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(CNN) — Events half a world away made waves on the presidential campaign trail this week, as Russia and Georgia battled in South Ossetia.

In the latest episode of CNN=Politics Daily, CNN’s Ed Henry reports on what the escalating conflict means for the presidential candidates here in the U.S. — and how the headlines may give presumptive Republican nominee John McCain the upper hand.

The Democratic National Committee has announced its themes for the party’s nominating convention: four days of events focused on unity, change and the future. Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider explains how these themes will play out in Denver – and how Hillary Clinton will have a starring role.

And as Clinton’s supporters continue to press for her name to be placed in nomination at the Democratic convention, more clues are surfacing in the search for how her presidential bid ended up falling short. Internal e-mails leaked to The Atlantic magazine paint a chaotic portrait of life inside the Clinton campaign. CNN’s Mary Snow has the story.

Finally: The battleground state of Pennsylvania may be leaning towards Barack Obama, but John McCain could be well-poised to claim that electoral vote prize. CNN’s Tom Foreman reports from the Election Express in Pennsylvania.

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(CNN)— As summer draws to a close and both parties get ready for their nominating conventions, the campaign is shifting into high gear — and so is the pace of escalating attacks on the campaign trail.

In the latest installment of CNN=Politics Daily, both John McCain and Barack Obama warn the American public of dire consequences if their opponent is elected. CNN’s Ed Henry has the story.

Indiana is shaping up as a battleground state this cycle, and presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama is making his case to voters in this traditionally red state. Senior Political Correspondent Candy Crowley reports on Obama’s attempt to court Hoosiers by campaigning with Indiana senator and potential VP Evan Bayh.

Also: Rising gas prices and the state of affairs in Iraq have both been sources of major voter discontent this year. Now a new government report that seems to link both hot-button topics is raising controversy. CNN’s Brianna Keilar explains this new information.

Finally: Barack Obama drew criticism for a decision not to visit wounded U.S. troops in Germany on his recent overseas trip. Today his wife Michelle met with military spouses, as the campaign launches a new outreach effort designed to reach service members. CNN's Jessica Yellin has the details on the campaign’s quest to reach members of the military and their families.

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(CNN) — Potentially the oldest candidate ever elected to a first term, Sen. John McCain has faced questions about his ability to maintain his health and handle the nation at the same time. Now, Dana Bash reports on the presumptive Republican nominee latest trip to the doctor.

The worsening economy is issue #1 for voters and will likely be a deciding factor in who becomes the next president. Returning home from overseas, Sen. Barack Obama turns his attention to the struggling market while McCain focuses on the issue of off-shore drilling. Dana Bash and Senior Political Analyst Gloria Borger discuss the two nominees' strategies in the next phase of the general election campaign.

Also: the estimated federal budget deficit for the next fiscal year is a record-setting $482 billion. White House Correspondent Elaine Quijano explains what the projected shortfall means for the Bush administration and how it might affect the White House race.

Finally: the general election is 100 days away and new polls show a sizeable lead by Sen. Obama. But how predictive are summer polls for a November election? Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider takes a look at the historical record of how well summer polls have forecast the general election in past cycles.

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(CNN)— The spotlight is on Sen. Barack Obama as he makes his way through the Middle East. The presumptive Democratic nominee talked with top Israeli officials Wednesday and tried to ease some of their worries.

One of the main topics of discussion was the issue of nuclear threats by Iran. In the latest installment of CNN=Politics Daily, CNN’s Senior Political Analyst Candy Crowley has the story on how Obama intends to stand by Israel if faced with this situation.

Presumptive Republican nominee John McCain is also vying for the spotlight. In an attempt to keep up with his rival, the senator’s campaign is trying a new tactic: “counter-programming”. CNN’s Dana Bash reports on some of the unusual allegations coming out of the McCain camp.

Meanwhile: President Bush did something out of the ordinary when he changed his mind on a bill that helps homeowners keep their homes. CNN’s Ed Henry has the story on the president’s change of heart and how his new decision might cause some problems in the Senate.

Finally: One lone camera caught a questionable comment made by Bush not meant to be heard at a private event last week. Now this video has made its way onto YouTube. CNN’s Mary Snow has the details on Bush’s controversial criticism about Wall Street.

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(CNN) — As John McCain’s apparent gaffe on a familiar topic — the surge — continued to grab headlines, his advisors told reporters that the comment was no flub.

Critics contend that the presumptive Republican nominee had made an error when he argued that “because of the surge we were able to go out and protect [a major Sunni] sheik and others. And it began the Anbar awakening. I mean, that's just a matter of history."

