Barack Obama's spokesman fired off a fast criticism of Republican John McCain's new running mate Friday, but the Democratic candidate himself quickly stepped in to offer her congratulations and praise.
Obama, who is eager to win over female voters who backed his rival Hillary Rodham Clinton in the primaries, blamed the mixed messages about McCain's choice, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, on campaign aides with a "hair trigger."
He and his running mate, Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware, followed up with congratulatory phone calls to Palin.
McCain made his surprise announcement moments before Obama flew from Denver with Biden and their wives. Fresh off Obama's nomination acceptance speech before 84,000 people Thursday night, the foursome launched a three-day bus tour of crucial industrial states, which began with a visit to a biodiesel fuel plant near Pittsburgh.
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As the plane was lifting off from Denver, Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton issued a statement calling Palin an abortion-rights opponent and "the former mayor of a town of 9,000 with zero foreign policy experience."
Soon thereafter, with the plane over the Midwest, a spokeswoman gave reporters on board a much kinder statement from Biden and Obama.
"Her selection is yet another encouraging sign that old barriers are falling in our politics," their statement said. "While we obviously have differences over how best to lead this country forward, Gov. Palin is an admirable person and will add a compelling new voice to this campaign."
After touring the steamy biodiesel fuel plant in Monaca, Pa., Obama offered reporters still another comment on Palin.
He has not met her, he said, but "she seems like a compelling person. Obviously a terrific story, personal story. And I'm sure that she will help make the case for the Republicans. Unfortunately, the case is more of the same," an allusion to his theme that McCain will continue Bush administration policies.
Palin's selection, Obama said, "is one more indicator of this country moving forward. The fact that you've got a woman" as the "vice presidential nominee of one of the major parties, I think, is one more hit against that glass ceiling."
Clinton often says she made "18 million cracks in the glass ceiling," a reference to the number of votes she won in primaries as she sought to become the nation's first female president.
Asked why Burton's statement had been far more critical of Palin, Obama said, "I think, you know, campaigns start getting these hair triggers. And the statement that Joe and I put out reflects our sentiments."
In his telephone call to Palin, Obama "told her she would be a terrific candidate," campaign spokesman Robert Gibbs said later. "He also wished her good luck, but not too much luck."
Spokesmen said Biden also called Palin to congratulate her.
When Obama named Biden his running mate earlier this month, McCain congratulated the Delaware senator while many of his surrogates criticized Biden. Since then, the barbs between Obama and McCain have grown sharper.
In Monaca, Obama, Biden and their wives stopped at an industrial warehouse where chicken fat is converted to tractor fuel. The visit made two things clear: Western Pennsylvania, where Clinton easily bested Obama in the primary, will be hotly contested in the fall campaign, and energy will be a top campaign issue, because the two parties disagree over which new energy sources should be pursued hardest.
At an evening rally with several thousand people in Beaver, floodlights bathed a bunting-draped bandstand where Obama repeated several of his themes from Denver.
He noted that McCain has vowed to purse Osama bin Laden "to the gates of hell."
"Well, he should start by going to where Osama bin Laden actually lives," Obama said, in mountain caves "between Afghanistan and Pakistan."
Kenya's Wanjiru wins men's Olympic marathon
BEIJING - Samuel Wanjiru already had made a name for himself in the heady world of Kenyan distance running. Now he stands alone.
He pulled away over the final few miles Sunday to become the first Kenyan to win an Olympic marathon — and he did it faster than anyone ever has.
Wanjiru negotiated the 26.2-mile course through the Beijing streets in bright morning sunshine in anOlympic record of 2 hours, 6 minutes, 32 seconds.
"In Kenya we have many medals," Wanjiru said, "but I'm glad I have this one."
His name was listed on the official results sheet as Wansiru, but the Kenyan said that spelling was incorrect.
Kenyans had twice won men's marathon silver, most recently in 2000, but never a gold.
At the Beijing Games, Kenya won 14 track and field medals, behind only the United States (23) and Russia (18). Five of them were gold.
