From NBC's Chuck Todd
As Keith and I said during the pre-game, look for Obama to agree with Clinton every chance he gets; he just did it on health care.

 

From NBC's Chuck Todd
Obama appears to be very comfortable going right back after her on health care, even dropping the word "whine."  She's also got a tough, but not desperate, tone; about the right balance so far.

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Is Obama trying to go for the kill tonight? We've heard about a lot of this already. But that Obama is lobbing the attacks (albe-them) gently. We've talked about Clinton blurring the lines. This is Obama wanting to make sure he preemptively addressed tactics strongly first.

From NBC's Mark Murray
Clinton: "We have no evidence where it came from."

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Don't be fooled by the cordial tone. It all sounds nice, but Obama is tackling the mailers head on, defending them and perhaps baiting Clinton to get riled up?

From NBC's Mark Murray 
CLEVELAND -- Sen. Clinton isn't backing away from her "Shame on you, Barack Obama" comments from the weekend. Earlier today, she admitted that she might have been a little hot.

She certainly isn't hot at this debate, but she isn't backing down.

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Is this the porridge being just right -- pointing out differences without being angry? She's assertive, but empathetic as NBC's Ron Allen pointed out when she was on the trail today.

From NBC's Mark Murray 
CLEVELAND -- About five minutes until tonight's Democratic debate, the final one before the March 4 primaries. Check in early and often for instant analysis and observations.

From NBC's Ben Weltman
No hurt feelings? Well, actually conservative radio host Bill Cunningham has got some. After ranting and raving during his introduction for McCain in Cincinnati, "Willie" booked it out of there to host his three hour radio show. As previously noted by First Read McCain apologized for Cunningham's comments and took full responsibility for allowing him to appear at his event.

During the second hour of his show, "Willie" became Wild Bill when he attacked McCain for apologizing.
 
"He just threw me under the bus for the national media. I have had it," Cunningham blasted. "With McCain and -- I'm going to endorse Hillary Clinton. I want Hillary Clinton to become the next president of the United States. I am going to throw my support behind Hillary Clinton."

Overall breakdown: Cunningham attacked Obama. McCain apologized for the attack.  Cunningham endorsed Clinton instead of McCain. And Huckabee, who one would figure would receive Cunningham's endorsement after today, was left out.

From NBC/NJ's Carrie Dann
DALLAS, Texas -- Last week, Teams Obama and Clinton engaged in a good old fashioned slugfest over the political tradition of ripping off other people's catchy lines. Caught sampling liberally from the lofty rhetoric of pal Deval Patrick, Obama responded to charges of plagiarism by pointing out his opponent's occasional use of his favorite slogans, including the patented "Fired up, ready to go!"

Today, Clinton's No. 1 surrogate tossed out one of Obama's campaign catchphrases to distinguish his wife's campaign from her competitor's. 

"This is change you can believe in," said Bill Clinton of the policies his wife has proposed. "This is change you can count on."

"Change you can believe in" is the central theme of Obama's campaign, serves as his backdrop for speeches and is emblazoned on Obama T-shirts, posters and bumper stickers.

It's unclear whether Clinton was using the phrase deliberately. At a later rally in Grapeland, Texas, he stuck to the "change you can count on" contrast he's been using throughout Texas.

Clinton went on to mimic the argument of some Obama supporters that fatigue with the status quo trumps experience.

"We know you can do this," he said, repeating the argument of a hypothetical voter speaking to his wife, "but we're sorry. Because things have been so bad the last seven years, we're going to erase the slate and just let somebody new govern."

Clinton added that "he is a very impressive somebody new," praising Obama as "really, really good."

"But I believe that doing something for your country is a recommendation to be president," he concluded.

Clinton's premise raises the interesting argument that George W. Bush might ironically be the one to blame for Hillary's struggle to gain traction in a political environment so focused on change.

"I realize that Vice President Cheney and President Bush have given experience a bad name," he joked.

From MSNBC's Adam Verdugo
In an interview with MSNBC's Norah O'Donnell today, DNC Chairman Howard Dean answered questions as to whether he would broker a deal in the Democratic race to prevent a protracted nomination fight.

"I think when someone gets to 2,025 it will be pretty clear," Dean said.

O'Donnell pointed out, "Well that's not going to happen in March or April, Governor."

"It could," Dean responded, "because I think you're already seeing movement among the superdelegates, the unpledged delegates and there will be more pledged delegates assigned as we go through this next round of primaries."