Listen: McCain advisors say his Anbar comment was not a gaffe

In a conference call Wednesday, McCain foreign policy advisor Randy Scheunemann told reporters that the Arizona senator had not misspoken — that he had intended to tell Katie Couric that the troop surge, which began in 2007, had enabled the success of the “Anbar awakening” of major Sunni sheikhs against Al Qaeda, which began in 2006.

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(CNN) — Sen. Barack Obama’s highly publicized trip overseas could very well be one of the biggest events during the presidential race.

As the presumptive Democratic nominee prepares to leave for the Middle East and Europe, he is facing questions about his limited experience, especially in the area of foreign policy. Senior Political Correspondent Candy Crowley has the story on the challenges and high expectations generated by Obama's planned trip abroad.

Meanwhile: Sen. John McCain is questioning Obama’s motives for making the trip and slamming Obama's Iraq policy. Dana Bash reports on the presumptive Republican nominee's efforts to make the most of his rival's much publicized and much anticipated trip.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sits down with Wolf Blitzer and has very harsh words for President Bush.  Pelosi also addresses Congress's low approval ratings.

Finally: Obama's ad buys show he is making a play for traditionally Republican states. Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider takes a look at Obama's red state strategy.

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(CNN)–An unexpected, off-handed comment by Senator John McCain’s top economic adviser Phil Gramm led to a day of back-tracking by the presumptive Republican nominee. In the latest episode of CNN=Politics Daily, CNN’s Dana Bash reports on Gramm’s controversial statements and the effect they could have on McCain’s presidential run.

Barack Obama is struggling to appeal to women voters, and is looking to former Democratic rival Sen. Hillary Clinton for some help. CNN’s Jessica Yellin reports on the presumptive Democratic nominee’s effort on that front.

Meanwhile: The vice-presidential search continues for the McCain and Obama camps. Senior Political Analyst, Bill Schneider reports on a new poll that shows what members of each each party is looking for in their number two spot.

Finally: Obama votes on a piece of legislation that would make the president happy. White House Correspondent Ed Henry reports on Obama and President Bush’s common ground on the issue of unwarranted wire-tapping.

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(CNN) — Last week, Sen. Hillary Clinton urged unity behind Sen. Barack Obama. Monday former President Bill Clinton took the first step to jumping on the Dems’ unity band wagon.

In the latest episode of CNN=Politics Daily, Candy Crowley reports on the private phone conversation between the former Democratic president and the man Democrats hope will retake the White House for them.

Presumptive Republican nominee Sen. John McCain formed a new campaign team to counter attacks during the general election campaign. Dana Bash has the story on McCain’s “Truth Squad.”

Seven years after 9/11 and the threat of another terrorist attack still looms, according to Sen. Joe Lieberman, a McCain supporter. Carol Costello reports on Lieberman’s comments about a possible attack next year.

Obama and McCain will both be traveling abroad soon. Mary Snow explains the reasoning behind these trips beyond U.S. borders.

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(CNN) — For the first time, the U.S. Supreme Court has explicitly defined the Second Amendment right to bear arms as an individual right.

In the latest episode of CNN=Politics Daily, Jessica Yellin reports on the delicate dance Sen. Barack Obama is doing in the wake of the court’s gun ruling.

Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider takes a look at how the ruling may hurt Democrats in November.

Brian Todd explains the impact that the next president could have on the shape of the nation's highest court.

John McCain held a closed-door meeting with conservatives in Cincinnati Thursday. Dana Bash reports on what happened and why it is so important that McCain wins over social conservatives in Ohio.

After battling it out for 17 months, now it’s all about unity for Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton. Senior Political Correspondent Candy Crowley explains what’s at stake for Clinton as she transitions from competitor to supporter of Obama, the Democrats' new standard bearer.

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(CNN)—One of the biggest concerns for voters is having a president who ensures the security of the country. In the latest installment of CNN=Politics Daily, CNN’s Brian Todd reports on the McCain campaign’s effort to portray Obama as an unfit commander in chief.

The presumptive Republican nominee also worked to highlight energy differences Tuesday between President Bush and himself. CNN’s Dana Bash has the details on McCain’s plans for off shore drilling and combating rising gas prices.

Meanwhile: Obama visited Michigan Tuesday in hopes of convincing Clinton supporters to unite behind him. Senior Political Correspondent Candy Crowley reports.

Finally: the latest polls show Independent voters may not have picked a favorite candidate yet. Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider explains how Independent voters could tilt the outcome of the presidential election.

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(CNN) —As the first week of the general election campaign winds down, both camps are sending signals that they’re ready for a long fight.