The biggest concern about this race leading to the Olympics was the quality of the air. World record-holder Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia decided not to run because of the pollution. But on Sunday, after an overnight thunderstorm, a glorious blue sky greeted the final day of these games.
The women's marathon a week earlier was run in a light rain, and the air quality posed no problems for the runners.
The race began at the edge of Tiananmen Square, then wound around the Temple of Heaven before turning toward the Olympic Green and the Bird's Nest, where colorful dancers, drummers and cyclists entertained the crowd as it awaited the runners.
This was just the third marathon for the 21-year-old Wanjiru, who first set the world half-marathon record at age 18, then broke it twice again last year.
Two-time world champion Jaouad Gharib of Morocco won the silver in 2:07:16. Ethiopian Tsegay Kebede, winner of this year's Paris Marathon, took the bronze in 2:10:00. Ethiopian Deriba Merga led much of the race but faded badly at the end to wind up fourth.
The crowd roared as Wanjiru entered the Bird's Nest, and he responded by raising his left hand, then clapped several times. The final lap in the last event of track and field at the Beijing Olympics was run around an infield painted blue for the night's closing ceremony.
Just across the line, Wanjiru — all 112 pounds of him — kneeled and crossed himself several times. He had just broken the Olympic mark of 2:09:21 set by Carlos Lopes of Portugal in the 1984 Los Angeles Games.
As Wanjiru was still on one knee, Gharib crossed the line for the silver.
"I had to push the pace to tire the other runners," Wanjiru said. "I had to push the pace because my body gets tired when I slow down."
Wanjiru, who trains at 7,600 feet on a trail that runs alongside spectacular Thompson Falls, won the Fukuoka International Marathon in Japan last December and was runner-up at the London Marathon in April.
Americans Dathan Ritzenhein and Ryan Hall finished ninth and 10th, respectively.
Defending Olympic champion Stefano Baldini of Italy, in his final marathon, finished 12th, then praised those who finished at the front.
"In the last 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) it was unbelievable what the ... Africans were able to do under these conditions," he said.
The temperature was 75 degrees with 52 percent humidity when the race began at 7:30 a.m. and it heated up steadily through the morning, reaching 86 degrees by the finish.
The lead pack began to separate through the first three miles. By the halfway mark, eight were grouped at the front, led by Eritrean Yonas Kifle.
After almost 19 miles, the pack had dwindled to three — Wanjiru, Merga and Gharib.
Reigning world champion Luke Kibet of Kenya stayed with the leaders through the early stages but fell back and finally pulled out of the race shortly past the halfway mark. He later said he had a stomach problem.
Beijing Olympics
Kenya's steeplechase star eyes gold in Beijing Olympics
NAIROBI, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Africa 3,000 meters steeplechase champion Richard Mateelong has expressed confidence that Kenya will continue its tradition of winning the steeplechase at the Beijing Olympics.
"I stepped up my training and avoided much of the cross-country season. That's why I am running well. I am aiming to secure my place in the national team at the trials and from there, anything is possible," Mateelong told journalists late Thursday.
Kenya has won every Olympic gold medal in the steeplechase since 1968 and Mateelong says the tradition should continue in Beijing.
"I will compete in the 5,000m race for my endurance build-up before the national trials. This year they will be very tough since we have good runners invited to try for a place in the national team," he added.
Mateelong, an instructor at Kiganjo Police Training College who arrived for the Inter-Provincial Kenya Police Championships that start on Friday in Nairobi said he has been training at the Athletics Kenya (AK) mid and long distance camp in Eldoret since returning from Hengelo where he won the city's grand prix in 8:13.00 last month.
"The training conditions at the camp are good and morale is high. I support the initiative but they should have set much earlier," he noted.
The steeplechaser who set his seasonal best of 8:07.64 on May 9 while winning the lucrative Doha Grand Prix said his aim was to get the top medal in Beijing after playing second fiddle to Brimin Kipruto and Olympic champion, Ezekiel Kemboi.
