Tuesday Linkage

Guess what? McDrugged is announcing his vp choice on his birthday, which also is the 5th anniversary of the total failure of Bush's government aka Hurricane Katrina. Oh my. Where was McCain when people drowned in their homes and died on their roofs? See here. Go ahead John, do it then. We'll help you remember 5 years ago.

Washington Post: Obama Tells Allies He Is Ready to Hit Back
Sen. Barack Obama returned to the presidential campaign trail on Monday after a week-long Hawaiian vacation and tried to assure anxious Democrats that he is ready to fight back against Republican character attacks that grew sharper in his absence.

WSJ: Google Will Offer Services for Bloggers at the Conventions
Google Inc. will help set up a two-story, 8,000 square-foot headquarters for hundreds of bloggers descending on the Democratic convention in Denver next week, and it will offer similar services at the Republican convention in September, as new media gain influence in politics.

LA Times: L.A. mayor passed over for speaking role at Democratic convention
Some speculate it's because Antonio Villaraigosa backed Hillary Clinton in the primaries. Others think it's because California is a given for Obama. And there are other theories.

Politico: Bob Woodward to reveal 'The War Within'
Bob Woodward’s new book is shrouded in such mystery that even the title was a secret until now. Publishing sources say the book, completed just three weeks ago and out Sept. 8, is titled “The War Within: A Secret White House History 2006-2008.”

CNN: Blackwater defends team in Baghdad shootings
Security contractor Blackwater said any guards who acted improperly in a deadly 2007 shooting in Baghdad should be held accountable, but believes its team acted in self-defense, a company spokeswoman said.