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Republican Sen. Norm Coleman is contesting the canvassing board's decision to certify results of the Minnesota recount.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) – The three-judge panel overseeing former Republican Sen. Norm Coleman's post-election lawsuit announced at a pre-trial hearing Friday that the trial will commence "promptly" at 1 pm central time on Monday.

The judges said that starting Tuesday, the proceedings will follow a regular 9 am to 4:30 pm schedule, with an hour break each day for lunch, adding that they aim to make the process speedy as "there is some urgency to this matter."

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The canvassing board met this week in Minnesota to review ballots in the state's very tight race for a U.S. Senate seat up for grabs

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) – A Minnesota justice hearing arguments from attorneys facing off in the year's last remaining Senate contest told a legal veteran of the 2000 presidential recount that his state is "not Florida."

Attorneys for both Republican Sen. Norm Coleman and Democratic challenger Al Franken presented their sides before the Minnesota Supreme Court Wednesday.

Speaking for Coleman before the panel of justices was attorney Roger Magnuson, no stranger to recount battles, who represented the Florida's state senate in Bush v. Gore.

If the state’s canvassing board includes any of the "improperly rejected absentee ballots" at the heart of the dispute, warned Magnuson, this race could easily turn into the debacle that ensued in Florida eight years ago.

He was immediately interrupted by Associate Justice Paul Anderson, who appeared to take serious issue with the analogy.

“I know you’ve been to Florida,” Anderson said. “This is not Florida. And I’m just not terribly receptive to you telling us that we’re going to Florida and we’re comparing to that. This is Minnesota. We’ve got a case in Minnesota. Argue the case in Minnesota.”

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CNN's Jessica Yellin appeared live as a hologram before anchor Wolf Blitzer Tuesday night in New York.

(CNN) - It was an election night like none other, in every sense of the phrase. In addition to the obvious - the selection of the nation's first black president - Tuesday night's coverage on CNN showcased groundbreaking technology.

"I want you to watch what we're about to do," CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer told viewers early in the evening's coverage, "because you've never seen anything like this on television."

And he was right. Cue CNN political correspondent Jessica Yellin.

"Hi Wolf!" said Yellin, waving to Blitzer as she stood a few feet in front of him in the network's New York City studios. Or at least, that's the way it appeared at first glance.

In reality, Yellin - a correspondent who had been covering Sen. Barack Obama's campaign - was at the now president-elect's mega-rally along the lakefront in Chicago, Illinois, more than 700 miles away from CNN's Election Center in New York.

It looked like a scene straight out of "Star Wars." Here was Yellin, partially translucent with a glowing blue haze around her, appearing to materialize in thin air. She even referenced the classic movie on her own, saying, "It's like I follow in the tradition of Princess Leia. It's something else."

Full story

Obama compared Pres. Bush and McCain to Batman and Robin.

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (CNN) – Barack Obama took his comparisons of John McCain and President Bush one step further Saturday night at a rally in New Mexico, implying the two Republicans are like the duo of Batman and Robin.

"John McCain suggested that he would be the one to change George Bush's policies," Obama said, before adding that if that were to happen it'd be "like Dick Cheney attacking George Bush."

"It's like Robin getting mad at batman. John McCain hasn't been a maverick. He's been a sidekick when it comes to George Bush's economic policies.”

Earlier in the weekend, Obama said running mate Joe Biden had said McCain criticizing Bush would be "like Tonto getting mad at the Lone Ranger."

Biden never actually said that - but he has made similar references using Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

The Illinois senator heads to battleground Colorado for events Sunday.

Obama: McCain really stuck it to Bush - 10 percent of the time.

RENO, Nevada (CNN) - Democrat Barack Obama levied more criticism at opponent John McCain Saturday, mocking the Arizona Republican by saying McCain is just "trying to break with his president over the last ten days after having supported him for the last eight years."

"He denounced the President for letting things get completely out of hand–that's what he said," Obama told a crowd in Reno. "In fact, John McCain is so opposed to George Bush's policies, that he voted with him 90 percent of the time for the first eight years. That's right, he decided to really stick it to George Bush – 10 percent of the time."

"So, let's be clear. John McCain attacking George Bush for his out-of-hand economic policy is like Dick Cheney attacking George Bush for his go-it-alone foreign policy. What Joe Biden says – it's like Tonto getting mad at the Lone Ranger."

