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The Morning Grind / Political Hot Topics |
Debate recap
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So happy together: A smiling Dick Gephardt and Howard Dean -- expected to be the two top contenders in the Iowa Caucuses -- shake hands after Sunday's debate in Des Moines.
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CNN's Candy Crowley on Dean's 'touche.'
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SPECIAL REPORT
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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Check out the links below to hot political stories around the country this morning.
Debate recap
• Dean vs. Everyone: Howard Dean parried a series of attacks from his rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination in Iowa on Sunday, defending himself on Iraq, his record as governor and his electability and charging that his major opponents had failed to stand up against President Bush's agenda.
Washington Post: Dean absorbs most attacks from rivals
• David Broder says Dean survived
Washington Post: Dean still standing after foes take shots
• The Des Moines Register's Tom Beaumont agrees, more or less.
Des Moines Register: Rivals sling darts at Dean
• The L.A. Times' Ron Brownstein said the debate "demonstrated the leftward pull of the Democratic race."
Los Angeles Times: Rivals hit Dean on all fronts at debate
• Wesley Clark and Al Sharpton weren't the only staples missing from the Democratic debate yesterday. A snowstorm in Iowa also kept away most of the colorful characters who usually attend these media events to draw attention to their own pet causes.
Des Moines Register: Colorful characters scarce on snowy day
Clark rejects No. 2
• Clark said yesterday that he would not accept the vice-presidential spot on a Democratic ticket, putting an end perhaps to a question that has dogged his campaign for the Democratic nomination for president.
New York Times: Clark says no to being No. 2
Bradley backs out, cont.
• Howard Dean, whose presidential campaign has already won the backing of Al Gore, is planning a surprise visit to New Hampshire tomorrow to receive the much anticipated endorsement of Bill Bradley.
The Boston Globe: Dean to make surprise visit to New Hampshire
Air Lieberman
• Joe Lieberman starts airing TV ads today in February 3 primary states of Arizona, South Carolina and Oklahoma.
The New Haven Register: Lieberman targets 3 more states in ad blitz
Thune vs Daschle?
• John Thune, who has been meeting with national Republican strategists, is expected to announce at tonight's Lincoln Day Dinner in Sioux Falls whether he will challenge Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle. Sources close to Thune say he is likely to run.
Argus Leader: Race would return South Dakota to national spotlight
Say it ain't so, Rudy
• Former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani is being asked to explain how he spent more than $8,000 in funds for his aborted 2000 campaign for Senate.
Newsday: Giuliani asked to explain spending of 2000 campaign funds
Compiled by John Mercurio