Dean ended with this prediction: "I think the odds are much better than 50-50 that the nominee will be decided before we ever get to Denver."

From NBC/NJ's Matthew Berger
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Huckabee said a formal request to debate is forthcoming, after the McCain camp left a window open for a forum among the remaining Republican presidential candidates.

"If they're willing to debate based on an invitation from us, consider it done, and we'll make it more formal by, let's see, its 2:30, give us an hour," he said. (Note. "If that's all we're waiting on, it sounds like all they're waiting on is an invitation."

He then jokingly started asking campaign embeds if their networks would host it.

Huckabee had said earlier that they had made it perfectly clear that they wanted to debate McCain, but the Republican frontrunner said they were unaware of that request.

Talking to media after a rally, Huckabee also said that Hillary Clinton was thoroughly vetted during her time in Arkansas, but may not have the experience to be president.

"She's been examined far more thoroughly than her opponent in the Democrat primary," he said. "But are there are still things about Hillary that the country would need to know before they elect her president? Sure, because it¹s different being the wife of a president and being the president. And I know that she's talked about her experience, but you know, to say that being married to the president gives you the experience to be president would be like me saying, you know, that being married to my wife gives me the capacity to explain child birth because after all I've been married to her and she's given birth to our three children. I'd probably get slapped in the face by her if I suggested that I knew as much about child birth as she does because I've been married to her."

*** UPDATE *** The Huckabee campaign is saying the campaign has accepted invitations from Value Voters to debate on Thursday in Ohio and Monday in San Antonio. The campaign has also offered Lincoln-Douglas type debates with McCain

From NBC/NJ's Adam Aigner-Treworgy
CINCINATTI, Ohio -- Before McCain took the stage this morning at the Hamilton County Memorial Hall, conservative radio host Bill Cunningham had already created the news of the day. In his efforts to rally the crowd before McCain's arrival, Cunningham went after the mainstream media and their treatment of Obama, who he called a "hack, Chicago-style, Daley politician."
 
"At some point in the near future the media -- the stooges from the New York Times, CBS the Clinton Broadcasting System, NBC the Nobody But Clinton network, the All Bill Clinton channel ABC, and the Clinton News Network -- at some point is going to peel the bark off Barack Hussein Obama," Cunningham said. "That day will come, then you'll know the truth about his business dealings with Rezko, when he got sweetheart deals in Chicago and the illegal loans that he received."
 
Using Obama's middle name is a tactic employed by many conservative pundits to connect the Democrat with Sadam Hussein and Islamic terrorism and to paint him as a Muslim. Speaking to reporters after the rally, McCain repudiated the tactic and distanced himself from both Cunningham and his comments.
 
"I have repeatedly stated my respect for Sen. Obama and Sen. Clinton, that I will treat them with respect," McCain said before any questions were asked. "I will call them senator, that we will have a respectful debate, as I have said on hundreds of occasions. I regret any comments that may be made, about these two individuals who are honorable Americans.

"We just have strong philosophical differences, so I want to disassociate myself with any disparaging remarks that may have been said about them…I did not set up the program but I take full responsibility."

Of the apology, the Obama campaign said, "We appreciate Senator McCain's remarks. It is a sign that if there is a McCain-Obama general election, it can be intensely competitive but the candidates will attempt to keep it respectful and focused on issues."
 
McCain also seemed to distance himself slightly from his comments yesterday that the Iraq war would "over soon," by refusing to specify how soon he was talking about.
 
"[The comment] means soon. It means the word soon, S-O-O-N," McCain joked. "It's an important question, and I don't mean to make light of it. I think in the coming months that we will continue to reduce our casualties and gain more and more control of the country."
 
Several videos released by the Democratic Nation Committee outline the Democrats' likely line of attack against McCain during this election by showing the Republican underestimating the projected length of the Iraq war over the years since the war began. He might have given them some more video fodder yesterday.

From NBC/NJ's Adam Aigner-Treworgy and Matthew Berger
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- After Huckabee earlier said he'd like to debate McCain again, McCain said the Huckabee campaign has never contacted his staff for a debate. But he left the door open for a face-to-face meeting.

"I did not know that he had sought to do that," McCain said in Cincinnati. "In fact, we've had 16 debates since this campaign began, and I've been engaged in every one of them. So, I would certainly consider that proposal."