Though, to be clear, Obama's running mate Joe Biden never actually said that publicly. Biden has, however, made similar references using Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

The Illinois senator is spending the day out west. In addition to Reno's event, he's also holding a rally in Las Vegas, as well as one in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Sen. Obama boards his plane in Honolulu to head back to the campaign trail after visiting his ailing grandmother.

HONOLULU, Hawaii (CNN) - Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama wrapped up almost two days worth of time away from the campaign trail Friday evening, as he finished spending time in Hawaii with his ill grandmother, 85-year-old Madelyn Dunham.

Watch: Obama visits grandmother

Earlier in the week, senior strategist Robert Gibbs described Dunham's condition as "very serious," but the campaign has not provided any further details.

Since arriving in Hawaii Thursday evening, Obama has kept a low profile, appearing within cameras' range only once, when taking a walk alone through his grandmother's neighborhood near Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu.

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Sens. Barack Obama and Joe Biden campaigned together in North Carolina on Saturday.(AP Photo)

GREENSBORO, North Carolina (CNN) – A rare occurrence compared to the McCain-Palin ticket: Barack Obama and Joe Biden flew to North Carolina Saturday morning for their first joint rally since August 31. Both took the opportunity to hit John McCain for his Friday night debate performance, hammering the Arizona senator for failing to address middle class issues.

“The truth is,” Obama said, “through ninety minutes of debating, John McCain had a lot to say about me, but he had nothing to say about you. He didn't even say the words "middle class." Didn’t say the words “working people.”"

Obama discussed the bailout package that lawmakers hope to pass this weekend before markets open on Monday, laying out his proposals and reiterating the need for strict oversight.

“This administration started off by asking for a blank check to solve this problem,” said Obama. “It is unacceptable to expect the American people to hand this administration or any Administration a $700 billion without any conditions attached, without any oversight when a lack of oversight in Washington and on Wall Street is exactly what got us into this mess in the first place.”

The Illinois senator mocked McCain for stealing the Democrats’ lines, laughing, “You gotta come up with your own stuff!”

“He's been grabbing our signs, using our slogans,” said Obama. “The other day he said, I think, we need to ‘turn the page.’ It's like, come on, John! I've been saying that for – how long have I been saying that? Pretty soon I'm going to have to start saying I'm a maverick!”

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McCain is set to show his Navy pride.

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland (CNN) – Republican presidential candidate John McCain made a stop Saturday at his 50-year class reunion at the U.S. Naval Academy football game.

The Arizona senator, who often mentions his time as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam era, graduated from the Academy in 1958, along with fellow alumni John Poindexter and Robert “Bud” McFarlane—two consecutive national security advisers serving under President Ronald Reagan who both played a role in the Iran-Contra affair. McCain's son, Jack, is currently a senior at the Naval Academy.

The Navy Midshipmen (1-2) play the 0-2 Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

UPDATE: McCain and wife Cindy appeared to have left earlier than planned, as staff and U.S. Secret Service traveling with the press pool were caught off guard. The White House hopeful stayed long enough to see only the first quarter before he departed.

McCain and Palin attended separate fundraisers Monday.

MIAMI, Florida (CNN) – Republican presidential candidate John McCain told a private audience Monday night that "no matter what you see in the polls," he and Sarah Palin are underdogs.

It's a tough race, as you know. We got a strong head wind, and we've got a lot of work to do," the White House hopeful said at a fundraiser in Miami. "And no matter what you see in the polls recently, Governor Palin and I are the underdogs."

"We're the underdogs," he repeated. "That's where we like to be. That's the best place to be in this race. So we're going to be working hard and campaigning every single day."

The GOP candidate was addressing a crowd of donors at a Miami hotel. In his introduction, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist said McCain has brought in $26.2 million to date from Floridians, $5.1 million Monday night alone.

McCain may be pulling in big money – but his crowds seem to be fading since he and Palin split up on the campaign trail.

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Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama appear at a unity rally in June.

BUTTE, Montana (CNN) - Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton will appear together at three fund-raisers next week in New York, an Obama spokeswoman said.

Two of the fundraisers are aimed at raising money for Obama's Democratic presidential campaign, and one to try to retire the debt from Clinton's failed effort to win the nomination.

Two of the fund-raisers are Wednesday night. Thursday morning, they'll also appear together at a women's fund-raising breakfast for Obama.

The events are private.

The New York events will make five times the two have appeared together since Clinton ended her quest for the nomination last month.

Obama announced in June he would not take public funds for his presidential run, making him the first general election candidate to do so since public financing was instituted in the 1970s.

