Nov 2nd, 2008 · We're being told that Sen. John McCain is the "underdog" while Sen. Barack Obama is ahead — but pollsters say the gap is narrowing just as the race comes to a close. But how accurate are these polls? Mark Blumenthal, editor of Pollster.com, tells host Liane Hansen the latest poll numbers really mean.
Oct 24th, 2008 · Two games into the World Series, many fans are still wondering whom to pull for. What you really need, says Mike Pesca, is a formula. It takes into account famous beloved underdogs of the past; payrolls; the use of rookies; the appeal of each team's manager — and their mascots.
Oct 13th, 2008 · There is a little more than three weeks to go before the presidential election. The latest polls show Republican John McCain is well behind Democrat Barack Obama. Steve Schmidt, McCain's chief operating officer, tells Renee Montagne what the McCain camp will have to do over these next few weeks to close the gap.
Oct 3rd, 2008 · Politicians always complain about the media. Now one man in Thailand is fighting back, literally. In Bangkok, an underdog in the governor's race did not like the questions in a TV interview. So he elbowed his interviewer in the face. And kicked him on the floor. He later apologized, saying, "a man like me, you can kill him but you can't insult him." The candidate is running 30 points behind in the polls. No word on whether the assault raised or lowered his standing.
Sep 7th, 2008 · Joan Baez's sterling voice, the songs she sings and her commitment to society's underdogs have had a profound influence on American culture. Baez talks about her new record, Day After Tomorrow, and performs songs from the album at NPR's New York studio.
May 12th, 2008 · Monitor Mix blogger Carrie Brownstein chooses a new mixtape, made up of songs originally compiled on a rainy day several weeks ago. They might sound best under gray skies, as part of a mix that could easily be called "The Underdogs."
Mar 21st, 2008 · Taiwan voters go to the polls Saturday to elect a new president, and recent unrest in Tibet may have helped the underdog in Taiwan's election. Also on the ballot is a referendum on whether the island should seek U.N. membership independent of China.
Feb 11th, 2008 · Last night, the Album of the Year Grammy went to an underdog -- Herbie Hancock's River: The Joni Letters. Though the Joni Mitchell tribute doesn't rank among Hancock's best work, Tom Moon says that for those who know the pianist, the unlikely honor isn't really so unlikely.