What Caught My Eye Today

2008 Presidential Race - Hillary Rodham Clinton now leads John McCain by 9 points in a head-to-head presidential matchup, according to a recent poll that bolsters her argument that she is more electable than Democratic rival Barack Obama. Obama and Republican McCain are running about even. The survey gives Clinton a fresh talking point as she works to raise much-needed campaign cash and persuade pivotal undecided superdelegates to side with her in the drawn-out Democratic primary fight. I never got the impression that she ran out of talking point, but maybe I'm splitting hairs here.Helped by independents, young people and seniors, Clinton gained ground this month in a hypothetical match with McCain. She now leads McCain, 50% to 41%, while Obama remains virtually tied with McCain, 46% to 44%. Both Democrats were roughly even with McCain in the previous poll about three weeks ago. Funny thing about polls. Turns out they don't actually determine who wins an election.

We have a daily double today...Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama will know when to pull out of the U.S. presidential race in order to unify the party for the general election, the chairman of the Democratic Party, Howard Dean said. And we all know what a voice of reason he is. Dean warned that a prolonged battle between Clinton and Obama could hurt the party's chances in November's election against John McCain. Dude, tell me he figured this out before now. Clinton said she thought the tough race had been good for the Democratic Party because it fired up voters' interest. Well, honestly, what else could she have said? Obama, who would be the first black U.S. president, is leading Clinton in the popular vote, states won and committed delegates to the party's nominating convention in August. But recent victories in Pennsylvania and Ohio by Clinton, who would be the first female U.S. president, have raised questions about Obama's ability to win big states. Not much here is new information. However, as we get closer to the November election, here's what I would like to know. When the rubber hits the road and people fill out their ballots--for real--will they be ready to break the gender or racial barrier that thus far has kept everyone other than white men out of the White House?

Miley Cyrus - It had to happen at some point. This chick was just too squeaky clean to be taken seriously. Miley Cyrus is taking issue with a photo of herself that's going around, and it's not another amateur, truth-or-dare Internet snapshot. The photos, appearing in the upcoming issue of Vanity Fair, were taken by Annie Leibovitz, a renowned celebrity photographer whose edgy, silver-toned portraits have included subjects such as Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson and a naked, pregnant Demi Moore. The Cyrus pictures accompany an interview with the 15-year-old pop star and her father, singer Billy Ray Cyrus. One photo in particular is causing the biggest stir: the teen idol is wrapped in what appears to be a satin bedsheet, looking over her shoulder with her back exposed. Oh, lighten up, people it's just a picture. As for you, Miss Cyrus. Just exactly how did you envision these pictures were going to be received by the public. You're 15 for heaven's sake. Here's a novel idea. Maybe you should consider keeping your clothes on for another couple of years until you are legal.