Daily Political Wire

George Wenschhof

U.S. Credit Rating Downgraded - Standard and Poor's primary reason for the move from AAA to AA+ is the "gulf between the political parties" has reduced the confidence in their ability to manage their finances. This was the first time they had removed the u.s. from it's list of risk-free borrowers. The announcement came after the markets had closed so it will be next week before we will know the impact of this decision. The NY Times has more here.

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Lineup - Maryland Democratic Governor Martin O'Malley makes an appearance for the first time on ABC "This Week". Senators John Kerry (D-Mass.), john McCain (R-Az.), Howard Dean, David Axelrod, Gloria Steinem, Steve Forbes, Larry Summers, California Governor Jerry Brown and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) are among the guests tomorrow.

Expect plenty of discussion on the recently passed debt ceiling deal and the nation credit downgrade which followed. Politico.com has a quick highlight below.



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Obama Plans Midwest Bus Tour - a three day bus trip will begin August 15 in Peosta, Iowa. The trip will bring together municipal leaders, civic activists, and community leaders to discuss ways to create jobs and improve the economy. The itenerary has not been announced. TheHill.com has more here.

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31 U.S. Troops Killed in Afghanistan Helicopter Crash - seven Afghanistan troops were also killed during an operation against the Taliban. The Washington Post has more here.

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Time For a Third Party? - As confidence in Congress at a all time low, AmericansElect.org is offering a direct way to nominate your candidate for president and which issues are important to you. You can visit their website here.

Reuters.com has more on their goals here.

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