In the Headlines

"Campaign Flashpoint: Patriotism and Service" (Jeff Zeleny, New York Times) - Senator Barack Obama on Monday rejected the comments from a leading Democrat and campaign military adviser who diminished Senator John McCain's service as a naval aviator in Vietnam when he declared, "I don't think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be president."

"McCain to talk free trade in Latin America" (Beth Fouhy, AP) - John McCain has changed his mind about the president's tax cuts and drilling for oil off the U.S. coast, but the Republican presidential hopeful says his advocacy of free trade is unyielding.

"Obama talks to Bill Clinton" (Mike Allen, The Politico) - Seeking to beat back reports of a continuing rift, the Obama campaign announced today that Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and former President Bill Clinton have talked by phone.

"McCain readies to hammer away for Pa. swing votes" (David Jackson, USA Today) - If John McCain wants to be the first Republican in two decades to win Pennsylvania, he will need help from swing suburbs such as those in Bucks County.

On the Morning Shows

Good Morning America - Gen. Wesley Clark on his controversial comments Sunday on the value of McCain's military experience: "As someone who spent 38 years in uniform, I would never discredit anyone who chose to wear the uniform. I fully respect John McCain and his service. The experience he had as a fighter pilot isn't the same as making the life and death decisions about national security issues."

(Greg Bobrinskoy contributed to the Morning Report.)