PoliClips Predicts
Edwards squeaks by in first for Dems
Romney beats out Huckabee for GOP

Quick Clips

McCain Overtakes Romney In New N.H. Primary Poll
During winter recess, Democrats keep Congress in session to thwart Bush
Long-shot Biden waits for winnowing
Staying on Message
Strategist has her feet on the ground in Iowa
Economists Warm Up to Edwards
Edwards Closes with Supporter’s Voice
An Endorsement the Edwards Camp Isn’t Bragging About
A Courtroom Voice
Edwards echoes Bush in asking for vote
Betting on His Troops
Obama fires up Waterloo on eve of caucuses
Obama: 'People are willing to look beyond race'
Optimistic Obama looks ahead
Obama Has to Hope Cheers Equal Votes
GOP base scatters to rival camps
Giuliani Keeps Campaign Focus on Terrorism
Back on the stump, Giuliani now trails in poll
Huckanomics
A Laugh About the Lord
Leno, Huckabee brave picket line
Huckabee gets 10 late-night minutes before the big day
Stressing Experience
John McCain faces the age issue, head-on
Defining Expectations in N.H. with McCain
Ann Romney Steps to Fore To Soften Spouse's Image
Ending a Long Journey
Romney in Iowa: Love at first sight
Romney Contemplates the Race Beyond Iowa
Thompson Campaign Fades in Iowa
Political Field Is Panned by Bloomberg
With Iowa and New Hampshire races close, a hustle for turnout
Candidates do their last-minute shouting in Iowa's wide-open field
Not caucusing? Most of Iowa won't either
Iowa caucus-goers are also neighbors, friends
Money can't buy victory in Iowa, history shows
Populist Message Gets Louder As Iowa Caucus Kicks Off Race
By Elizabeth Holmes, Laura Meckler and Aaron Rutkoff
In This Farm Town, Gurus Transcend Party Politics
Cultivating Votes in Iowa
Using Markets to Handicap Iowa
Iowans Hear Barrage of Final Pleas for First ’08 Votes
Iowa Is Uncertain as Out-of-State Students Return
End of the beginning: Iowa poised to vote
Turning up heat for turnout
Iowa going down to the wire
Field is wide open for Thursday's Iowa caucuses
Edge in Iowa hard to find among key groups
Politicians love, loathe Iowa caucus system
'State of nice people' frowns on negative politics
Candidates Travel State In Last-Minute Rally
8 Questions Iowa Could Answer
Just Like Stock Markets, Political Markets Can Overshoot
Fatigue Factor Gives Equal Time to Candidates
Iraq War Taking Back Seat to Domestic Issues
For Democrats, Too Many Good Picks; For Republicans, an Easier Path
With Nods to the Strike, Late-Night Hosts Return
Is Pakistan Pivotal for al Qaeda?
Justice Dept. Sets Criminal Inquiry Into C.I.A. Tapes

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During winter recess, Democrats keep Congress in session to thwart Bush

By Gail Russell Chaddock
Christian Science Monitor
January 3, 2008

The tactic is a result of a 'press for presidential power,' some analysts say. But it's too early to tell whether the use of pro forma sessions will mean no more recess appointments by the president…

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BIDEN

Long-shot Biden waits for winnowing

By Rick Pearson
Chicago Tribune
January 3, 2008

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — Joe Biden's pitch to voters is a ride on an emotional and political roller coaster…

CLINTON

Staying on Message

By Patrick Healy
New York Times
January 3, 2008

Everything was picture-perfect: Hundreds of cheering supporters encircling Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton as she spoke in a college gymnasium in Cedar Rapids, with two huge American flags behind her and sunlight streaming through the windows…

Strategist has her feet on the ground in Iowa

By Robin Abcarian
Los Angeles Times
January 3, 2008

Clinton's state director, a self-described control freak, organizes precincts, arranges for walks to be shoveled and does plenty more. It's all on the line Thursday…

EDWARDS

Economists Warm Up to Edwards

By David Leonhardt
New York Times
January 2, 2008

The Democratic candidate boasts a new list of supporting economists…

Edwards Closes with Supporter’s Voice

By Sarah Wheaton
New York Times
January 2, 2008

John Edwards, known for his closing arguments both as a trial lawyer and as a candidate in Iowa in 2004, is letting a supporter do it for him this time around…

An Endorsement the Edwards Camp Isn’t Bragging About

By Katharine Q. Seelye
New York Times
January 2, 2008

John Edwards received Ralph Nader's endorsement, but the campaign hasn't had much to say about it…

A Courtroom Voice

By Julie Bosman
New York Times
January 3, 2008

John Edwards honed his speaking style over 20 years as a trial lawyer in small courtrooms in North Carolina, and on the final day of campaigning before the Iowa caucuses, he put those skills to work once again in the small, intimate places where he has most captivated audiences as a campaigner…

Edwards echoes Bush in asking for vote

By Monique Garcia
Chicago Tribune
January 3, 2008

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa- John Edwards told a crowd here today that he learned a hard lesson after an unsuccessful presidential bid four years ago…

OBAMA

Betting on His Troops

By Jeff Zeleny
New York Times
January 3, 2008

Before Senator Barack Obama of Illinois settled into his airplane seat to fly around Iowa one last time this week, he smiled when asked about his chances in the caucuses, saying, “I’m putting my money on my organization.”

