TOYKO, Japan, July 6 -- President Bush Sunday defended his decision to attend the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games next month in Beijing, saying that to skip the event -- as human rights activists have urged -- would be an "affront to the Chinese people."

AP - Sen. Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat, accused Republicans of putting seniors and military families at risk by siding with President Bush against a measure to prevent Medicare cuts.

AP - Enthusiastic churchgoers welcome Obama at St. Louis event ... McCain sees himself a GOP underdog in an election year in which trends favor Democrats ... Obama's daughter turns 10 in Montana, says 'best birthday' ever

Senator Barack Obama's social networking Web site has become a source of organized criticism of some of the candidate's positions.

Reuters - U.S. President george W. Bush arrived in Japan on Sunday for the Group of Eight rich nations' meetings where North Korea's nuclear weapons program, soaring oil and food prices, and climate change top the agenda.

President Bush on Sunday said, "We discussed a variety of subjects, starting with... our work together to make sure the Korean Peninsula, all the Korean Peninsula, is free of nuclear weapons. I am fully aware of the sensitivity of the issue here in your country. I am aware that people want to make sure that the abduction issue is not ignored, and that there are suspicions about whether or not the North Koreans will be fully forthcoming. I view this process as a multi-step process that requires strong verification."

AP - President Bush on Sunday defended removing North Korea from the list of state sponsors of terrorism and attending the opening ceremonies of the beijing olympics as world leaders assembled to address soaring gas prices, climate change and African aid.

TOYAKO, Japan -- President Bush on Sunday defended removing North Korea from the list of state sponsors of terrorism and attending the opening ceremonies of the beijing olympics as world leaders assembled to address soaring gas prices, climate change and African aid.

AP - Wedged between America's Independence Day and a summit of world leaders, President Bush's 62nd birthday got shortchanged this year.

A politician who thrives in informal settings is trying to meet the more scripted speaking demands of a general election campaign.