Weekend Assignment

Saturday, July 19, 2008 | 10:09 AM

By Sarah Scully

With Obama embarking on a global field trip and John McCain scrapping for some/any media attention, the weekend homework is sizable...
READ
-The actual article inside the controversial New Yorker about the starting point of Obama's political career, which is long enough to be a short book and as insightful about the power structure in Chicago as it is about the candidate.
-Pointing to a potentially nasty surprise for the Obama campaign as they venture into worlds where their candidate may not have the "rock star" popularity he enjoys elsewhere, Politico has a great piece explaining why McCain is favored in Israel.
-Peruse the foreign press reaction to Obama's trip abroad for a different approach than you are used to reading. Der Spiegel has an interesting interview with Nouri al-Maliki about his thoughts on withdrawal plans.

OBSERVE
-Pay close attention to the blossoming McCain Romney friendship as it might be an indicator in the VP selection. While it could be a red herring, the former rivals do seem to be spending more time together.
-Watch as McCain ramps up attacks on Obama with new negative ad.

PONDER
-Send us your thoughts on Al Gore's non-partisan Green Challenge.