Chancellor Forever was created in coordination with the Deutsches Institut für Public Affairs.

WHAT'S NEW IN POLITICS

"Obama stalls in public polling" - Politico.com

In the two months since Barack Obama captured the Democratic nomination, he has hit a ceiling in public opinion polling, proving unable to make significant gains with any segment of the national electorate.

While Obama still leads in most matchups with John McCain, the Illinois senator’s apparent stall in the polls is a sobering reminder to Democrats intoxicated with his campaign’s promises to expand the electoral map beyond the boundaries that have constrained other recent party nominees.

That gap between expectations and reality comes as Democrats enjoy the most favorable political winds since at least 1976. At least eight in ten Americans believe the nation is on the wrong track. The Republican president is historically unpopular. From stunning Democratic gains in party registration to the high levels of economic anxiety, Obama should have a healthy lead by almost every measure. Yet, in poll after poll, Obama conspicuously fails to cross the 50-percent threshold.

"Obama campaigns with possible veep contender" - USAToday.com

Democrat Barack Obama campaigned on Wednesday with a man considered by many to be on his short list of running mates, Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh. Obama called him "one of the finest U.S. senators that we have," but he gave no indication that he was nearing a vice presidential decision.

Bayh was to spend the day with his neighboring senator in a usually Republican state that is viewed as a battleground this year.

Bayh, a former two-term governor and son of former Sen. Birch Bayh, has been widely viewed a top-tier running mate prospect. He is a former supporter of Hillary Rodham Clinton, has executive experience and is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Furthermore, Democrats view Indiana — which has not voted for a Democrat for president since 1964 — as competitive.

"Minn. gov.: GOP needs new ideas, optimistic leaders" - USAToday.com

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has told a Republican lobbying group that the party needs new ideas and hopeful leaders.

The Republican governor has been mentioned a possible running mate to GOP presidential candidate John McCain.

Pawlenty made the comments at the first annual GOPAC State and Local Summit, taking place outside Washington in Arlington, Va. He told conference attendees that people want to follow leaders who are optimistic and civil — not negative and scornful.