Huckabee campaign national chairman Chip Saltsman said here that the campaign had not officially sent a letter or contacted the McCain campaign seeking a debate, but reiterated Huckabee's words that the campaign had "made it very clear" they wanted a forum. He also said there had been plans for a debate but the television network scheduled to air it backed out.

From NBC's Ron Allen
LORAIN, Ohio -- Hillary Clinton is at a town hall here, listening to an elderly man vent about financial problems; he's either losing or lost his house -- he was hard to understand because of an accent. It was a very odd moment, with Clinton standing just a few feet from him. It was a bit tense because he was so emotional. Clinton accepted an envelope from him and promised to help. She has two residents on stage with her who are facing foreclosures; they told their stories to the crowd.
 
The only jab at Obama: "Hope is not a plan...," in her opening her remarks.

Today, it was Hillary Clinton full of compassion and empathy for working people facing foreclosure, mountains of school loans, and taxes.

After anger, sarcasm, today it was empathy. At one point she said, "I got a little hot there the other day in Cincinnati...." and says she was really mad, because Obama was sending YOU false, misleading and discredited information.

*** UPDATE *** NBC/NJ's Athena Jones adds... Here's Clinton's full quote:
"This is a big difference in this campaign between me and my opponent. You see, I believe in quality affordable healthcare for everyone, and some of you may have seen. I got a little, uh, a little hot over the weekend down in Cincinnati," she said to cheers and applause. "Because I don't mind having a debate. I don't mind airing our differences, but I really mind it when Sen. Obama's campaign sends you literature in the mail that is false, misleading and has been discredited. That is not the way to run a campaign to pick the Democratic nominee for president."

Ohio and Texas are must-win states for Clinton and recent polls show Obama closing the gap in the former, although Clinton still leads, and show him leading her in Texas. Two other polls give the Illinois senator a double-digit lead nationally.

During the moment when the disabled veteran asked a long, difficult to understand question that seemed to have something to do with losing his home and being a good parent, Clinton held the microphone for him and listened intently as he spoke before accepting a packet of papers from him and saying she would try to help.

From NBC/NJ's Carrie Dann
DALLAS, TX -- On the day of the last Democratic debate in battleground state of Ohio, Bill Clinton has sunny predictions for his wife's performance in the Buckeye State.

"I've just been in Ohio -- looks like she's going to win Ohio," he predicted. "She's winning there. It looks good."

He later plugged her experience and change-making potential: "Change you can count on is coming from her. And you know it. You know she'll always have your back."

From NBC/NJ's Aswini Anburajan
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- With a silver head of hair, a DNC chairmanship under his belt and 30 years in the U.S. Senate, Sen. Chris Dodd endorsed his one-time rival for the presidency with the air of a senior statesman anointing the next nominee.
 
"I believe that Barack Obama has the experience, the ability the vision to lead this country, to make a difference both at home and abroad," Dodd said, adding later, "The hour is getting late. That opportunity is not going to last forever. I believe the world wants to see [the U.S.] get back on [its] feet again. And I believe that Barack Obama gives us the opportunity to do that."
 
He joked that he had hoped this would have happened the other way around when he took the podium, before going on to praise Obama. Dodd said he had been moved by the crowds that have come to see Obama and the sentiment that he'd stirred in young people and across the country. He added that careful observation of Obama over the past four years had led him to this endorsement.
 
"I think the ability of Barack Obama has brought to this, to reach out and attract the kind of response, is certainly something none of us have seen in a long time in American politics -- certainly in the last generation," Dodd said. "The kind of response where we saw in this primary the crowds showing up, many of them coming to listen and hear for the first time, but walking away convinced they were hearing something different contributed I think to the judgment I had today to support this candidacy. 
 
However, Dodd also used his position as a senior member in the party to make a veiled argument for a quick resolution to the nominating contest, saying he was worried about the potential for divisiveness within the party and urged "the campaigns to be civil." He referenced past Democratic conventions where contentious nominating processes, he claimed, had caused the party to lose the general election. 
 
"And I just want to -- a cautionary note here, to campaigns and the people around them: be careful this week," Dodd said. "We have good people running. We have remarkable people running in these two candidates. And I know the temptation in campaigns, beyond the ability of the candidates themselves to control it, can get out of control. We've witnessed a little bit of that here … I wanted to… urge these campaigns to be careful.
 
"I don't want a campaign that is only divisive here, and there is a danger of it becoming that, not because the candidates want it, but too often the advisers, the consultants, others are seeking for that divisiveness."
 
