July 8, 2008 – Obama airs first negative political ad against McCain's energy policy, targeting his support for drilling and propensity for voting alongside President Bush.
July 18, 2008 — McCain airs first negative ad attacking Obama's foreign policy experience. According to www.politifacts.com, McCain has aired far more false and misleading ads than his opponent as of Election Day.
July 23, 2008 – Obama spends the week touring the Middle East, meeting with key leaders and U.S. military commanders.
Aug. 29, 2008 – McCain announces that Sarah Palin will be his running mate. The country goes wild with Palin fever.
Sept. 24, 2008 – Katie Couric interviews Sarah Palin. Millions of Americans now know that Palin's foreign policy experience includes the ability to "see Russia from land here in Alaska."
Sept. 24, 2008 – McCain "suspends" his campaign to focus on economic issues, attempting to postpone the first debates. Obama declines and McCain's campaign never stops running.
Oct. 20, 2008 – Former Secretary of State Colin Powell endorses Obama; McCain counters that he was endorsed by Nixon's Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and over 200 retired military leaders. McCain is also endorsed by al Qaeda, according to the New York Times.
Nov. 3 – Obama's grandmother and mentor dies after battling cancer.
Nov. 4 – Obama wins 349 Electoral College votes. McCain wins 162.