"One cannot say that he will win for a fact but I believe that it can be achieved if the form I have now and physical condition remains the same. I will not relent on training until I achieve my goal," he said.
"According to the way we have been running, we are progressing well and I don't see why we should be the generation to let go of that great tradition of winning gold," said Mateelong.
"I am confident we shall do well despite the fact that we shall have opposition especially from Kenyan athletes running for other countries, we shall work hard and win the gold again."
The Kiganjo based policeman has been in great form this season winning three races last month.
He won the African title and followed it up with a win at the Doha Super Grand Prix on May 11 before winning in Hengelo.
While expressing satisfaction with his form so far, Mateelong said that his main concern right now to ensure he makes the Beijing team at the July 4-5 national athletics trials in Nairobi.
"Going by my results in Addis, Doha and Hengelo, I am hoping to do well because I am currently in great shape. The toughest part will be the trials which are always so competitive. I am praying that I stay injury free ready for them and hopefully I will make it and only after that shall I think of Beijing," he said.
He attributed his great form this season to having started his season early. "I took part in the cross country season and that helped me get into good shape early in the season and it has continued since."
But Mateelong will not compete in his specialty at the forthcoming Kenya Police Championships.
"I will not compete in the steeplechase at the police championships. I will run 5,000 metres race instead because I want to build on my speed and endurance hence the longer race. I will revert to steeplechase at the trials," said Mateelong.
Mateelong, 24, began the season with victory at the national trials for the African Championships where he ran a quick 8:16.7 to lead All Africa Games champion, Willy Komen and Bernard Kipyego to the podium.
NAIROBI, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Africa 3,000 meters steeplechase champion Richard Mateelong has expressed confidence that Kenya will continue its tradition of winning the steeplechase at the Beijing Olympics.
"I stepped up my training and avoided much of the cross-country season. That's why I am running well. I am aiming to secure my place in the national team at the trials and from there, anything is possible," Mateelong told journalists late Thursday.
Kenya has won every Olympic gold medal in the steeplechase since 1968 and Mateelong says the tradition should continue in Beijing.
"I will compete in the 5,000m race for my endurance build-up before the national trials. This year they will be very tough since we have good runners invited to try for a place in the national team," he added.
Mateelong, an instructor at Kiganjo Police Training College who arrived for the Inter-Provincial Kenya Police Championships that start on Friday in Nairobi said he has been training at the Athletics Kenya (AK) mid and long distance camp in Eldoret since returning from Hengelo where he won the city's grand prix in 8:13.00 last month.
"The training conditions at the camp are good and morale is high. I support the initiative but they should have set much earlier," he noted.
The steeplechaser who set his seasonal best of 8:07.64 on May 9 while winning the lucrative Doha Grand Prix said his aim was to get the top medal in Beijing after playing second fiddle to Brimin Kipruto and Olympic champion, Ezekiel Kemboi.
"One cannot say that he will win for a fact but I believe that it can be achieved if the form I have now and physical condition remains the same. I will not relent on training until I achieve my goal," he said.
"According to the way we have been running, we are progressing well and I don't see why we should be the generation to let go of that great tradition of winning gold," said Mateelong.
"I am confident we shall do well despite the fact that we shall have opposition especially from Kenyan athletes running for other countries, we shall work hard and win the gold again."
The Kiganjo based policeman has been in great form this season winning three races last month.
He won the African title and followed it up with a win at the Doha Super Grand Prix on May 11 before winning in Hengelo.
While expressing satisfaction with his form so far, Mateelong said that his main concern right now to ensure he makes the Beijing team at the July 4-5 national athletics trials in Nairobi.
"Going by my results in Addis, Doha and Hengelo, I am hoping to do well because I am currently in great shape. The toughest part will be the trials which are always so competitive. I am praying that I stay injury free ready for them and hopefully I will make it and only after that shall I think of Beijing," he said.
He attributed his great form this season to having started his season early. "I took part in the cross country season and that helped me get into good shape early in the season and it has continued since."
But Mateelong will not compete in his specialty at the forthcoming Kenya Police Championships.
