For Obama, a Most Congenial Spot

Journalists responded with a flurry of excited prophecies after Caroline Kennedy's strong endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama. (By Evan Vucci -- Associated Press)

While McCain was being interviewed in Washington, Clinton aides grew suspicious when producers asked her to remain in the interview chair in St. Louis for 15 minutes -- ostensibly so she could hear his comments -- and refused to turn off her mike so she could have a private conversation. That enabled Wallace to tell McCain that he was about to interview the former first lady and "well, actually, she's right there right now. Senators, do you want to say anything to each other?"

No harm was done -- both candidates said they looked forward to a "respectful debate" if they face off in November -- but the McCain side was particularly unhappy.

Hometown Hero

At Wednesday's Republican presidential debate, John McCain had a ready comeback when Mitt Romney said the senator must not be a conservative because the New York Times was backing him.

"Let me note that I was endorsed by your two hometown newspapers who know you best, including the very conservative Boston Herald. . . . I'll guarantee the Arizona Republic will be endorsing me, my friend."

It was a pretty safe bet; the Phoenix paper had endorsed McCain the previous Sunday.

But it was no sure thing last time around. During the 2000 campaign, the Republic editorialized about McCain's "volcanic" temper and said there is "reason to seriously question whether McCain has the temperament, and the political approach and skills, we want in the next president of the United States."

Editorial Page Editor Phil Boas says that eight years ago McCain "was still angry at the newspaper" in a dispute over coverage. "It was a very icy relationship, but there has been a real thawing in the last several years. It's a new cast of people here."

Waiting Too Long

"Nell and Wallace Crain, a couple who were featured in an Express-News Page 1A story and photo on 'the secret to a happy marriage,' died between the writing of the story last summer and its publication in the San Antonio Express-News on Monday. . . . The Express-News apologizes to family and friends of the couple, and to our readers, for the egregious omission."

The author, J. Michael Parker, retired from the paper after the fiasco.