Obama fires up Waterloo on eve of caucuses

By John McCormick
Chicago Tribune
January 3, 2008

WATERLOO, Iowa – In a city where African-Americans represent 12 percent of the population, Sen. Barack Obama and his wife campaigned this evening, as the clock before the Iowa caucuses dipped below 24 hours…

Obama: 'People are willing to look beyond race'

By John McCormick and Christi Parsons
Chicago Tribune
January 3, 2008

DAVENPORT, Iowa -- As his campaign bus cut a swath through the Iowa countryside, a place as metaphorically white as the thick blanket of snow covering its towns and farm fields, Barack Obama today considered his place in the landscape with a sense of optimism…

Optimistic Obama looks ahead
Regardless of outcome of caucuses, impact on national political scene cannot be denied

By John McCormick and Christi Parsons
Chicago Tribune
January 3, 2008

DAVENPORT, Iowa — As his campaign bus cut a swath through the Iowa countryside, a thick blanket of snow covering the towns and farm fields, Barack Obama on Wednesday considered his place in the landscape with a sense of optimism…

Obama Has to Hope Cheers Equal Votes

By Dana Milbank
Washington Post
January 3, 2008

On the eve of the Iowa caucuses, Barack Obama decided to start the polling early…

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THE FIELD

GOP base scatters to rival camps

By Janet Hook and Michael Finnegan
Los Angeles Times
January 3, 2008

No one has been able to assemble a coalition, as Reagan did. The breach, evident in Iowa, could hobble the nominee…

GIULIANI

Giuliani Keeps Campaign Focus on Terrorism

By Michael Cooper
New York Times
January 3, 2008

Rudolph W. Giuliani released a graphic new TV ad in New Hampshire in which scenes of Osama bin Laden firing a rifle segue to the smoking wreckage of the World Trade Center…

Back on the stump, Giuliani now trails in poll

By Jim Tankersley
Chicago Tribune
January 3, 2008

Rudy Giuliani resurfaced on the Republican presidential campaign trail Wednesday, as media attention focused on his rivals in Iowa and a new poll showed his once-commanding national lead had vanished…

HUCKABEE

Huckanomics

By David D. Kirkpatrick
New York Times
January 2, 2008

The Republican candidate continues his patch for working families, with a few twists…

A Laugh About the Lord

By David D. Kirkpatrick
New York Times
January 3, 2008

“People ask me, ‘Do you believe in resurrection?’” Mike Huckabee told a few hundred people in Sergeant Bluff, outside Sioux City, on his final campaign swing through Iowa. “Of course I do. Dead people vote in every election we have in Arkansas. Resurrection is real to us!”

Leno, Huckabee brave picket line

By Victoria Kim
Los Angeles Times
January 3, 2008

The late night jokester's first show back featured "corny" self-written jokes. The GOP hopeful managed to be funny, said viewers…

Huckabee gets 10 late-night minutes before the big day

Los Angeles Times Top of the Ticket
January 3, 2008

With Jay Leno, he continues painting a genial normal-guy portrait while Clinton cracks one joke on Letterman…

McCAIN

Stressing Experience

By Marc Santora
New York Times
January 3, 2008

“I am too old to be scared,” Senator John McCain said jokingly Wednesday in New Hampshire when asked yet again if he worried how the results in Iowa would affect his chances. Then, with a self-knowing wink, the 71-year-old Mr. McCain said, “I am too young to be scared.”

John McCain faces the age issue, head-on

Los Angeles Times Top of the Ticket
January 3, 2008

At 71, he's putting in 14-hour comeback campaign days and gains energy as the long days go on…

Defining Expectations in N.H. with McCain

By Lois Romano
Washington Post
January 3, 2008

PEMBROKE, N.H. -- As his GOP competitors tripped over each other in Iowa, a very relaxed and confident appearing John McCain today segued back to New Hampshire, where polls show him neck and neck with former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney…

ROMNEY

Ann Romney Steps to Fore To Soften Spouse's Image

By Elizabeth Holmes
Wall Street Journal
January 3, 2008

SIOUX CENTER, Iowa -- After a 10-minute stump speech in a mall food court here last week, Mitt Romney announced it was time for his wife, Ann, to talk. "She's better than I am," he said…

