Curious as to what newspapers Sarah Palin turns to in order to stay up to date on the world? Sorry folks.

During the latest installment of her multi-part interview with Palin, Katie Couric tried three times to ask the Alaska Governor to name a newspaper or magazine she read to learn about the latest goings on around the globe and Palin refused all three times.

“All of them, any of them that have been in front of me all these years,” Palin says.

Feeding the growing perception that she lacks the knowledge, curiosity or readiness to be vice president, Palin inexplicably dodged the simple question about her reading habits three times. No names, not even a shout out for the Anchorage Daily News or the Juneau Empire.

Couric: And when it comes to establishing your world view, I was curious, what newspapers and magazines did you regularly read before you were tapped for this to stay informed and to understand the world?

Palin: I’ve read most of them, again with a great appreciation for the press, for the media.

Couric: What, specifically?

Palin: Um, all of them, any of them that have been in front of me all these years.

Couric: Can you name a few?

Palin: I have a vast variety of sources where we get our news, too. Alaska isn’t a foreign country, where it’s kind of suggested, “wow, how could you keep in touch with what the rest of Washington, D.C., may be thinking when you live up there in Alaska?” Believe me, Alaska is like a microcosm of America.

Des Moines, Iowa- In a new ad today, released by the McCain Campaign, Bill Clinton makes an unwitting appearance (via soundbite from a TV interview, apparently) to help McCain’s argument that while he called for stronger reforms on Fannie and Freddie, Democrats( and Obama by association) were hesitant to do so.

(FROM THE AD)PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON: “I think the responsibility that the Democrats have may rest more in resisting any efforts by Republicans in the Congress or by me when I was President to put some standards and tighten up a little on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.”

ANNCR: John McCain fought to rein in Fannie and Freddie.

The Post says: McCain “pushed for stronger regulation”…”while Mr. Obama was notably silent.”

But, Democrats blocked the reforms.

Loans soared.

Then, the bubble burst.

And, taxpayers are on the hook for billions.

Bill Clinton knows who is responsible.

PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON: “I think the responsibility that the Democrats have may rest more in resisting any efforts by Republicans in the Congress or by me when I was President to put some standards and tighten up a little on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.”

ANNCR: You’re right, Mr. President. It didn’t have to happen.

JOHN MCCAIN: I’m John McCain and I approve this message.

SEDONA, ARIZ. –The Palin campaign is not letting many details of her debate preparation leak out. But, we do know that it is going on at her running mate’s ranch here in this picturesque desert town.

A Palin camp aide describe the setting of the Alaska governor’s preparations, “The Governor’s debate prep today is taking place outdoors near a creek on the scenic McCain ranch in Sedona. The serenity and beauty of this setting has contributed to what can be characterized as a relaxed environment. Her family (Todd, Willow, Piper and Trig) are also at the ranch. Several advisors are participating.”

The advisors that the aide is referring to are McCain senior advisor Steve Schmidt; McCain chief foreign policy aide, Randy Scheunemann; Mark Wallace, a former deputy campaign manager for President Bush’s 2004 re-election campaign, amongst others. Cindy McCain is also on hand to make Palin as comfortable as possible in her home.

Joe Biden has enlisted Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm to “play” Palin in his debate prep. As you can see in the photo above, provided by the Palin camp, Scheunemann is in the Biden role.

Palin will be doing conservative talk radio while in Sedona, but the campaign has not released which radio shows only saying, “stay tuned.”

Reno, NV - AP Photo

RENO, NV — Sen Barack Obama says the country can’t afford to assign blame for yesterday’s failed vote on a federal Wall Street bailout — Americans need to get behind a fix right now.

“There is plenty of blame to go around and many in Washington and on Wall Street who deserve it,” he said. “There will be time to punish those who set this fire, but now is the moment for us to come together and put the fire out.