"I will not compete in the steeplechase at the police championships. I will run 5,000 metres race instead because I want to build on my speed and endurance hence the longer race. I will revert to steeplechase at the trials," said Mateelong.
Mateelong, 24, began the season with victory at the national trials for the African Championships where he ran a quick 8:16.7 to lead All Africa Games champion, Willy Komen and Bernard Kipyego to the podium.
Katy Perry's kiss hate
Katy Perry is tired of girls wanting to kiss her.
The 'I Kissed a Girl' singer insists that despite her raunchy lyrics, she is not interested in locking lips with her female fans.
"Girls now keep asking for a kiss. After every show on my tour I stay behind to do an autograph signing. But about a dozen women will want a snog. I just sweetly say, 'No, thank you'. If I kissed everybody who asked I'd probably go away with something I don't really want."
Katy, 23, has also revealed her same-sex crushes on Hollywood stars inspired her to write the song.
She added: "I was reading a magazine and opened it up to a picture of either Scarlett Johansson or Megan Fox, and I turned to my boyfriend and said, 'You know, if they walked through the door and asked me to pucker up, I would just do it.' "
Katy - the daughter of two pastors, who refused to let her listen to rock music or watch music TV - has enjoyed number ones in the US and UK singles chart with 'I Kissed a Girl', and has already acquired some celebrity fans.
At the weekend, Lindsay Lohan - who is dating DJ Samantha Ronson - reportedly requested the track at a Los Angeles nightclub.
The 'I Kissed a Girl' singer insists that despite her raunchy lyrics, she is not interested in locking lips with her female fans.
"Girls now keep asking for a kiss. After every show on my tour I stay behind to do an autograph signing. But about a dozen women will want a snog. I just sweetly say, 'No, thank you'. If I kissed everybody who asked I'd probably go away with something I don't really want."
Katy, 23, has also revealed her same-sex crushes on Hollywood stars inspired her to write the song.
She added: "I was reading a magazine and opened it up to a picture of either Scarlett Johansson or Megan Fox, and I turned to my boyfriend and said, 'You know, if they walked through the door and asked me to pucker up, I would just do it.' "
Katy - the daughter of two pastors, who refused to let her listen to rock music or watch music TV - has enjoyed number ones in the US and UK singles chart with 'I Kissed a Girl', and has already acquired some celebrity fans.
At the weekend, Lindsay Lohan - who is dating DJ Samantha Ronson - reportedly requested the track at a Los Angeles nightclub.
RONALDO DECISION MADE A MONTH AGO?
Careful reading of the exclusive interview, published on Wednesday night, in which Cristiano Ronaldo announced his decision to stay at Manchester United indicates that both the interview and decision were made up to a month ago.
At the start of the interview, conducted with Bruno Prata of the Portuguese newspaper Publico, Ronaldo is quoted as saying: "My coach was kind enough to come and see me in Lisbon a few days ago, which I think is common knowledge."
In fact, although the exact date is not known, it is understood that Ferguson met with Ronaldo during the second week of July - something which the Scot acknowledged in his response to Ronaldo's announcement when he remarked, "We knew this would be the case because I flew to Portugal some weeks ago and we cleared the air."
That Ronaldo, who made no secret of his wish to join Real Madrid, apparently confirmed he would stay at Old Trafford for another season just "a few days" after meeting Ferguson indicates that the u-turn was forced upon him by United's refusal to sell.
The delay in announcing the decision is curious but has an obvious explanation for those of a cynical mind. Releasing the interview during the week in which the forward is due to return to England would apparently signal the start of a choreographed attempt by the Ronaldo camp to win back the hearts and minds of the United supporters who have turned against their former hero in the wake of his attempts to wrangle a move out of Old Trafford.
The hitherto unknown Prata should not have required much persuading in agreeing to delay the publication of his exclusive interview: he is the husband of Manuela Brandao, an employee of Jorge Mendes, the agent of Ronaldo.