Obama chimed in on this point to say that he had felt that overall the Democratic primary campaign had "proceeded with a lot of class." Referring to the photo circulated yesterday showing him in traditional Somali garb circulated yesterday, Obama argued that the photo wasn't circulated to "enhance his candidacy." But he appeared to acknowledge the strong tone of his campaign manager, David Plouffe, saying, "There would be dust-ups at the staff level" and it was up to the candidates to set the right tone. 
 
Dodd added that he had spoken to Clinton last night. "These are not easy conversations," Dodd said, adding praise for Clinton and her contributions to the country. He said he believed she would have contributions to make for many years to come.
 
"But it's the hour to come together," he added. "I appeal to Democrats, Independents, and others who will participate in the primary vote here next Tuesday, in Texas, Vermont and Rhode Island. This is the moment for Democrats and independents and others to come together, to get behind this candidacy."
 
He also said he "wasn't suggesting at all" that Clinton should drop out of the race, saying that the primary contests on March 4th were important elections to have. Asked why he had endorsed Obama after he had strongly criticized his foreign policy stances over the summer and had said that he wasn't ready to be president, Dodd argued, "We can't splice every statement made over the course of the campaign here."
 
"Obviously there are going to be some differences along the way here, not suggesting otherwise, we've had our diff and disagreements," Dodd said. "But we're making a judgment here far beyond specific statements that have been made or a press release that went out here. The judgment of an individual to be the standard bearer of a great national party, to win a national election and to lead our county."
 
Referencing the argument on experience, which he had hit Obama on during the campaign, Dodd claimed that there were concerns but Obama had demonstrated judgment and wisdom and appeal that surpassed his concerns in that regard. Dodd also said that he had reached out to try and contact John Edwards about his decision to endorse, but hadn't been able to reach him. He said Edwards would have a strong role to play in the Democratic Party
 
Asked about how he would respond if Clinton attacked him tonight and the potential for divisiveness if the tone degenerated during the debate and in the week leading up to the Ohio and Texas primaries, Obama said the debate would be vigorous but added he was sure it would be "conducted in a civil fashion." 

He also dismissed any increase in rhetoric but acknowledged that in the past even he has been at fault for having a negative tone.

"I think things have gotten a little hotter over the last couple of days," Obama said, "but these things have gone in sort in ebbs and flows. There have been tensions if you recall in South Carolina, and we had a pretty hot debate in Myrtle Beach. And I have to just speak for myself, when I looked in retrospect at that debate although I think there were some legitimate differences that were put out there. I'm not sure that my tone was always the one that I'd like to communicate. And I think it's important for me and for Senator Clinton to communicate to our staffs as well.

"We're both trying out for quarterback, but we're on the same team."
 
Dodd and Obama walked out of the press conference with their arms around each other. Any thought of VP nod was quickly put to rest by Dodd, though, who gave a short, "No," when asked about it.

*** UPDATE *** The RNC releases this attack on the news of Dodd's endorsement: "When Americans think of change, how many think of Chris Dodd? Dodd played a key role in combating FISA legislation, and it's no surprise he would now embrace the Senate's 'most liberal' member. This is only news because Dodd is endorsing a candidate for President whose policies he previously labeled as 'dangerous'."

From NBC's Kelly O'Donnell
CINCINNATI, Ohio -- One of the speakers before McCain took the stage used some noteworthy language this morning.

Bill Cunningham, who I am told is a radio host here, repeatedly referred to Obama as Barack Hussein Obama -- at least three times. (Hussein is, as most know, Obama's middle name.)

Cunningham's tone was derisive on Obama's positions, and he also spoke very critically of mainstream media accusing the collective media of trying to get Democrats elected.

Rob Portman, former US Trade Rep. under President George W. Bush, followed Cunningham and lightly chided him saying, "You're out of control again." But then thanked Cunningham for supporting McCain.

Portman, who is widely rumored to be in the McCain veepstakes running, endorsed McCain this morning as well.

McCain is not on stage yet.

*** UPDATE *** Two senior McCain advisors say, "We do not agree" with the comments made by radio host, Bill Cunningham at today's event. Advisors say they had no advance knowledge of Cunningham's comments.

The campaign says it invites radio hosts to "warm up the crowd" at some events but that Cunningham has no role in the campaign.