“If your neighbor’s house is burning, you’re not gonna spend a whole lot of time saying ‘well, that guy was always irresponsible. He always left the stove on. He always was smoking in bed,’” Obama told the crowd of 12,000 at the University of Nevada - Reno. “All those things may be true, but his house could end up affecting your house.”

“We’ve got to make sure that we put the fire out and then go start making sure that these folks stop leaving the stove on.”

His solution for getting wayward House members — and a generally unenthusiastic public — on board? Increasing the federal insurance limit on bank deposits from $100,000 to $250,000 to help small businesses — an idea that McCain proposed this morning as well.

“That’s just one idea. If there are others that can help shore up the support for this plan and shore up our economy, I encourage all parties, Democrats and Republicans to offer them,” Obama said. But we must act and we must act now. We can’t have another day like yesterday.”

Obama said he spent the morning on the phone with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and President Bush — who the Illinois Senator called to pitch his FDIC proposal. Campaign officials say Obama will continue to talk to leaders in Washington about how to move forward on the plan.

Obama plans to return to Washington whenever there’s a vote, whether it be this week or next - but in the meantime, he had a stern message for those who scuttled the rescue package.

“To the Democrats and Republicans who opposed this plan yesterday, I say step up to the plate, do what’s right for the country.”

West Des Moines, Iowa- Senator McCain called for Congress to get back to the drawing board, after the busted bailout on Capitol Hill today.

“I call on Congress to get back ,obviously, immediately to address this crisis. Our leaders are expected to leave partisanship at the door and come to the table to solve our problems, ” McCain said. ” Senator Obama and his allies in Congress infused unnecessary partisanship into the process. Now is not the time to fix the blame. It’s time to fix the problem.”

The McCain campaign informed reporters that they still plan to go forward with an economic roundtable event tomorrow in Des Moines.The campaign has also decided to add a new event in Kansas City, MO on Wednesday. Missouri, a crucial battle ground state, is being targeted heavily by both campaigns with only 30 plus days until the election.

McCain Full Statement:

“I speak to you at an hour of crisis for our nation’s economy.

“I believe the crisis facing our economy could have a grave impact on every American worker, small business owner, and family if our leaders fail to act.

“I share the anger and frustration that many Americans feel toward reckless and corrupt mismanagement on Wall Street and in Washington.

“I returned to Washington last week to work on a bipartisan rescue plan. It was the only plan at that time on the table but lacked enough support to pass. It also lacked sufficient accountability and transparency to justify expenditure of the taxpayers’ money.

“At the time, the concerns of all members were not being heard. My colleagues were worried about the size of the plan and the risk it posed to taxpayers. I shared those concerns and I laid out principles that I thought must be adhered to. Those principles included responsible oversight, effective transparency, added protections for the taxpayers, and a cap on excessive salaries for executives.

“I also believe that the legislation should have no earmarks. I worked hard to play a constructive role in bringing everyone to the table. The plan is now significantly improved. We strengthened taxpayers’ protections and oversight, and the taxpayers were on the hook for less money up front. Don’t get me wrong - it isn’t perfect. And the fact that taxpayers could have to spend a single dollar to create stability in our economy is a decision that I do not take lightly.

“I was hopeful that the improved rescue plan would have had the votes needed to pass because addressing a credit crisis is of vital importance to families, small businesses, and every working American who must be assured that their assets are safe and protected and that our economy will continue to function.

“Today, I’ve spoken to the Federal Chairman Bernanke, Secretary Paulson, Congressional leaders and now it’s time for all members of Congress to go back to the drawing board.

“I call on Congress to get back obviously immediately to address this crisis. Our leaders are expected to leave partisanship at the door and come to the table to solve our problems. Senator Obama and his allies in Congress infused unnecessary partisanship into the process. Now is not the time to fix the blame. It’s time to fix the problem.”

“I would hope that all our leaders, all of them, can put aside short-term political goals and do what’s in the best interest of the American people. Thank you.”

