July 25, 2008

Barack Obama kicked off the European leg of his overseas tour with a soaring speech before tens of thousands of people in Berlin, Germany today. The presumptive Democratic nominee spoke of tearing down walls between countries, between races, and between religions. TIME Magazine Assistant Managing Editor Michael Duffy offers analysis of Obama's international tour designed to bolster his "commander-in-chief" credibility.

Back in the U.S., Republican John McCain criticized his challenger saying he too would like to give a speech to the German people, but only as president of the United States, not as a candidate. McCain also denounced Obama's opposition to the troop surge and his call to withdraw American combat forces from Iraq by 2010. SLATE Magazine Chief Political Correspondent John Dickerson updates us on the McCain campaign.

New York Times Diplomatic Correspondent Helene Cooper examines the foreign policy challenges that lie ahead for the next president.

Meanwhile on Capitol Hill, the House passed a massive mortgage rescue bill that would help ease the U.S. housing crisis. President Bush originally threatened to veto the legislation but now says he will sign it once the Senate approves it. NBC News Congressional Correspondent Michael Viqueira explains how the plan will help nearly half a million homeowners facing foreclosure.

Gwen will have these stories and more when you tune in to this week's WASHINGTON WEEK.