Ending a Long Journey

By Michael Luo
New York Times
January 3, 2008

When Mitt Romney was asked Wednesday at a news conference to reflect upon his emotions as his long journey in Iowa draws to a close, he could not help but turn it into another pitch…

Romney in Iowa: Love at first sight

By Monique Garcia
Chicago Tribune
January 3, 2008

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – If flattery gets you everywhere, then Mitt Romney has a pretty good chance during tomorrow night's caucus…

Romney Contemplates the Race Beyond Iowa

By Michael D. Shear
Washington Post
January 3, 2008

BETTENDORF, Iowa -- With one day left before the Iowa caucus is over, Mitt Romney has already started looking past the state to his next big challenge: John McCain…

THOMPSON

Thompson Campaign Fades in Iowa
After Promising Start, Prospects Appear Dim; Losing the Register

By Amy Schatz
Wall Street Journal
January 3, 2008

DES MOINES, Iowa -- As a noncandidate, Fred Thompson could command the Tonight Show with Jay Leno to deliver his political message. Now, the would-be savior of the conservative coalition can barely get coverage from the Des Moines Register…

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BLOOMBERG

Political Field Is Panned by Bloomberg

By Diane Cardwell
New York Times
January 3, 2008

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg suggested Wednesday that his potential presidential rivals are offering meaningless bromides rather than serious answers to the problems confronting the country…

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With Iowa and New Hampshire races close, a hustle for turnout

By Linda FeldmannChristian Science Monitor
January 3, 2008

Most polls show a very close race among the top candidates in both parties, so the outcome hinges …

Candidates do their last-minute shouting in Iowa's wide-open field

By Johanna Neuman and Mark Z. Barabak
Los Angeles Times
January 3, 2008

Candidates swarmed the state of Iowa in person and on television today in advance of Thursday's caucuses, which could give new meaning to the term "front-runner" in the most open presidential race in 80 years…

Not caucusing? Most of Iowa won't either

By James Rainey and Seema Mehta
Los Angeles Times
January 3, 2008

Political activists can't wait for Thursday's presidential contests, but the vast majority of eligible voters will stay away, unwilling to commit hours to politics on a work and school night…

Iowa caucus-goers are also neighbors, friends

By Scott Martelle
Los Angeles Times
January 3, 2008

The competition is usually free of the rancor that may tinge the larger campaign, election leaders say…

Money can't buy victory in Iowa, history shows

By Dan Morain
Los Angeles Times
January 3, 2008

Presidential hopefuls have set spending records, but those who spend the most don't necessarily win…

Populist Message Gets Louder As Iowa Caucus Kicks Off Race

By Jackie Calmes and Amy Schatz
Wall Street Journal
January 3, 2008

DES MOINES, Iowa -- As Iowans kick off the unusually tight presidential nominating contest tonight, they will offer the first test of whether a populist message can resonate in the 2008 campaign…

Who's Leading in the Ad Primary?
Our Expert Panel Weighs In on Campaign Spots; A Hit Commercial Doesn't Always Bring in Votes

By Elizabeth Holmes, Laura Meckler and Aaron Rutkoff
Wall Street Journal
January 3, 2008

As Iowans prepare to vote on presidential candidates in caucuses tonight, most ad-overdosed folks roll their eyes at the mention of a political commercial. "I don't think they're going to speak to me in 30 seconds," says Jerry Bowman of Davenport…

In This Farm Town, Gurus Transcend Party Politics
Candidates Meet and GreetFairfield's Meditators; Yogic Flyers Gather Tonight

By Christopher Cooper
Wall Street Journal
January 3, 2008

FAIRFIELD, Iowa -- In the run-up to today's caucuses in Iowa, candidates have had to scrutinize the issues that move voters here. In this town, many care less about immigration than meditation…

Cultivating Votes in Iowa
Candidates Make Last Barnstorming Run

By Amy Chozick
Wall Street Journal
January 3, 2008

DUNLAP, Iowa -- Standing on the stage at a livestock auction here last month, New York Sen. Hillary Clinton compared the experience to her months of trying to win over undecided voters for today's caucus…

Using Markets to Handicap Iowa

By Justin Wolfers
Wall Street Journal
January 3, 2008

The one sure bet about this Thursday's Iowa caucuses is that each campaign will claim to have outperformed expectations, and that by Friday morning, each will be claiming to benefit from subsequent "momentum." And so we begin the strange ritual of each campaign playing down expectations, so that they can exceed them…

Iowans Hear Barrage of Final Pleas for First ’08 Votes

By Jeff Zeleny
New York Times
January 3, 2008

DES MOINES — A yearlong prelude to the presidential election drew to a frenzied close on Wednesday here as Iowans absorbed a final torrent of campaign arguments before the state’s caucuses formally open the race for the White House…