Westminster, CO - AP Photo

WESTMINSTER, CO — Barack Obama urged calm after the economic bailout compromise failed to pass the House - and told Congress, “get this done.”

“Democrats and Republicans, step up to the plate. Get it done,” Obama said, addressing his remarks to lawmakers in Washington. “And understand even as you get it done to stabilize the markets, we have more work to do to make sure that Main Street is getting the same kind of help that Wall Street is getting.”

Obama was 40 minutes late taking the stage, telling the crowd he’d been talking with Treasury Secretary Paulson and Speaker Pelosi following the bill’s defeat. “They are still trying to work through this rescue package. And obviously this is a very difficult thing to do. It’s difficult because we shouldn’t have gotten here in the first place,” he said.

“Democratic and Republican leaders have agreed, but members have not yet agreed. And there are going to be some bumps and trials and tribulations and ups and downs before we get this rescue package done,” Obama said. “It’s important for the American public and for the markets to stay calm because things are never smooth in Congress, and to understand that it will get done.”

“I know a lot of people are nervous. A lot of people in this audience and a lot of people who may be watching today. But now is not the time for fear. Now is not the time for panic.”

Arguing that a rescue package is needed to stabilize the markets and keep every day Americans afloat, Obama said “I’m confident that we are gonna get there, but it’s gong to be a little rocky.”

“It’s sort of like flying into Denver. You know you’re going to land, but it’s not always fun going over those mountains,” he said to cheers.

Obama’s prepared remarks make it clear that he thought the bill would survive today’s House vote. “Today, Democrats and Republicans in Washington have agreed on an emergency rescue plan that is our best and only way to prevent an economic catastrophe,” he was scheduled to say.

The McCain campaign compared that too-early talk of victory to the President’s premature “Mission Accomplished” declaration in Iraq.

(more…)

COLUMBUS, OHIO –-Sarah Palin usually reserves her jabs for the top of the Democratic ticket, but at a rally today Palin went after her actual rival, Joe Biden. She will face off with him on Thursday at the Vice-Presidential debate in St. Louis.

She went after the Delaware Senator on his years in Washington and his age while increasing expectations for her own debate performance on Thursday, “So I guess it’s my turn now and I do look forward to Thursday night and debating Senator Joe Biden. We are going to talk about those new ideas, new energy for America. I’m looking forward to meeting him too. I’ve never met him before. But, I’ve been hearing about his Senate speeches since I was in like 2nd grade,” Palin said to laughs from the crowd, “I have to admit though he is a great debater and looks pretty doggone confident like he’s sure he’s gonna win. But, then again this is the same Senator Biden who said the other day that the University of Delaware would trounce the Ohio State Buckeyes. Wrong!”

Biden has been in the United States Senate for 35 years and is 65 years old. Palin’s running mate, John McCain has been in Washington as both a United States Representative and Senator for 25 years and he is 72 years old. McCain will be the oldest President of the United States ever elected if he wins in November.

Palin also went after Biden again when she brought up energy independence and clean coal. A You Tube clip surfaced of the Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate telling a member of a group that is against the development of new coal-fired power plants that both he and his running mate do not support clean coal.

Today, the McCain-Palin campaign launched a radio ad using the clip and Palin hit him at today’s rally while pressing that a McCain-Palin administration would be advocates of clean coal, “To meet America’s energy challenges, we’re going to need an all of the above approach. And in a McCain-Palin administration, that’s going to include the use of clean coal. Just recently, Senator Biden made it perfectly clear that in an Obama-Biden administration, there would no use of clean coal at all,” Palin said, “From Wyoming to West Virginia and especially right here in Ohio, American coal resources are greater than the oil riches of the Middle East. And yet Joe Biden says, ‘Sorry Ohio, we’re not going to use it.’ As for Senator McCain and I, we will make clean coal a reality, and to help power the American economy with clean coal technology, we’re going to look to the hard working people of Ohio to help us do that.”

