A few things to consider as you head out to New Year's Eve events (I'll be celebrating here in Des Moines) --

"Mo-Joe is here!" declare staffers for Sen. Joe Biden, who are boasting of overflow crowds in Iowa this week.

Among them, 250 in Dubuque, 300 in Mason City and 400 in Ames. This is a candidate who is used to speaking to crowds of 40.

"As we say goodbye to 2007 and think about the hopes and dreams we have for 2008, please join us in supporting the only candidate ready to tackle the challenges and realize the opportunties we face as a nation in this next decade," Biden campaign manager Valerie Biden Owens (his sister) told supporters in an e-mail today.

But New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is out there say he is the one with momentum leading up to Thursday's caucus.

"We have a real shot at shocking the world on Thursday! You can see it in the crowds. People are packing the Governor's events!" exclaimed Dave Contarino, his campaign manager.

Here are some photos that Astrid Riecken and Rod Lamkey have taken on the campaign trail during this trip.

Here's the forecast for Thursday's caucus:

Finally, here is Sen. Hillary Clinton's New Year's Eve ad counting down what she says she would do as president:

Happy new year, everyone!

-- Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Sen. Hillary Clinton's campaign has been getting supporters from the Washington region to write letters and make phone calls to Iowans in advance of Thursday night's caucus, and as that nears the camp is switching to New Hampshire.

The campaign just sent out this note to folks on its e-mail list:

You have been one of our best volunteers and strongest supporters, and we need your enthusiasm and energy in New Hampshire. Will you join us on a bus trip -- exclusively for our top DC-area volunteers -- to help us get out the vote in New Hampshire?

As a member of DC Travelers, you'll help us by knocking on doors, making phone calls, and working hard for Hillary at one of our regional field offices. There's no better way for you to help make a difference for Hillary in this election!

Here are more details about the bus trip:

* The bus will depart from Capitol Hill at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 4.

* It will return the evening of Primary Day, Tuesday, January 8.

* We will provide you with housing and food during your trip.

This is a great opportunity to be a part of history and help Hillary win, and we are only asking our top volunteers to become DC Travelers. If you would like to join us on the bus, please visit our website.

Thanks,

Nicole Haber

Hillary Clinton for President

-- Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Sen. Barack Obama got some laughs from an audience in Knoxville, Iowa, Sunday for mocking Republican Mitt Romney.

An undecided voter asked Obama how he differs from Romney. He quipped that the former governor doesn't use "serious" curse words, and added: "I have to tell you, I've used some really harsh curse words, the really good ones, the juicy ones."

Obama goes on to talk about how he is different from Republicans in general. Here's some video:

Romney spokesman Kevin Madden says his boss never said he avoids harsh cuss words, and says "the gov doesn't swear," but quips back:

"Gosh golly, I can't think why Barack Obama thinks using swear words is a presidential quality. Fluency in swearing is for press secretaries who are working with reporters only."

(I'll back Madden up on that point.)

Another questioner asked Obama about personality traits that would help him work with Republicans if he is elected.

He used health care reform as his example, and told the crowd he would have a "big table" with doctors, nurses, patients, administrators, labors, insurance companies and drug companies each getting a chair.

"I'll have the biggest chair because I'll be president, it will be a big comfortable chair," he said, laughing at his own joke.

Further, "It will be on C-Span, and you will be watching the negotiations taking place," he said.

I have a story that went live after midnight from the campaign trail, examining Obama's argument that he is more "normal" than the other candidates since he and his family worried about student loans, college savings and credit card debt a few years ago.

Also worth mentioning, the Richardson campaign announced that that actor Martin Sheen has a "severe, contagious cold" and his doctor has forbidden him from flying to Iowa to stump for the New Mexico governor.

Sheen said in a statement he is "deeply sorry" and, "I believe with all of my heart that he is the candidate we must elect as the next President of the United States. At this critical time in our nation's history, Bill Richardson is the one person with the experience and vision to rebuild our reputation and alliances abroad and improve the lives of all Americans here at home. I hope that the people of Iowa will forgive me for not being able to fulfill my commitment, and I urge them to caucus for Governor Richardson on January 3rd."

-- Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

OTTUMWA, Iowa -- The Clinton camp fired back tonight, saying Sen. Barack Obama's claim from earlier today he is the most electable of the Democratic candidates is false.

In an item over at the Fact Hub, Clinton staffers write:

Today, Sen. Obama falsely claimed that he was the only candidate who beat every Republican in recent polls:

Most recent polls, I am the only candidate who beats every single one of the Republican candidates. I beat Giuliani, I beat McCain, I beat Romney, I beat Thompson, I beat Huckabee, I beat 'em all. I beat them all…John Edwards doesn't beat them all. Hillary Clinton doesn't beat 'em all.

Many recent polls contradict his claims.

The item cites Fox News and CNN polls showing Obama would lose to Republican Sen. John McCain, and some polls showing Clinton would beat Republican candidates.

But the Fact Hub item didn't seem to affect Obama, who just repeated his stump line that he is "in the strongest position" for a general election.

"I beat Romney, I beat Thompson, I beat McCain ... I beat em all. I'm the only candidate that does that," he said.

Also, Team Clinton is touting an endorsement tonight from the Concord Monitor, which will say in tomorrow's paper: "Clinton's ambitious to-do list for her first few weeks in office gives us confidence that her priorities are right and that she would act swiftly to make a positive difference."

Obama, who recently won the backing of the Ottumwa Courier here, won a surprise standing ovation a few minutes ago after delivering a standard applause line about standing up for change.

-- Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

KEOKUK, Iowa -- A voter in Burlington told me this morning she found Sen. Barack Obama's speech at the Catfish Bend Casino "much more forceful" than times she's seen him previously.

Obama (D-Ill.) summed up what he's hearing from chief rivals Sen. Hillary Clinton and former Sen. John Edwards, then dismissed their criticism.

First he noted that "some folks" have said - translation: former President Bill Clinton told Charlie Rose this month - that voting for Obama is like a "roll of the dice."

"The real gamble," Obama said today, is having "the same old folks do the same old thing and expect real results ... that's the definition of insanity."

He said he rejected the Clinton argument that she is more experienced because she knows "how to work the system," saying "We need to put an end to the game playing in Washington."

Moving on to Edwards, without mentioning his name, Obama said another argument against him is he is "too nice, not angry enough or confrontational enough" to take on special interests.

Obama rejected that too, suggesting that Edwards has only been talking about fighting for change while running for president, while for him, "It's not something I just started talking about ... I've been at it all my life."

About the only time he mentioned names was when citing polls that show he would "beat every single one of the Republican candidates" in a general election matchup. "John Edwards doesn't beat 'em all, Hillary Clinton doesn't beat them all," he said. "I beat them all."

Obama also had a new laugh line that some had wanted him to "kneecap" his rivals, that they said: "He's got to do a Tonya Harding on her." The audience cracked up.

Obama also has a newly designed - and very blue - Web site up today that lets you track him through Iowa.

Obama, Edwards and Clinton are locked in a near three-way tie before Iowa's caucus Thursday night, and have been going after each other (mostly without naming names) in their speeches as they travel the state and make closing arguments. I have a story up today from the campaign trail about their war of words. My story also highlights how many Iowans remain undecided.

Clinton took some heat earlier this week for not taking questions from voters after some of her Iowa speeches, and Edwards conveniently announced a new "Ask John" Web site where voters can ask him anything they want. He also takes several questions after each of his campaign speeches.

"If you have a question it is my responsibility to answer that question," Edwards said in Davenport Friday night, adding he wants to have "real interaction" with voters instead of "just a speech."

So it was notable that Obama has taken no questions at his first three events today in Burlington, Fort Madison and Keokuk.

