Conventional wisdom says the country comes together during wartime. But that has not always been the case, says historian Arthur Schlesinger Jr. -- not even when the British torched the nation's capital in 1812.
Current News & Politics
Joe Biden steps up for Obama The energized vice-presidential candidate uses Saturday's rally to chain John McCain to George W. Bush and propel the Democratic ticket toward the convention. By Mike Madden
Nobody's yes man By picking Joseph Biden as his running mate, Barack Obama chooses experience over hope. By Walter Shapiro
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