Rove Leaving The White House
Karl Rove has announced that he is resigning his position as deputy chief of staff at the White House and will be going back to Texas, effective August 31. "I just think it's time," Rove told the Wall St. Journal. "There's always something that can keep you here, and as much as I'd like to be here, I've got to do this for the sake of my family."

YouTube Republican Debate Is On For November 28
The CNN/YouTube Republican debate has been rescheduled for November 28. The event was originally set for September 17, but Rudy Giuliani pulled out and cited a scheduling conflict. Organizers did not give up, however, and now have both Rudy and John McCain confirmed for the new date. Mitt Romney, who has been harshly critical of the YouTube debate format, has not yet confirmed.

Potential Dem Candidates Considering Senate Race In Tennessee
Roll Call reports that two high-profile Democrats are considering running against first-term Republican Senator Lamar Alexander, a former governor, presidential candidate and WINO (Waverer In Name Only) on Iraq. The potential candidates are Bob Tuke, a former chairman of the state Democratic Party, and businessman Mike McWherter, son of former two-term governor Ned McWherter. "No one should be naive enough to think that Alexander wouldn’t be very difficult to beat," said Tuke. "On the other hand, this election could be a true watershed. If Bush sticks with what he’s doing now, which is to ignore everybody else, and only a couple stick with him, which right now is Alexander, it could be like the Titanic."

Michelle Obama Takes On The "Black Enough" Talk
Barack Obama's wife Michelle in no uncertain terms told a Chicago crowd what she thought of the talk over whether or not her husband was "black enough." "Stop that nonsense," Mrs. Obama said. She then went on and denounced such discussions for sending a bad message to the country's black youth. "We are messing with the heads of our children."

Report: Edwards Family Benefited From Murdoch/HarperCollins Expense Account
Ben Smith reports that while John Edwards has called on other candidates to divest themselves of any money coming from Rupert Murdoch, the Murdoch-owned publisher HarperCollins furnished part of a $300,000 expense budget for Edwards' daughter Cate and political aide Jonathan Prince, during a book tour. Edwards had a $500,000 book deal with the publisher, saying that he donated all $500,000 to charity. However, the benefits of living off an expense account simply cannot be donated. The lesson: If you mess with Murdoch, his companies know how to get back at you in the press.

Ron Paul's Wife Gets A Pacemaker
Carol Paul, wife of Ron Paul, had surgery yesterday in Iowa to install a pacemaker, after she was hospitalized Saturday morning for an irregular heartbeat. Paul's campaign said the surgery was successful, and Mrs. Paul is expected to make a full recovery.

Tommy Thompson Quits The Race
Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson quit the presidential race yesterday after his sixth-place showing in the Iowa Straw Poll. "I have no regrets about running. I felt my record as Governor of Wisconsin and Secretary of Health and Human Services gave me the experience I needed to serve as President, but I respect the decision of the voters," Thompson said in a statement. "I am leaving the campaign trail today, but I will not leave the challenges of improving health care and welfare in America."