*** UPDATE 2 *** McCain repudiates and apologizes for the comments.
Before reporters could even ask about the provocative speaker, McCain addressed the issue, saying he repudiated the comments and has respect for his Democratic opponents. McCain said the use of "Hussein" as a political jab was not appropriate.

"I never met Mr. Cunningham," McCain said, "but I will make sure nothing like that ever happens again."

McCain accepted responsibility for the speaker while also saying he had not been in the room and had not heard the comments himself. McCain said he did not know how the radio host had been invited but acknowledged there must have been some coordination with his campaign.

McCain also spoke more about his own comments yesterday that the "war will be over soon." He did not give a time for what "soon" means. He reiterated that he accepts that his political fortunes and Iraq may be intertwined. He seemed to be reacting to the print reports yesterday that he had "retracted" his comment that he'd "lose" if he failed to convince the American people that US strategy is working.

From NBC/NJ's Matthew Berger
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Huckabee said his campaign has been asking the McCain campaign to debate them and suggested questions surrounding McCain's adherence to campaign finance laws raises doubts about his viability.

Speaking at a press conference that drew no reporters other than the six who travel with the candidate -- despite the national press corps in town for the Democratic debate -- the candidate said he wants to debate McCain.

"There's a race going on, and I wish Sen. McCain was debating me this weekend," Huckabee said. "I wish we were gonna be in Cleveland tonight on stage or in Dallas or in Houston or San Antonio or Austin or somewhere between now and Tuesday having a debate."

He said Republicans deserve a debate and that he was "disappointed" a forum between the remaining candidates hadn't been planned.

"We've made it very clear that we would love to have," he said, "whether it's a debate or a forum or Q and A, where both of us are there. I think any type of format would be acceptable to us and any location would be acceptable to us."

Huckabee said the race remained open while the McCain questions about his spending were in the air. "What can John McCain actually spend?" Huckabee asked. "And he seems to be almost being bitten by his own campaign finance reform act, and there are a lot of issues to be settled with what happens in his spending limits."

Huckabee added that McCain may have to "go completely dark between virtually now and the nomination convention."

Huckabee did not hold a public event in Cleveland, but did receive a private tour of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, before traveling to Columbus and Mason for rallies as well as a fundraiser in Dayton.

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
CLEVELAND -- "Meet me in Ohio," Clinton snapped at Obama on Saturday over his mailings that hit her on NAFTA and health care. "Let's have a debate about your tactics and your behavior in this campaign." And here we are. Tonight's debate, which takes place here at Cleveland State University, is the final debate until the pivotal March 4 contests in Ohio and Texas. And it could -- depending on what happens -- be the final debate of the Democratic race. It lasts from 9:00 pm ET to 10:30 pm ET, and it's moderated by NBC's Brian Williams, along with NBC's Tim Russert. One other thing: It is snowing here, and the local NBC affiliate forecasts up to eight inches of snow by this afternoon.

*** What to watch for: The $64,000 question is: Which Hillary shows up -- the one we saw at the end of the Austin debate, or Ms. "Xerox" and "Shame on you, Barack Obama"? Certainly, this unknown tone she'll take at tonight's debate has a way of forcing Obama to be prepared for anything. It's not a bad place for her to be, in control of the tenor of this debate. Of course, is there such thing, after 20 debates, as a knockout blow anymore? Maybe not for Clinton but possibly for Obama. If he handles all of her shots, then he could put this thing away. If he wobbles, it could be a long six days for the front-runner. And keep in mind: The debate will be broadcast on all of the NBC affiliates in Ohio, and with weather likely to keep folks inside, there's a captive audience. More importantly, if you want a clue as to which Clinton is showing up tonight, think about this fact: Not a single Clinton TV ad is negative on Obama right now, in either Ohio or Texas.

*** Can you hear me now? Curious, who is Clinton listening to right now? When the going gets tough for a candidate, most end up ignoring the advice of those who they believe failed them for the last year and start only listening to a select few. Who are those select few anymore, besides husband Bill? Is it Maggie Williams? Ann Lewis? Mandy Grunwald? Has Mark Penn lost his place at the table? This may be why there are so many freelancers taking credit for Clinton saying she'll do this, or Clinton saying she'll do that. There's a lot of advice circulating, but we're guessing only a select few folks left in the Clinton inner-circle that the candidate is listening to.