Iowa Is Uncertain as Out-of-State Students Return

By Katharine Q. Seelye
New York Times
January 3, 2008

One of the $64,000-questions about Thursday’s Iowa caucuses is how much students from out of state will influence the outcome…

End of the beginning: Iowa poised to vote

By Rick Pearson and Michael Tackett
Chicago Tribune
January 3, 2008

The end of the beginning of an exhaustive, expensive and so far inconclusive race for the White House will take shape Thursday night when Iowans vote in their caucuses in the most wide open presidential contest since 1952…

Turning up heat for turnout
Campaigns look to widen number of Iowans at caucuses

By John McCormick and John Chase
Chicago Tribune
January 3, 2008

The frigid campus of Drake University, one of the larger schools in Iowa, was something of a ghost town Tuesday…

Iowa going down to the wire

USA Today
January 3, 2008

With the Iowa caucuses a day away and polls showing extraordinarily close races in both parties, presidential candidates were crisscrossing the state Wednesday while their staffs launched last-minute advertising and get-out-the-vote campaigns…

Field is wide open for Thursday's Iowa caucuses

By Kathy Kiely
USA Today
January 3, 2008

DES MOINES — On their last full day of campaigning before Iowa voters kick off the presidential nominating process Thursday night, Republican and Democratic candidates made last-minute appeals in person and on television…

Edge in Iowa hard to find among key groups

By Jill Lawrence
USA Today
January 3, 2008

Democratic candidates are having a hard time gaining advantage among women and union members, two groups that could determine who wins the…

Politicians love, loathe Iowa caucus system

By Kathy Kiely
USA Today
January 3, 2008

Determining the next leader of the free world may come down to mastering these details: Finding babysitters for potential voters. Having…

'State of nice people' frowns on negative politics

By Kathy Kiely and David Jackson
USA Today
January 3, 2008

The campaign to win Iowa's presidential caucuses Thursday is winding down with a flurry of artfully thrown elbows and well-placed jabs in a…

Candidates Travel State In Last-Minute Rally

By Michael D. Shear and Anne E. Kornblut
Washington Post
January 3, 2008

Contenders in search of victory and momentum appeal to voters in the earliest-starting, most expensive campaign in Iowa history…

8 Questions Iowa Could Answer

By Dan Balz
Washington Post
January 3, 2008

1) Will Either Race End in Iowa? The only race that could is in the Democratic Party and only if Hillary Clinton wins a big victory. Iowa has proved resistant to the Clinton brand, and she has struggled there throughout the year. But her final days of campaigning have been solid, and a victory, no matter how narrow, would be a big boost for her…

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Just Like Stock Markets, Political Markets Can Overshoot

By Brett Arends
Wall Street Journal
January 3, 2008

This presidential election season, political betting markets are a hot topic. Major news sources and other authorites are citing their ability to predict outcomes. The Wall Street Journal has teamed up with Intrade, a political futures market where you can "trade" on candidates' future performance or see how others assess their chances…

Fatigue Factor Gives Equal Time to Candidates

By Mark Leibovich
New York Times
January 3, 2008

Any candidate will attest that the epic fight now is against sleep deprivation, the gaffe-inducing monster that looms over a campaign in its final hours…

Iraq War Taking Back Seat to Domestic Issues

By Adam Nagourney
New York Times
January 3, 2008

Economic anxiety may be at least matching national security as a factor driving the 2008 presidential contest as the voting begins…

For Democrats, Too Many Good Picks; For Republicans, an Easier Path

By Jodi Kantor
New York Times
January 3, 2008

Many Democrats in Iowa have been in a state of happy paralysis. Republican voters, by contrast, sounded more decisive…

With Nods to the Strike, Late-Night Hosts Return

By Jacques Steinberg and Bill Carter
New York Times
January 3, 2008

Eight weeks after their writers went on strike and plunged their shows into reruns, Jay Leno, David Letterman and Conan O’Brien returned to late-night television Wednesday with original shows in which both the Iowa caucuses and the new facial hair on two of the hosts loomed large…

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Is Pakistan Pivotal for al Qaeda?
Islamist Group's Losses Elsewhere Raise Its Stake in South Asian Strife

By Jay Solomon and Siobhan Gorman
Wall Street Journal
January 3, 2008

The current chaos in Pakistan could turn into a defining moment in the fight against Islamist extremism…

Justice Dept. Sets Criminal Inquiry Into C.I.A. Tapes

By Mark Mazzetti and David Johnston
New York Times
January 3, 2008

The Justice Department elevated its inquiry into the destruction of C.I.A. interrogation videotapes to a formal criminal investigation headed by a career federal prosecutor…