By doing do, he passes up over $84 million in public funding, but frees himself from a cap on spending. Obama has raised over $270 million to date.

John McCain, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, has raised about $100 million as of the end of May and is expected to take public financing.

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Obama denies any shift in his Iraq policy.

FARGO, North Dakota (CNN) – Democrat Barack Obama denied Thursday any suggestion he's shying away from his proposed 16-month phased withdrawal of all combat troops from Iraq, calling it "pure speculation" and adding that his "position has not changed" - shortly before telling reporters questioning his stance that he will "continue to refine" his policies as warranted.

"We're planning to visit Iraq," the presumptive Democratic nominee said, referring to his recently-announced trip scheduled for later this summer. "I'm going to do a thorough assessment when I'm there."

Asked if that means he is, in fact, open to options that would not include the removal of all combat troops within 16 months, the Illinois senator did not respond directly, but only said he will continue to "gather information."

"I mean we can chase this around, you know, for a long time," he continued in a press conference in Fargo, North Dakota.

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ZANESVILLE, Ohio (CNN) – Barack Obama said Tuesday that he has not spoken with Gen. Wesley Clark regarding his controversial comments on John McCain's military service - and that a conversation with him is "not a priority" because he doesn't think the remarks are something voters are worried about.

"I'm happy to have all sorts of conversations about how we deal with Iraq and what happens with Iran," the presumptive Democratic nominee told reporters at a press conference in Zanesville, Ohio.

"But the fact that somebody on a cable show or on a news show like Gen. Clark said something that was inartful about Sen. McCain I don’t think is probably the thing that is keeping Ohioans up at night."

The Illinois senator refused to say whether or not he thinks Clark owes McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, an apology.

Obama also said that his comment yesterday that "no one should ever devalue" military service, including "supporters of both sides" was not a response to Clark.

"I think my staff will confirm that that was in a draft of that speech that I had written two months ago," he said.

Obama has been looking to emphasize his patriotism.

CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) - Presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama plans to deliver what his campaign is calling a "major speech" Monday, centering around an issue he's been trying to highlight for months now: his patriotism.

The remarks come in Harry Truman's hometown of Independence, Missouri, just days before the Fourth of July.

"Sen. Obama will discuss what patriotism means to him and what it requires of all Americans who love this country and want to see it do better," Obama spokesman Bill Burton wrote in a morning email to reporters.

The Illinois senator has been defending his patriotism ever since the days of Iowa when he was first criticized for not wearing a flag pin - which he now does much more frequently - and when false rumors began circulating that he did not say the Pledge of Allegiance.

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WASHINGTON (CNN) - Presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama made a private, last-minute stop at Walter Reed Army Medical Center Saturday morning where he presumably visited with wounded veterans, though campaign aides both on and off site would not confirm, and a press pool was not allowed in the facility.

While the Illinois senator was inside, Obama's campaign simultaneously announced he would be making trips to both the Middle East and to Europe shortly this summer.

Obama praised Bill Clinton in an interview with CNN.

(CNN) – The same day that Bill Clinton’s office issued a statement saying that the former president is “committed to doing whatever he can” for Barack Obama, the Illinois senator told CNN that he and the Clintons will be “working closely together over the next couple of weeks to put together a plan.”

“They’re going to want to campaign actively on behalf of the Democratic ticket,” said Obama, “I am going to need them.”

“Bill Clinton is one of the most intelligent, charismatic political leaders that we have seen in a generation and he has got a lot of wisdom to impart,” he added.

Watch: Obama discuss the Clintons

Obama didn’t answer whether he’d spoken to the former president, but he did talk with Hillary Clinton on Sunday ahead of their joint campaign appearance on Friday in New Hampshire.

“[Senator Clinton’s] going to be a force to be reckoned with not only in the Senate but hopefully if I'm successful in the White House she's going to be one of my key partners in making sure that we’re moving forward on issues like healthcare that she cares so deeply about.”

Watch: Clinton looking for help with her debt

UPDATE: Asked again if he will speak to Bill Clinton soon, Obama told reporters on his campaign plane, “I’m sure we will. He's in Europe right now which is the only reason we haven’t spoken. But we’re looking forward to setting up a long conversation."

Obama added that he spoke to Hillary Clinton on Tuesday and said they’re looking forward to campaigning together on Friday.

The Obama campaign is no longer using the above logo.