*** Is a win a win? With tonight's debate and yesterday's Quinnipiac poll showing that Obama has cut her lead in Ohio from 21 points to 11 in about two weeks, it's probably worth posing this question: What happens if Clinton wins Ohio, but just by a point or two? A win is a win, of course. But is there something to say for making up nearly 20 points? Then again, with two new polls showing Obama leading Clinton nationally by double digits -- 51%-39% per USA Today/Gallup and 54%-38% per the New York Times/CBS -- the Clinton campaign would celebrate any win, no matter the margin. Nevertheless, according to our delegate math, Clinton winning both Ohio and Texas by 52%-48% would net her a combined 5-6 delegates. Yet toss in a potential Obama landslide in Vermont, and then her net March 4 haul could be as little as 2-5 delegates.

*** A split decision? While Clinton continues to lead the contest in Ohio, that's no longer true in Texas, according to a new CNN survey. In that poll, it's Obama 50%, Clinton 46%. A week ago, per the CNN poll, it was Clinton 50%, Obama 48%. Is it becoming more likely that March 4 becomes a split decision, with Clinton winning Ohio and Obama Texas? And if so, what does that mean? Does the race still go on? And speaking of those new national polls, how demoralizing is it for Terry McAuliffe to have to attempt to raise money today with what's on the front pages of the New York Times and USA Today? Should Clinton folks be worried that rank-and-file Dems who view the two Dems equally favorably are simply falling in line behind the front-runner?
 
*** No Dodd about it: While all the vanquished GOP presidential candidates this cycle have seemed to endorse someone after their departure (Giuliani, Romney, Brownback for McCain; Hunter for Huckabee), not a single Democrat has weighed in -- until now. Per the AP, Dodd will endorse Obama today in Cleveland, and an Obama campaign source tells First Read it will occur at this morning's press conference at 9:30 am ET. And, yes, Dodd becomes yet another superdelegate pickup for Obama. Perhaps it's only fitting that Dodd is endorsing on a debate day. It was Dodd's attack on Clinton on the driver's license issue for illegal aliens that seemed to be the beginning of the steady fall we've witnessed over the last four months since that Philly debate.

*** All about Iraq: Though some may think McCain let something slip yesterday with his remark about his campaign potentially being a referendum on Iraq, don't buy it. This is what McCain wants this election to be about. He can't have this be a domestic election, it's not his strong suit so by giving straight talk on Iraq, it's pretty clear he knows if he can turn this election in a safety and national security election, he's got a boxer's chance. If this thing is about the economy, it may not matter who the GOP nominee is; it could be a potential disaster for the party. But the problem for McCain? If Iraq seems stable this summer, then that could force the electorate to not worry about it as much. It's a real box McCain may be in as far as the issue landscape.

*** On the trail: Before tonight's debate, Clinton holds a town hall in Lorain, OH; Huckabee also is in Ohio, campaigning in Columbus and Mason; McCain is in Cincinnati and West Chester and then raises money in Tyler, TX; and Obama holds that press conference this morning in Cleveland. Also, Bill Clinton is in Texas.

Countdown to Ohio and Texas: 7 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 252 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 329 days

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The Cleveland Plain Dealer has a primer on tonight's debate. "The large arena [at Cleveland State University] has been shrunk to an intimate theater holding 1,600 seats. The bulk of the tickets were distributed through each campaign." Regarding the format, there are just a few rules. "Candidates will be asked to limit their responses to a reasonable length. There are no opening or closing statements." 

The New York Times helps tee up the debate. "After struggling for months to dent Senator Barack Obama's candidacy, the campaign of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton is now unleashing what one Clinton aide called a "kitchen sink" fusillade against Mr. Obama, pursuing five lines of attack since Saturday in hopes of stopping his political momentum. The effort underscores not only Mrs. Clinton's recognition that the next round of primaries … are must-win contests for her. It also reflects her advisers' belief that they can persuade many undecided voters to embrace her at the last minute by finally drawing sharply worded, attention-grabbing contrasts with Mr. Obama."

More: "[A]t a fund-raiser Sunday night in Boston, Mrs. Clinton told supporters that in the coming days, she planned to highlight what she called 'the experience gap' between her and Mr. Obama. Indeed, her advisers said Monday that she planned to hit this theme during the candidates' Tuesday debate, though they said she would try to avoid making harsh personal attacks on Mr. Obama, particularly since Mrs. Clinton drew widespread attention and praise at the debate last week for saying she was 'honored' to be on the same stage with him." 

