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“Star Wars” creator George Lucas used his expert opinion to compare some of his famous characters to famous politicians Tuesday morning.

Lucas, who was on Capitol Hill to testify at the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Telecommunications and the Internet subcommittee hearing on universal service, was totally nonpartisan when it came to President Bush, declining to weigh in on our question: “Who is President Bush more like: Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader?”

“It’s up to the viewer,” he responded.

It's a classic stand-off between one of the world's best loved animals and one of its most unpopular leaders, between the planet's largest bear and its most powerful man. And it comes to a head this week.

On Thursday, by order of a federal judge, George W Bush must stop stalling on whether to designate the polar bear as a species endangered by global warming. The designation could have huge consequences for his climate-change policies; his administration would, by law, have to avoid doing anything that would "jeopardise the continued existence" of the mammal whose habitat is melting away.

Hillary Clinton has stormed to victory over rival Barack Obama in a do-or-die showdown in Pennsylvania, keeping her presidential hopes alive.

Senator Clinton led 54% to 46% with more than three-quarters of the vote counted, a strong showing but probably not enough to dramatically change the race or narrow Senator Obama's lead in delegates who select the Democratic nominee at the August convention.
Senator Clinton's only chance depends on convincing the super-delegates to vote for her in large numbers because she is the more viable candidate in those swing states.

President Vladimir Putin has accepted an offer to become chairman of the dominant United Russia party.

Mr Putin, who steps down as Kremlin leader next month, told nearly 600 party delegates on Tuesday "I accept the invitation of the party".
Mr Putin is due to hand over the presidency to his long-standing aide Dmitry Medvedev. Mr Putin confirmed that he would become prime minister.
Correspondents say the party job will give Mr Putin an additional power base.