At the start of the interview, conducted with Bruno Prata of the Portuguese newspaper Publico, Ronaldo is quoted as saying: "My coach was kind enough to come and see me in Lisbon a few days ago, which I think is common knowledge."
In fact, although the exact date is not known, it is understood that Ferguson met with Ronaldo during the second week of July - something which the Scot acknowledged in his response to Ronaldo's announcement when he remarked, "We knew this would be the case because I flew to Portugal some weeks ago and we cleared the air."
That Ronaldo, who made no secret of his wish to join Real Madrid, apparently confirmed he would stay at Old Trafford for another season just "a few days" after meeting Ferguson indicates that the u-turn was forced upon him by United's refusal to sell.
The delay in announcing the decision is curious but has an obvious explanation for those of a cynical mind. Releasing the interview during the week in which the forward is due to return to England would apparently signal the start of a choreographed attempt by the Ronaldo camp to win back the hearts and minds of the United supporters who have turned against their former hero in the wake of his attempts to wrangle a move out of Old Trafford.
The hitherto unknown Prata should not have required much persuading in agreeing to delay the publication of his exclusive interview: he is the husband of Manuela Brandao, an employee of Jorge Mendes, the agent of Ronaldo.
RONALDO: `I`LL TELL MANYOO I`M OFF`
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedy sent a message to Real Madrid to promise that he will tell Manchester United that his transfer to Spain is "non-negotiable".
According to Spanish newspaper AS, Ronaldo's exact message to Madrid was as follows: "It's ok. Next week, I'll fix everything. I'll go to Manchester and tell them my only desire is to play for Real Madrid and that the decision is non-negotiable."
Sir Alex Ferguson has publicly stated that Ronaldo will not be leaving United but he could be put in a very difficult position if Ronaldo returns to Manchester demanding a transfer. He will know that Ronaldo's value will only fall if he is playing below his capabilities or not playing at all.
AS claims that Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes was under strict instructions to tell Real that his client had 'decided more than ever to make the promised step and make clear that his determination to play for Real Madrid, next season, remains intact'.
Reports suggest that next Tuesday is the day that Ronaldo will return and confront Ferguson.
Your Comments
Muffy
"This is supposedly a message between Ronaldo and Real. But somehow along the way it has come via an agent (always the most honest and dependable characters) and is "according to Spaninsh newspaper AS" (a Spanish rag worse than the Daily Star). Er, yeah, right. Let's put it in big letters and state it as fact. Good journalism again F365."
03bault
"im sure this is true. its all rubbish - what is AS anyway. anyone who takes this seriously lacks some sort of mental capability. quote - "Reports suggest that next Tuesday is the day that Ronaldo will return and confront Ferguson." - what the hell? haha he will come and confront ferguson will he. take a look on the sky sports website see if they have this message from ronaldo. the article looks like it written as a joke , "AS claims that Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes was under strict instructions to tell Real that his client had 'decided more than ever to make the promised step and make clear that his determination to play for Real Madrid, next season, remains intact'." lol this is a loaddd of rubbishhh !!! "
hatchking
"This 'story' is a joke. I'm at the end of my teather with F365. I'm off to TeamTalk.com. Awful work guys. really disappointing!"
Number6
"If this latest report happens to be true, when the worm asks Sir Alex for a transfer it should be granted......but to any other club than Real. Then he can say goodbye to his "dream" (for a while at least). True professionals at the club like Giggs and Charlton must be disgusted. "
charley
"Is Football365 so bad now that they print rubbish stories from AS? Look at the AS.com website. The story is hidden away because they know it's rubbish. They don't even claim they got the quotes direct from Ronaldo in their "story". It's what they claim is in the message Ronaldo has somehow trasmitted to Madrid. There must be some dodgy Spanish journalist p***ing himself at how easy it is to wind up the UK "news" media. "
wigclyne
"I agree with fla5hboy. England fans crying and making a scapegoat. Its unfortunate we have fans like utd4life. And jamiifer aswell seems to have lost the plot, I see it now Ronaldo goes to Madrid and they spend 10million on jamiifer's gran!"