Today’s rally was a joint campaign event with John McCain at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. Palin will then head west to Arizona for debate prep until she travels to St. Louis for the face-off with Biden.

COLUMBUS, OHIO–

Sarah Palin has changed her pre-debate plans and will now be doing her prep work at John McCain’s Sedona, Arizona ranch.

Originally, her plans called for her to travel from Philadelphia where she was doing debate prep to St. Louis, the debate location and continue boning up on both domestic and foreign policy. But, last night the plans changed and she will now bunker down at her running mate’s ranch to finish her prep work before traveling to St. Louis for the debate at Washington University.

Aiding her with debate prep is McCain senior adviser Steve Schmidt who traveled from Philadelphia to Columbus where the ticket will hold a joint rally and then on to Sedona. Cindy McCain will also join the Palin plane in Ohio and travel with the GOP Vice-Presidential nominee to her Arizona home.

Mark Wallace is also closely involved with debate preparation as well as senior foreign policy advisor Steve Biegun–who were both with Palin in Philadelphia and will continue their debate work with the Alaska governor.

DETROIT — Seeking to counter John McCain’s repeated criticism of Barack Obama for opposing the surge in Iraq, Joe Biden launched a withering attack on the GOP nominee by linking his Iraq war position to that of Vice President Dick Cheney.

“John McCain was wrong in Iraq.  John McCain was wrong on the conduct of the war in Iraq.  John McCain said, unlike Barack and me, that we’d be greeted as liberators,” Biden told a crowd of nearly 35,000 at an outdoor rally in Detroit on Sunday.

“John McCain and Dick Cheney said we’d find weapons of mass destruction.  John McCain and Dick Cheney said the Sunnis and Shia have always gotten together and gotten along,” he continued.

Biden’s criticism of McCain’s Iraq war stance was his usual line of attack, but his reference to Cheney is his latest attempt to convince voters that McCain is no more than a continuation of the Bush administration’s foreign policies.

The Democratic vice presidential candidate — who has assumed the role of attack dog in Obama’s campaign — also sought to portray McCain as out of touch with the war on terror and the U.S.-led mission to capture Osama bin Laden.

“John McCain said he’d follow Osama bin Laden to the gates of Hell. Well let me tell you something. President Barack Obama will follow him to where he lives and then send him to hell,” he told the audience.

“He lives in Pakistan.  He lives in Afghanistan. He does not live in Iraq,” Biden said.

DETROIT - Alongside his running mate and his wife, Barack Obama addressed some 35,000 at an outdoor rally in Motor City today, focusing his prepared remarks on the economy. Congratulating both Republicans and Democrats for coming together to come up with an economic “rescue plan.”

“It looks like we will pass that plan very soon,” he told the crowd. “But our job is far from over.  Because now that we’re fixing the mess on Wall Street, we need to move with the same sense of urgency to help families on Main Street.

While John McCain suspended his campaign and returned to Washington to help with negotiations, Obama actively worked the phones from the campaign trail, only flying to Washington at the President’s request last week because he didn’t believe infusing the negotiations with presidential politics was helpful.

But that didn’t stop the Democrat from accusing his GOP rival of doing nothing - or worse than nothing - following the crisis. “He doesn’t understand that the storm hitting Wall Street hit Main Street long ago. That’s why his first response to the greatest financial meltdown in generations was a Katrina-like response. Sort of stood there. Said the ‘fundamentals of the economy are strong.’ That’s why he’s been shifting positions these last two weeks, looking for photo-ops, trying to figure out what to say and what to do,” Obama said, mocking his opponent’s decision to return to Washington.

Obama intends on campaigning for the next 36 days leading up to the election, but will return to the Senate to vote if necessary. “If we get a consensus and everybody is popping champagne – then I will probably be going back to campaign with folks who are having a tough time in places like Ohio, and Michigan and Pennsylvania. If this ends up being a close vote or a vote where the outcome is an open question then obviously this is a top priority,” he explained to reporters last week.