Clinton keeps going back to experience because it fits the message box, but are voters responding? Again, we go back to every previous change election where the losing candidate tried to play the experience card; it helps close a race, but never seems to help win a race: see Gore '00, Bush '92, Carter '80, Ford '76 and Nixon '60. Change won out in each of those years.

Politico writes that the Clinton campaign is in "full recriminations mode." "Looking backward, interviews with a cross-section of campaign aides and sympathetic outsiders suggest a team consumed with frustration and finger-pointing about the apparent failure of several recent tactical moves against Barack Obama. Looking forward, it is clear Clinton's team has only a faint and highly improvisational strategy about what to do over the next seven days. Simply put, there is no secret weapon."

"At Tuesday night's debate in Ohio, aides are mapping plans for drawing persistent attention to Obama's record without attempting any knock-out punch theatrics that could backfire. Many recent decisions have done exactly that. This has left the campaign awash in anger over who is to blame."

At a Monitor breakfast yesterday, Clinton adviser Harold Ickes didn't pull any punches about Clinton's need to win Texas and Ohio. "While the campaign is still confident that the senator can capture the nomination, 'if we lose in Texas and Ohio, Mrs. Clinton will have to make her decision as to whether she goes forward or not,' … Ickes told reporters at a breakfast meeting… After the meeting, Ickes said it would be nearly impossible for Clinton to end the primary season with a majority of pledged delegates - those determined by the results of primaries and caucuses. Instead, Clinton would need the votes of superdelegates to pull ahead of Obama, he said."

Ickes also "likened Barack Obama to George McGovern's 1972 failed candidacy Monday, telling a breakfast group of reporters that if there had been Democratic superdelegates that year, they might well have voted for someone else for fear McGovern couldn't win against Richard Nixon."

OHIO: Per NBC/NJ's Aswini Anburajan, a crowd of 11,000 people filled a small basketball arena at the University of Dayton last evening, applauding Obama at almost every line and breaking into chants of "Yes, we can!" After the crowd had broken into an enthusiastic rallying cry yet again, Obama replied, "Yes, we can. We can do these things if you are ready for change. But I've gotta say in the waning days of this campaign, a lot of people are saying ,"no no no, don't believe." First of all, they say I haven't been in Washington long enough," he said before launching into an explanation that attempted to discredit one of Clinton's chief arguments in this campaign.

TEXAS: Obama's secret weapon in Texas? Republican crossover supporters.

The New York Times notes how different and diverse the Lone Star State is, which makes it difficult to campaign in. "'It's like running a national campaign,' said one veteran Texas Democrat, Garry Mauro, state director for Mrs. Clinton. 'There are no similarities between Amarillo and Brownsville and Beaumont and Texarkana and El Paso and Austin and Houston and Dallas. These are very separate demographic groups with very diverse interests.'"

The New York Times/CBS poll, which shows Obama leading Clinton nationally, 54%-38%: "Mr. Obama has made substantial gains across most major demographic groups in the Democratic Party, including men and women, liberals and moderates, higher and lower income voters, and those with and without college degrees." He is also seen as the Democrat most likely to beat McCain in the fall. "But there are signs of vulnerability for Mr. Obama… While he has a strong edge among Democratic voters on his ability to unite and inspire the country, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York is still viewed by more Democrats as prepared for the job of president. And while he has made progress among women, he still faces a striking gender gap."

USA Today/Gallup has Obama leading Clinton, 51%-39%. "It is the first time Obama has topped 50% and the first time he has led Clinton outside the survey's margin of error. However, the 12-point lead is at odds with a separate Gallup tracking poll, taken Friday through Sunday, that gave Obama a 47%-45% edge." More: "In a general-election matchup among registered voters, Obama leads McCain by 4 percentage points, 49%-45%; McCain leads Clinton 49%-47%."

And AP/Ipsos has it Obama 46%, Clinton 43%. 

CLINTON: "Warning of the foreign policy challenges facing the next president, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton said yesterday that it is not a time to pick someone who would need 'a foreign policy instruction manual' and likened Sen. Barack Obama, her rival for the Democratic nomination, to President Bush," the Washington Post reports. "'We've seen the tragic result of having a president who had neither the experience nor the wisdom to manage our foreign policy and safeguard our national security,' Clinton told students at George Washington University. 'We cannot let that happen again. America has already taken that chance one time too many.'"

