ABC: Led with California wildfires. Eight minutes in, mention of Obama campaigning in GOP-heavy North Dakota and report on "noticeable shifts" on Iraq and other issues. Recapped “hastily scheduled news conference” on Iraq and his broader tilt toward the center. Stephanopoulos said Obama “can't afford to shift” on Iraq, and called the issue the first test of McCain's new campaign leadership.
NBC: Politics dominated first 6 minutes. Kicked off with Obama's Iraq policy clarifications, recapping media avails, calling McCain camp response "stinging." Said Obama has always given himself wiggle room on troop withdrawal. Next recapped McCain's Latin American tour, said images of him at the Basilica could help with U.S. Catholics. Aired McCain interview clips on trip, staff rearrangement, Veepstakes.
CBS: CBS: Led with western wild fires. At 14 minutes in, reported that Obama's statement on "refining" his Iraq position "raised a lot of eyebrows" and was part of a larger centrist shift. Characterized McCain's response as "fatherly" in correcting Obama. Mentioned Bush's plans to attend the Olympics opening ceremony and his role at the ground breaking for the new Walter Reed Medical Center.
