Stories for Aug. 23, 2008

Biden, a smart, predictable choice by Obama

Sat, Aug 23, 9:58 a.m.

So. Joe Biden. Sen. Barack Obama's ultimate running-mate choice was one he needed to make. As I have written here previously, he needed a No. 2 experienced in foreign-policy who would compensate for his own relative lack of time in the field and, thus, reassure voters who at present express greater confidence in Sen. John McCain on foreign policy/national security issues.

Carless and carefree: Seattle to Bellingham

Sat, Aug 23, 7:01 a.m.

By Sue Frause

I prefer road trips that don't include me as the driver. And now with the gas gods scowling down on us, even folks who would never leave their beloved vehicles at home are opting for alternative ways to roam. Plus, lots can happen when you're not behind the wheel. You can read. Listen to tunes. Eavesdrop. Take a snooze. Or see familiar sights with fresh eyes. My favorite way to travel to British Columbia is a combination of trains, buses, boats, and planes. This is the first in a series of my carless, carefree getaway to B.C. Depending on your time and budget, cut and clip as necessary.

Crosscut's 2008 election predictions, UPDATED

Sat, Aug 23, 5 a.m.

By David Brewster

We asked our pundits to weigh in with their predictions for the general election, considering what can be discerned from the primary vote earlier this week in Washington state. Composing the Crosscut Index for this survey were Knute Berger, David Brewster, Jim Compton, Clark Fredricksen, Pete Jackson, Jerry Grinstein, Floyd McKay, Jeff Reifman, and Ted Van Dyk. We give you their consensus predictions in key races, and some reasons from the pundits. More votes have come in since the first post, changing the prediction for the governor's race.