, Ifill, Goodwin, Matalin and Shriver. Features clips from Russert's tougher interviews, including pressing a wide range of political figures on whether they plan to run for president. Highlights his love for the Buffalo Bills, politics and, especially, his family. Permalink

McCain Meets With Iraq's Foreign Minister

The candidate and Hoshyar Zebari meet outside Washington to discuss Iraqi security. Zebari also plans to meet with Obama. Permalink

Planting Seeds

Sunday NY Times sees the contours of McCain's political philosophy in a 40-page thesis he wrote in 1974 at the National War College. Boston Globe says Michelle Obama learned to navigate through "a white world" while an undergrad at Princeton. Permalink