Finally, American Research Group just released its latest Iowa poll:

On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton leads with 31% followed by John Edwards and Barack Obama at 24% each. Clinton leads among women with 35%, followed Obama at 21% and Edwards at 20%. Edwards and Obama are tied among men at 28% each, followed by Clinton at 25%. 46% of Clinton supporters say Edwards is their second choice and 23% say Obama. 32% of Edwards supporters say Obama is their second choice, followed by Richardson at 19% and Clinton at 18%. 55% of Obama supporters say Edwards is their second choice, followed by 24% for Clinton. Majorities of supporters of the remaining candidates name candidates other than Clinton, Edwards, or Obama as their second choices. Over one out-of-five (21%) say they could change their minds between now and January 3.

-- Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Which character from "The West Wing" would you rather have endorse you — the guy who played the president or the guy the POTUS pardoned for leaking classified government secrets to the press?

Iowans will get to see both this week, as two actors help out lesser known candidates.

Martin Sheen, who played President Bartlet on "The West Wing," will campaign with New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson Sunday and Monday in central Iowa.

"Bill Richardson has the proven record of success and the real-world experience that this country needs in our next President: he is ready for prime time," Sheen said in a campaign press release. "In this, the most important Presidential election of our time, with so much on the line, I believe that Bill Richardson is the only one who can create the change that we so desperately need to restore America's standing in the world and to get our country back on the right path at home."

The release also notes: Martin Sheen also is no stranger to politics, both professionally and in real life. He has played U.S. President John F. Kennedy in the miniseries "Kennedy: The Presidential Years"; Robert F. Kennedy in "Missiles of October"; the White House chief of staff in "The American President"; and is perhaps best known as President Josiah Bartlet in the acclaimed television drama "The West Wing," for which he received a Golden Globe award and six Emmy nominations for outstanding lead actor in a drama, including for the show's final 2005-2006 season.

But wait!

West Wing star Richard Schiff, who played White House communications guy (and pessimist) Toby Ziegler on the show, will be campaigning for Sen. Joe Biden in Iowa tonight through Sunday. (He's also an Emmy winner.)

" 'The West Wing' inspired its audience to seek the kind of presidential leadership that is based on experience, judgment, wisdom, and conscience," Schiff said in a Biden release. "On January 3rd, Iowans will have the opportunity to choose a president who can deliver that leadership by caucusing for Joe Biden. I believe that the enormous challenges facing our country at home and abroad — from safely leaving Iraq, to improving our education system, to the crisis that erupted yesterday in Pakistan — require Joe Biden's expertise in foreign affairs and constitutional law, his ability to unite the country, and his steadfast values, which include, most importantly, telling the truth. Iowa, and America, need Joe Biden because he is ready to lead from Day One and in the high-stakes world we live in, there are no re-takes."

Both Sheen and Schiff live in Los Angeles.

As I noted over the summer, Schiff praised Biden's performance when I met him at the YouTube debate in South Carolina.

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

DES MOINES, Iowa — I have a story today about Sen. Hillary Clinton's pitch to female voters.

Among her most popular stump lines is a reminder about the historic nature of her candidacy: Clinton often tells voters that Iowans in their 90s, born before women's suffrage, turn out to see her speak and that parents tell their daughters that she proves you can be "anything you want to be."

Here's Clinton in her own words in a recent Boston Globe op-ed.

The campaign also directly pitches women to help out, especially in Iowa. They have invited women to the Virginia headquarters to write postcards to women voters in Iowa, and they are sending women to Moms for Hillary, where they can win prizes for helping the campaign.

It's snowing in Iowa this morning, but so far campaign events are going on as planned.

To keep you occupied before my next weather report, here's a story my colleague Jim McElhatton wrote for our front page today about the outside groups working for and against Clinton in Iowa.

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

My flight to Des Moines, Iowa, made a quick stop in Chicago, so here's a roundup of the 2008 Democratic campaigns reacting to former Pakistani prime minister Benzir Bhutto's assassination.

Joe Biden, who calls her a "dear friend" and also called a press conference in Iowa to discuss the breaking news.

"This is a terrible day. My heart goes out to Benazir Bhutto's family, friends and followers.

