Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden went toe to toe with Republican rival Sarah Palin at their debate when talking about understanding the kitchen table issues families face, choking up when talking about the challenges they face.

When asked about his Achilles heel possibly being his lack of discipline, Biden turned the question around to talk about his “excessive passion”.

Palin has periodically talked about her challenges as a mother without health care coverage as well as raising a family of five, including her decision to have a child that would have down syndrome.

Biden made clear that his opponent did not have a monopoly on the family issue and understanding the challenges families face, welling up at the end.

“Look, I understand what it’s like to be a single parent.  When my wife and daughter died and my two sons were gravely injured, I understand what it’s like as a parent to wonder what it’s like if your kid’s going to make it.   
 
I understand what it’s like to sit around the kitchen table with a father who says, “I’ve got to leave, champ, because there’s no jobs here.  I got to head down to Wilmington.  And when we get enough money, honey, we’ll bring you down.”   
 
I understand what it’s like.  I’m much better off than almost all Americans now.  I get a good salary with the United States Senate.  I live in a beautiful house that’s my total investment that I have.  So I — I am much better off now.   
 
But the notion that somehow, because I’m a man, I don’t know what it’s like to raise two kids alone, I don’t know what it’s like to have a child you’re not sure is going to — is going to make it — I understand.”

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WASHINGTON - Barack Obama doesn’t like sweets, prefers minty gum to bubblegum and leaves his luggage in everybody’s way when he arrives home on a break from the campaign.
That’s the scoop from the Democratic presidential candidate’s daughters from a family interview for television’s “Access Hollywood.”

  
Malia and Sasha Obama have joined their parents on the campaign trail a number of times in recent weeks. They spoke for the first time in the interview which began airing on Tuesday. 
“When he comes home and leaves his big gigantic bag in the mudroom, sometimes I trip over it,” said Malia, who celebrated her 10th birthday while the family campaigned in Butte, Montana, on Independence Day. 

“You always put your bag on my shoes,” seven-year-old Sasha scolded her father. 
The girls joined their mother in showing that the Illinois senator does not live up to his public imagine as a fashion plate. 

“I think it’s funny that he’s involved in this fashion icon stuff, because these pants he’s had for probably about 10 years,” Michelle Obama said.  

“And that belt,” Malia chimed in. 

Obama said he was “baffled” by the whole fashion thing himself, “because I hate to shop.”                                                                                                   

Asked about the possibility of living in the White House, Sasha said: “It would be very cool.”                                                                                               

“I think my most excitement about it is that I’d get to redecorate my room,” Malia said. “I enjoy decorating.”

Photo credit: Reuters/John Gress (Barack Obama with his family)

HOUSTON - Barack Obama is a man without a church.

The Illinois Senator and likely Democratic Party nominee for the November presidential election against Republican John McCain said on Saturday he had quit his Chicago church in the aftermath of inflammatory sermons that could become a political lightning rod.

Obama, who would be the first black U.S. president, cut ties last month with the former pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ, Jeremiah Wright, who angered many with anti-American and racially charged sermons.

Just as controversy over Wright had died down, a Roman Catholic priest mocked Obama’s Democratic rival Hillary Clinton during a guest appearance at Trinity United in ways sure to cause offense to some.

Obama said he and his family will find a new church although they will likely not settle on one until early next year — after the election.

But can Obama remain “churchless” that long? 

The faith factor is always a big one in elections in America, where levels of regular church attendance and belief are much higher and weigh more heavily with many voters than those found in most affluent nations.

If Obama tries to settle on a church before November it could be subjected to the same level of media scrutiny that will be focused on his vice-presidential choice should he secure the nomination, which looks increasingly likely.

That could also bring unwelcome media intrusion into a house of worship.

But while Obama professes a deep Christian faith, his “churchless” status may still stand out as a political liability — though staying with United was obviously a bigger one.