(CNN) – Barack Obama’s communications director said Monday that the presidential seal the campaign unveiled last week at a meeting with Democratic governors won’t be seen again.

“That was a one time thing for a one time event," Robert Gibbs told CNN.

Pegged to Obama’s rostrum at Friday’s meeting was his campaign’s version of the presidential seal – a bald eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons, but instead of a shield covering the center of the eagle’s body, Obama’s had the campaign’s trademark “O.” Rather of the words “Seal of the President of the United States” around the circumference, “Obama for America” and “www.barackobama.com” lined the top and bottom.

The Latin “Vero Possumus” was arched between the eagle’s wings, meaning “Yes we can,” an Obama slogan and rally chant.

Many wondered whether a seal – with Latin phrasing no less – was the best idea for a candidate fighting for the working class vote and trying to fend off allegations of elitism.

Gore endorsed Obama in Detroit Monday.

TAYLOR, Michigan (CNN) – Could Barack Obama ask a former vice president to reprise his role on the Democratic ticket?

At a Michigan campaign event Tuesday, a student reporter asked the presumptive Democratic nominee if he would consider asking Al Gore to serve as his running mate.

Obama, who has kept mum on his vice presidential plans, sidestepped the question. "I have just started looking through possible candidates. I haven't made any decisions. I'm getting some recommendations,” said the Illinois senator. “Obviously Al Gore is a great public servant, he was a great vice president. He may not want to be vice president again, since he's already done that for eight years, but certainly he's somebody that I'll be getting advice from as we go forward and hopefully he'll help me when I'm president."

The 2000 Democratic presidential nominee, who officially endorsed Obama Monday, said in December that he might jump back into the political fray – but only in a bid for the top spot. A third term as vice president would mean Gore had spent more time in the office than anyone in U.S. history.

Gore endorsed Obama Monday night in Michigan.

DETROIT, Michigan (CNN) – Barack Obama defended Hillary Clinton at a Michigan unity rally Monday night that featured former Vice President Al Gore - and some off-message audience booing at the mention of the New York senator's name.

After joking about the extended Democratic primary season – “I was planning to run for the '08 election, not the 2012 election!" – Obama responded to some vocal Clinton critics in the crowd, who had reacted to praise for the senator from both the presumptive Democratic nominee and Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a longtime Clinton supporter.

"I want everybody here to be absolutely clear - I want everybody here to be absolutely clear - Senator Clinton is one of the finest public servants we have in American life today," said Obama, noting her work on behalf of children's rights and universal health care.

"She has been on the right side of just about every battle that we have fought - she has, in her own words, shattered a glass ceiling into 18 million pieces. ….She is worthy of our respect, she is worthy of our honor.

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Watch Sen. Obama's entire meeting with Marilyn Pace and her financial aid counselor.

(CNN) – Things got emotional during Sen. Barack Obama’s visit to a Michigan community college Tuesday.

Obama met individually with student Marilyn Pace, who is studying dental hygiene, and her financial aid counselor, Marcus McGrew, before speaking with a group of students at Wayne Community College in Taylor, Michigan.

Pace broke down in front of Obama and began crying after explaining the financial stresses she is facing while trying to get her education, help take care of her disabled father, and cope with the costs of commuting to school with the high price of gasoline.

WATCH Obama comforts crying student

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Sen. Obama plans to visit Iraq before the November Election.

(CNN) – A day after his Republican counterpart sat down with visiting Iraqi foreign minister Hoshyar Zebari, Barack Obama spoke with him by phone from Chicago Monday morning and told him that he looked forward to seeing him in Baghdad before November.

WATCH Sen. Obama discuss Iraq

“I emphasized to him how encouraged I was by the reductions in violence in Iraq, but also insisted that it is important for us to begin the process of withdrawing US troops, making clear that we have no interest in permanent bases in Iraq,” Obama told reporters upon landing in Michigan for a two-day swing through the state.

The Illinois senator misspoke when he argued that Zebari and “President Maliki” are concerned about Iraq’s sovereignty and are not seeking a long-term occupation by the United States. Jalal al-Talabani is the president of Iraq, Nouri al-Maliki is the prime minister.

“I gave [Zebari] an assurance that should we be elected, an Obama administration will make sure that we continue with the progress that's been made in Iraq, that we won't act precipitously,” said Obama.

Obama said Zebari did not express concern about a withdrawal of American troops, saying, “He did emphasize his belief that we've made real progress and I think was eager to see political accommodations between the factions follow up in the wake of this progress.”

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