"Clinton, entering perhaps the most crucial week of her political career, warned American voters yesterday to be wary of a Barack Obama presidency, asserting that the grave challenges posed by an unpredictable world demand a more experienced leader."

Ellen DeGeneres showed up at a Clinton event in DC. She "turned serious, asking Clinton how she could change the momentum in her campaign after 11 straight losses to Democratic rival Barack Obama. 'We're going to win Ohio and Michigan,' Clinton said, then acknowledged she misspoke. 'We're going to win Ohio and Texas! I already won Michigan.'"

OBAMA: SEIU is spending at least $1.4 million on Obama's behalf in Ohio and Texas, the New York Times writes. "The Clinton campaign accused Mr. Obama of hypocrisy, saying he had criticized Mr. Edwards in Iowa for receiving similar support. Mr. Obama called that support 'underhanded' and deserving of 'further scrutiny.'" More: "In a statement, the Obama campaign said, 'Senator Obama has long said that he would prefer those who want to support him to do it directly through the campaign.' It did not say whether it would ask the union to halt its effort."

Politico does a smart piece about the surprising limited access the Obama folks give to the press. Does that become a problem for Obama in a general election against McCain?

If Obama closes the deal on March 4, will there be extra media eyes on the Rezko trial? The timing couldn't be worse should Obama end up the presumptive nominee on March 5. 

The AP looks at Obama's work on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

She might be the cover girl of the most recent Newsweek, but Michelle Obama says that doesn't change who she is, NBC/NJ's Carrie Dann notes. "There was nothing miraculous about my upbringing," she told a crowded auditorium of students at the University of Houston last night. "I say that everywhere I go. I don't care how many magazines I'm on the cover of, I am this 'lil black girl from the South Side of Chicago."

"Bush predicted Monday that voters will replace him with a Republican president who will 'keep up the fight' in Iraq. 'I'm confident we'll hold the White House in 2008,' Bush told donors at the Republican Governors Association annual dinner, which raised a record $10.6 million for GOP gubernatorial candidates."

MCCAIN: The candidate "said Monday that he needed to convince the American people that the troop escalation in Iraq was working and that American casualties there would continue to decline. If he did not, he said, 'I lose' the election," the New York Times says. "'Is there any doubt?' Mr. McCain said to reporters on his campaign bus. But then he pulled back from his blunt assessment. 'Let me not put it that stark,' he said, explaining that he believed people would judge his candidacy on his ability to handle the economy, which has emerged as a pre-eminent voter concern, as well as on national security… 'If I may, I'd like to retract 'I'll lose,' he said. 'But I don't think there's any doubt that how they judge Iraq will have a direct relation to their judgment of me.'" 

Bloomberg News looks at the potential problem the Bush Administration presents McCain in the fall. However, doesn't McCain have the credibility to distance himself from Bush? Won't Democrats have a harder time painting him as a Bush clone, despite their shared positions on the war? Then again, there is that photo of the embrace…

The New York Times/CBS poll on McCain: "The poll showed Republicans settling in with their likely nominee. Eight in 10 said they would be satisfied if Mr. McCain won their party's nomination, although just 3 in 10 said they would be very satisfied. Nearly 9 in 10 said he was prepared for the presidency, and more than 8 in 10 said they had confidence in his ability to deal with an international crisis, while a remarkable 96 percent said he would likely make an effective commander in chief. But misgivings remain among those who describe themselves as conservative Republicans, with a majority saying his positions on the issues are not conservative enough." 
 
The New York Times' David Brooks defends McCain's close proximity to lobbyists in his campaign. "Barack Obama has attacked John McCain for being too close to lobbyists. His assault is part of this week's Democratic chorus: McCain isn't really the anti-special interest reformer he pretends to be. He's more tainted than his reputation suggests. Well, anything is worth trying, I suppose, but there is the little problem of his record. McCain has fought one battle after another against lobbyists and special interests."

From NBC's Mike Viqueira and Domenico Montanaro
Rep. Rick Renzi (R-AZ-1) is refusing to step down, proclaiming his innocence after being indicted on 35 counts, which "stem from a tangle of suspected fraud involving business dealings, campaign finances and legislative conduct," per the Arizona Republic. "According to the government's case, Renzi cheated and stole his way into office, then abused his power to make money."

"I will not resign and take on the cloak of guilt because I am innocent," Renzi said per a statement released by his congressional office. "My legal team of Reid Weingarten and Kelly Kramer will handle these legal issues while I continue to serve my constituents."