ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) In a rousing speech, vice presidential pick sarah palin has set the stage for John McCain to claim the GOP presidential nomination tonight. Palin used her speech at the GOP convention in St. Paul, Minnesota, to make repeated digs at Barack Obama. She also praised McCain, saying he is "exactly the kind of man" she wants in the White House.

NEW PHILADELPHIA, Ohio (AP) While Republicans convene in St.

Paul, Minnesota, Barack Obama is training his focus on battleground states. The Democrat accused John McCain of trying to run from his party's bad economic record yesterday in Ohio. Today, he stumps in Pennsylvania.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) A hurricane watch has been issued along parts of the North and South Carolina shoreline as Tropical Storm Hanna grinds toward land. Hanna could be a hurricane by the time it hits, but because the storm's path remains uncertain, emergency officials are holding off on ordering any evacuations.

TBILISI, Georgia (AP) Vice President Dick Cheney is condemning Russia for what he calls an "illegitimate, unilateral attempt" to change Georgia's borders by force. At a news conference in the Georgian capital, Cheney says the U.S. remains "fully committed" to Georgia's efforts to join NATO.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) President Bush and Afghani President Hamid Karzai are talking about a recent raid that Afghan officials say left as many as 90 civilians dead. U.S. investigators say no more than seven civilians were killed. Karzai's office says Bush "expressed his sorrow and sympathy" over the incident.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-04-08 0536CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list