"Like her father before her, Benazir Bhutto worked her whole life -- and gave her life -- to help Pakistan become a democratic, secular and modern Muslim country. She was a woman of extraordinary courage who returned to Pakistan in the face of death threats and even after an assassination attempt the day of her return, she did not flinch. It was a privilege to know her these many years and to call her a friend.

"I am convinced Ms. Bhutto would have won free and fair elections next week. The fact that she was by far Pakistan's most popular leader underscores the fact that there is a vast, moderate majority in Pakistan that must have a clear voice in the system. Her assassination makes it all the more urgent that Pakistan return to a democratic path.

"This fall, I twice urged President Musharraf to provide better security for Ms. Bhutto and other political leaders -- I wrote him before her return and after the first assassination attempt in October. The failure to protect Ms. Bhutto raises a lot of hard questions for the government and security services that must be answered.

"I know that Benazir's followers will be tempted to lash out in anger and violence. I urge them to remain calm -- and not play into the hands of the forces of destruction. I urge Pakistan's leaders to open a fully accountable and transparent investigation. We must find out who was behind this and bring those responsible to justice. And the United States should offer any assistance necessary, including investigative teams, to get to the bottom of this horror.

"The way to honor Benazir Bhutto is to uphold the values for which she gave her life: democracy, moderation and social justice. I join with the Pakistani people in mourning the loss of a dear friend."

Hillary Clinton, who says Bhutto was a leader of "tremendous political and personal courage":

"I am profoundly saddened and outraged by the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, a leader of tremendous political and personal courage. I came to know Mrs. Bhutto over many years, during her tenures as Prime Minister and during her years in exile. Mrs. Bhutto's concern for her country, and her family, propelled her to risk her life on behalf of the Pakistani people. She returned to Pakistan to fight for democracy despite threats and previous attempts on her life and now she has made the ultimate sacrifice. Her death is a tragedy for her country and a terrible reminder of the work that remains to bring peace, stability, and hope to regions of the globe too often paralyzed by fear, hatred, and violence.

"Let us pray that her legacy will be a brighter, more hopeful future for the people she loved and the country she served. My family and I extend our condolences and deepest sympathies to the victims and their families and to the people of Pakistan."

Chris Dodd, who also warned of "dangerous instability in critical region" in his statement:

Washington, DC-- Senator and Presidential Candidate Chris Dodd today expressed his condolences to the family of Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated earlier today in Pakistan.

Dodd, who has kept in touch with Bhutto over the past few weeks of turbulence and unrest in Pakistan, and is a 26-year member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said that this is again another reminder of the experienced leadership our country needs at a time when critical regions around the world are in turmoil.

"Today's news from Pakistan is both shocking and saddening. As a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, I have had the opportunity to travel to Pakistan and come to know Former Prime Minister Bhutto very well over the years. I spoke to her personally several weeks ago and have stayed in close contact with her since. She was a respected leader who played an important part in moving Pakistan toward democracy.

"As we recognize the loss of a leader today, we must also recognize the implication of today's tragedy to the security of the region and to that of the United States.

"At this critical time we must do everything in our power to help Pakistan continue the path toward democracy and full elections. Our first priority must be to ensure stability in this critical nuclear state.

"The United States should also stand ready to provide assistance in investigating this heinous act. And as Pakistan perpetrators to justice, it should also demonstrate that it will not allow such violence to derail democracy and proceed with elections in a timely manner."

John Edwards, who planned to talk about it in his campaign speeches today in Iowa:

"Benazir Bhutto was a brave and historic leader for Pakistan. Her assassination is a sad and solemn event, and our hearts go out to her family and to the Pakistani people. But we will not let this contemptible, cowardly act delay the march of progress in Pakistan for a single second.

"I have seen firsthand in Pakistan, and in meetings with Prime Minister Bhutto and President Musharraf, the instability of the country and the complexity of the challenges they face. At this critical moment, America must convey both strength and principle. We should do everything in our power to help bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice and to ensure that Bhutto's movement toward democracy continues."

Dennis Kucinich:

"This is a very dangerous moment for the world. Prime Minister Bhutto represented the forces of reform and the hope for an end to repression in a troubled region, and her death is a major loss to those efforts.