In the latest episode of CNN=Politics Daily, Sen. Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic nominee, launched a new website Thursday intended to combat rumors about him and his campaign. Suzanne Malveaux has the story.

A day after the resignation of the head of Obama’s vice presidential search team, Sen. John McCain sets his sights on another Obama adviser. Dana Bash takes a look at the latest salvo from the McCain campaign as well as both nominees’ claims of practicing a different kind of politics.

The Supreme Court dealt another blow Thursday to the Bush administration’s approach to the war on terror. Brian Todd reports on how differently Obama and McCain would battle terrorism if elected.

As the general election battle ramps up, who’s ahead with the American public in terms of personal qualities? Bill Schneider breaks down the latest CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll. The results may surprise you.

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(CNN)—In the latest installment of CNN=Politics Daily, CNN’s Suzanne Malveaux has the details on the meeting between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton Thursday night.

As Hillary Clinton prepares to officially end her 16 month presidential campaign Saturday, a new poll shows the general election will be just as eventful. Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider has the latest numbers showing John McCain and Barack Obamas running neck and neck.

McCain made a visit to the Everglades in Florida Friday in bid to highlight his environmental credentials. CNN’s Susan Candiotti reports from the campaign trail in Florida.

The next president won’t take office until next year, but the pentagon is already getting ready for the new administration. CNN Pentagon Correspondent Barbara Starr reports on the unprecedented circumstances the next president will face as he assumes control of the war in Iraq.

Finally, in a podcast exclusive, CNN’s Jennifer Mikell serves up your weekly dose of Trail Mix—the most memorable campaign moments in the news this week.

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WASHINGTON (CNN) — After weeks of planning by unions, women’s rights groups and others supporting Hillary Clinton's push to seat Florida and Michigan delegates at the Democratic convention this summer, supporters of the New York senator's presidential bid arrived in the nation’s capital by the busload Friday in advance of rallies outside Saturday's Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting.

“I’m hoping we restore 100 percent of the delegates from both Michigan and Florida and the popular vote will also be restored,” said Karen Feldman, an organizer of the “Count Every Vote” rally. “…I firmly believe that in Florida that was the purest election we’ve ever had, and I think that those votes should stand where they are and should be counted the way they are.”

Florida Demands Representation, another sponsoring group pushing for the January 29 vote to be recognized by the national party, said Friday it was expecting 400 to 500 supporters to arrive by Saturday. “The Democratic party is in danger in Florida,” said organizer James Hannagan.

The seating of the Florida and Michigan delegations is a priority for Clinton, who won both unsanctioned contests and is currently trailing frontrunner Barack Obama by 202 delegates in the latest CNN count.

Hannagan said that if Clinton is not the Democratic nominee, some members of his forum will vote for McCain, write in Hillary’s name or not vote at all.

The Clinton campaign has tacitly encouraged pressure on RBC members meeting to resolve the controversy, but has denied any role in protests planned for Saturday.

Barack Obama's campaign released a new ad staring Tom Daschle.

(CNN)—Barack Obama’s campaign has launched a new ad in South Dakota Tuesday aimed at shoring up his support among the working-class and rural voters that dominate Democratic politics in the state.

In the 30-second spot, former Sen. Tom Daschle says that Obama “is rooted in the same values as most South Dakotans. He has an understanding of America — rural and urban alike.”

The ad also makes an economic appeal to blue-collar voters suffering from the rising cost of food and gas: “Obama understands that squeeze,” says Daschle.

The spot also touts the Illinois senator’s support from two of the state’s top Democrats, Sen. Tim Johnson and Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin.

On Monday, the campaign also hit the airwaves with “Listening,” a one-minute spot featuring portions of his stump speech that has aired in other states throughout the primary season.

South Dakota voters head to the polls in one week, with 23 delegates at stake.

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(CNN)–In the latest installment of CNN=Politics Daily, CNN’s Brian Todd has the exclusive details on John McCain’s official rejection of Pastor John Hagee’s endorsement. The news comes after a recording surfaced of comments that seemed to suggest Adolf Hitler had been carrying out God’s will.

Meanwhile, Barack Obama continues to get a skeptical reception from some Jewish Democrats. CNN’s Jessica Yellin is on the campaign trial in Florida following the Illinois senator’s continued effort to court Jewish voters.

Every potential president needs to find the right running mate to balance his or her ticket. Senior Political Correspondent Candy Crowley explains the significance of this decision.

Finally: Hillary Clinton continues to argue that she would be a stronger candidate against presumptive Republican nominee John McCain. Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider reports on a new set of polls that seem to support the New York senator’s claim.

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