I had an opportunity to discuss the diplomatic and strategic challenges the U.S. faces in Afghanistan with Mr. James Dobbins this week -- a man who has played an integral role in some of the most pivotal moments in U.S. foreign policy history over the past 25 years. And it...

I've never been one prone to hyperbole so take my word that calling award-winning journalist Ahmed Rashid one of the world's foremost experts on Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Taliban might be an understatement. Just ask President Barack Obama who, ever since taking office, has sought Mr. Rashid's counsel when...

McCain and Obama aired television ads this past weekend that emphasized themes that have been the backbone of their campaigns from the outset. Obama himself predicted this final weekend would be filled with smears from McCain, yet McCain refrained from mentioning Ayers, Jeremiah Wright, and even refused to comment on...

Never before have we faced a Presidential election with such potential to tilt the plates of human history. Regardless the tally, a historic shift will take place on November 4, 2008, to what extent is uncertain. Will the shift be slight - or tectonic?

Months ago, on a cold January...

"Hi, I'm John McCain and I approve this message. But, before we begin, I have to admit...I can't believe my opponent's running mate said this. Making this ad was so easy, I almost feel guilty. It pretty much wrote itself - literally."

That is what John McCain probably thinks about...

Political communications consultant Mike Hughes, special to OffTheBus, deconstructs the latest campaign ads, frame by frame.

In his latest ad, Obama "spins" details of the McCain health care plan to frighten senior citizens by using crafty symbolism and stark facts. Obama's ad equates McCain's proposal to buying a lottery ticket....

Political communications consultant Mike Hughes, special to OffTheBus, deconstructs the latest campaign ads, frame by frame.

McCain launched a creative and timely web ad recently, attacking Obama for his ties to ACORN, a voter registration organization that is currently under investigation in eight states for fraud. After analyzing the ad's...

Political communications consultant Mike Hughes, special to OffTheBus, deconstructs the latest campaign ads, frame by frame.

Obama's recent ad backs up his declaration that "we don't throw the first punch, but we'll throw the last." Obama responded to recent attacks with an ad accusing McCain of focusing on smearing Obama...

Political communications consultant Mike Hughes, special to OffTheBus, deconstructs the latest campaign ads, frame by frame.

An Obama TV ad that aired the day after the McCain-Obama Ole Miss debate opens up with the sound of touch-typing, as bold white letters fill a black screen, like someone typing an email....