Obama declines Fox News debate

Barack Obama has chosen not to attend September's presidential debate co-sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus Institute and Fox News, effectively dooming the debate.



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How Many in U.S. Military Begged Bush Administration to Stop Torture

"No. 1, it’s not going to work," said Col. Brittain P. Mallow. "No. 2, if it does work, it’s not reliable. No. 3, it may not be legal, ethical or moral. No. 4, it’s going to hurt you when you have to prosecute these guys. No. 5, sooner or later, all of this stuff is going to come to light, and you're going to be embarrassed."



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Pope: 'Nothing Positive' From Iraq

In an Easter litany of the world's suffering, Pope Benedict XVI lamented that "nothing positive" is happening in Iraq and decried the unrest in Afghanistan and bloodshed in Africa and Asia.



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U.N. Blasphemy Ban Called Threat to Free Speech, Church-State Separation

An Atheist civil rights group condemned Friday's passage at the United Nations of a proposal for a global ban on "defaming" religion. "This proposal amounts to an international 'blasphemy' statute, and punishes those exercising a right to question and criticize religious superstition," said Ellen Johnson, president of American Atheists



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Why do U.S. presidential candidates need so much money?

The recent fund raising totals by candidates point to what many expect will be the first-ever billion-dollar election. While the figures are astounding, the mostly private campaign finance system currently in place virtually demands that candidates raise vast amounts early and never let up.



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Bush Pisses Off Senate Dems: Appoints Ambassador While They Vacation

Recognizing Fox did not have the votes to obtain Senate confirmation in the Foreign Relations Committee, Bush withdrew the nomination last week. On Wednesday, with the Senate on a one-week break, the president used his power to make recess appointments to put Fox in the job without Senate confirmation.



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