Quick '08 Update

- Happy July!

- In The Fix, Chris Cillizza takes a look at the speech U.S. Sen. Barack Obama delivered on patriotism.

- Via Andrew Sullivan and Peggy Noonan, The Next Right takes a look at how stories in Google news mention Obama and not U.S. Sen. John McCain by a 3:1 ratio. Not to mention the similar advantage in Google searches. So what does all this mean? More internet traffic and more money for Obama. The GOP could learn a thing or two...or more.

- Eric Alterman thinks U.S. Sen. Barack Obama could be the most effective President since Franklin Roosevelt and is running the most progressive campaign since Jimmy Carter. (via PrezVid.)

- In a look at how online strategy can mix with messaging, the Obama campaign is embracing its critics online. (I'm just waiting for the "Wall Street Wants Change" group...)

- Even though he can't pay taxes on his properties, John McCain wants everyone to have a mansion.

- Ben Pershing at the Washington Post's Capitol Briefing blog shines light on the PAC activity of a handful of folks on Barack Obama's potential VP list, particularly Gen. Wesley Clark.(Note: if you want to try to ask Clark about his comments, he'll be on CNN's Situation Room so submit your video now.)

- Speaking of VP candidates, Mike Allen writes in the Politico that Mitt Romney tops McCain's list.

- Bill Clinton and Obama spoke. Shocking. Marc Ambinder has the statements from both campaign spokesmen.

- In light of his trip to Colombia, John McCain is up with a new web ad in support of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. (Check out NDN's letter to President Bush on the Colombia FTA.)

- Meanwhile, Dan Restrepo, Obama's chief adviser for Latin America, commented on a possible Obama trip to Colombia, saying that Obama has said he's thought about visiting Latin America during the campaign, but that it's not easy. (via Economists for Obama.)