OBAMA, THE TRAVELING MAN

Jill Hazelbaker, a spokeswoman for John McCain, said yesterday that Barack Obama's upcoming trip to Europe and the Middle East amounts to a "first-of-its-kind campaign rally overseas." Asked about Hazelbaker's comments, McCain offered a more charitable interpretation: "The fact is that I'm glad he is going to Iraq. I am glad he is going to Afghanistan. It's long, long overdue if you want to lead this nation."

AUG. 25-28 Democratic National Convention SEPT. 1-4 Republican National Convention