THESPUR1
"He is a total preening little pillock who deserves nothing short of the firing squad."
arye
"boring news...spanish newspaper try to make news to increase their sales again...i don't care he is going to real madrid or not even i'm manutd fan, but this news is another example that to hurt other people in order to get what they want. "
silentbob
"GOOD RIDDENCE FOR BAD LOVERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
mutdgloryhunter
"boring as fcuk now. i've an idea - screw real madrid and ruud the reject and give barca a ring to ask if they'd consider swapping ronnie for messi?? i think that'd be just the ticket. rooney tevez up front with messi just behind then anderson carrick and nani midfield, wes right back, rio, vida and evra at left back..... AWESOME!!!! "
According to Spanish newspaper AS, Ronaldo's exact message to Madrid was as follows: "It's ok. Next week, I'll fix everything. I'll go to Manchester and tell them my only desire is to play for Real Madrid and that the decision is non-negotiable."
Sir Alex Ferguson has publicly stated that Ronaldo will not be leaving United but he could be put in a very difficult position if Ronaldo returns to Manchester demanding a transfer. He will know that Ronaldo's value will only fall if he is playing below his capabilities or not playing at all.
AS claims that Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes was under strict instructions to tell Real that his client had 'decided more than ever to make the promised step and make clear that his determination to play for Real Madrid, next season, remains intact'.
Reports suggest that next Tuesday is the day that Ronaldo will return and confront Ferguson.
Your Comments
Muffy
"This is supposedly a message between Ronaldo and Real. But somehow along the way it has come via an agent (always the most honest and dependable characters) and is "according to Spaninsh newspaper AS" (a Spanish rag worse than the Daily Star). Er, yeah, right. Let's put it in big letters and state it as fact. Good journalism again F365."
03bault
"im sure this is true. its all rubbish - what is AS anyway. anyone who takes this seriously lacks some sort of mental capability. quote - "Reports suggest that next Tuesday is the day that Ronaldo will return and confront Ferguson." - what the hell? haha he will come and confront ferguson will he. take a look on the sky sports website see if they have this message from ronaldo. the article looks like it written as a joke , "AS claims that Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes was under strict instructions to tell Real that his client had 'decided more than ever to make the promised step and make clear that his determination to play for Real Madrid, next season, remains intact'." lol this is a loaddd of rubbishhh !!! "
hatchking
"This 'story' is a joke. I'm at the end of my teather with F365. I'm off to TeamTalk.com. Awful work guys. really disappointing!"
Number6
"If this latest report happens to be true, when the worm asks Sir Alex for a transfer it should be granted......but to any other club than Real. Then he can say goodbye to his "dream" (for a while at least). True professionals at the club like Giggs and Charlton must be disgusted. "
charley
"Is Football365 so bad now that they print rubbish stories from AS? Look at the AS.com website. The story is hidden away because they know it's rubbish. They don't even claim they got the quotes direct from Ronaldo in their "story". It's what they claim is in the message Ronaldo has somehow trasmitted to Madrid. There must be some dodgy Spanish journalist p***ing himself at how easy it is to wind up the UK "news" media. "
wigclyne
"I agree with fla5hboy. England fans crying and making a scapegoat. Its unfortunate we have fans like utd4life. And jamiifer aswell seems to have lost the plot, I see it now Ronaldo goes to Madrid and they spend 10million on jamiifer's gran!"
THESPUR1
"He is a total preening little pillock who deserves nothing short of the firing squad."
arye
"boring news...spanish newspaper try to make news to increase their sales again...i don't care he is going to real madrid or not even i'm manutd fan, but this news is another example that to hurt other people in order to get what they want. "
silentbob
"GOOD RIDDENCE FOR BAD LOVERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
mutdgloryhunter
"boring as fcuk now. i've an idea - screw real madrid and ruud the reject and give barca a ring to ask if they'd consider swapping ronnie for messi?? i think that'd be just the ticket. rooney tevez up front with messi just behind then anderson carrick and nani midfield, wes right back, rio, vida and evra at left back..... AWESOME!!!! "
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