"This terrible tragedy also underscores the need for the United States to adopt a new foreign policy toward the entire region because our current policy is all wrong. Our interference in the internal affairs of Pakistan has opened wide the doors of repression and violence. At this very moment, we should be working with leaders of the region to convene a meeting at the highest levels to begin a new effort towards stabilization and peace.

"The United States must take a new direction in Pakistan and throughout the region. I met her several times, both in Washington and New York. She was deeply and genuinely dedicated to Pakistan. This is a tragic loss."

Barack Obama, who was first to issue a statement:

"I am shocked and saddened by the death of Benazir Bhutto in this terrorist atrocity. She was a respected and resilient advocate for the democratic aspirations of the Pakistani people. We join with them in mourning her loss, and stand with them in their quest for democracy and against the terrorists who threaten the common security of the world," said United States Senator Barack Obama.

Bill Richardson, who called for Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to step down:

"Benazir Bhutto was a courageous woman. Her death, and the deaths of so many of her supporters, is more than just a tragedy. It is a testament to the will of the Pakistani people to see democracy restored. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who died today.

"Ms. Bhutto knew the dangers to her safety. But she would not be intimidated. We also must not be intimidated.

"A leader has died, but democracy must live. The United States government cannot stand by and allow Pakistan's return to democracy to be derailed or delayed by violence.

"We must use our diplomatic leverage and force the enemies of democracy to yield: President Bush should press Musharraf to step aside, and a broad-based coalition government, consisting of all the democratic parties, should be formed immediately. Until this happens, we should suspend military aid to the Pakistani government. Free and fair elections must also be held as soon as possible.

"It is in the interests of the US that there be a democratic Pakistan that relentlessly hunts down terrorists. Musharraf has failed, and his attempts to cling to power are destabilizing his country. He must go."

-- Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is up with a new ad in Iowa this morning. Called "A Way Out," it says he would "remove all troops" and work to a political solution in Iraq.

He points caucus goers to his site focused on the war and says he is the only candidate "who will get all of our troops out of Iraq."

Here's portions of a release, which includes a statement from campaign manager Dave Contarino about the ad:

"Other candidates now are trying to change their position on the Iraq war. Senator Hillary Clinton recently said that we could get all of our troops out within a year after claiming for months that it was not possible. Bill Richardson has been right on Iraq from the start of this race. He is ready to bring our troops home and end this war."

Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and John Edwards have been asked to pledge to pull all of our troops out of Iraq by 2013. They have not done so. Bill Richardson has made that pledge.

In addition, Clinton, Obama, and Edwards have suggested that we should pull out all of our combat troops and leave tens of thousands of non-combat troops behind in Iraq. Removing our combat troops first is a reckless strategy that will undermine unit cohesion and result in an extremely dangerous situation for our remaining brave men and women. This course of action is irresponsible. A rapid and coordinated withdrawal of all American troops is the smartest path toward a political reconciliation in Iraq.

Here is the ad:

-- Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

It didn't take long for the Obama campaign to do their own response to Sen. Hillary Clinton's press release touting she had wooed one of his Iowa supporters.

Two hours after the Clinton camp made their announcement, the Sen. Barack Obama's campaign sent out this release:

DES MOINES -- Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign today announced that United States Army veteran Kent Sovern, who was announced just last week as the statewide Co-Chair of Senator Clinton's Veterans Committee, has now decided to caucus for Senator Obama and is encouraging other Iowa veterans to caucus for Obama on Thursday, January 3rd. Sovern also serves on the Iowa Democratic Party Veterans Caucus and is a combat veteran of the Vietnam War.

"I believe Senator Obama has the judgment and courage to stand up for America's veterans and find a responsible way to get our combat troops out of Iraq," said Sovern of Des Moines. "We can trust him to tell us the truth on the tough issues -- even when it's not convenient. That's why I'll be standing for him on Thursday, January 3rd and encouraging veterans across Iowa to do the same."

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

We're 8 days out from the Iowa caucus, so expect to see more campaign messages with subject lines like that one in the very near future.

Already, