Washington in 60 Seconds: Lockerbie News, Kennedy Plans and More Birthers Than You Think

Good morning, Capitolists! For such a slow month, there's a lot happening in your nation's capital. Here's what's making news in Washington today:

* Scottish officials said they released the man convicted of the Lockerbie terrorist bombing, Abdel Baset Mohamed al-Megrahi, on compassionate grounds so he can return to Libya to die of cancer, the AP reports.

* After word leaked out (or was sent out?) that Democrats want to go it alone to pass health care reform, Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) says he still wants to negotiate a deal with the D's. The catch: He tells the Washington Post that reform efforts need to be dramatically scaled back after hearing so much anger during August's town hall meetings.

* Sen. Ted Kennedy wants his Senate seat to be filled quickly. The ailing senator sent a letter to the governor of Massachusetts imploring him to change the state law that requires a special election to fill a Senate vacancy. The Boston Globe obtained the letter, which says, "It is vital for this Commonwealth to have two voices speaking for the needs of its citizens."

* The president goes left and right today to sell his health care reform package. First, conservative radio host Michael Smirkonish broadcasts live from the White House's Diplomatic Reception room when he interviews the president at 1:10 this afternoon.

* Obama then rallies his liberal troops during an online health care forum with Organizing for America. Check it out at my.barackobama.com/forum.

* Amid threats from militants, Afghanistan holds its presidential elections today, where the polls have been left open an hour later than planned to boost low turn-out. [BBC]

* And finally, Politico reports on a PPP poll that shows just 62 percent of Americans think that President Obama was born in the United States, although 6 percent also don't consider Hawaii to be in the U.S., so consider that information as you will.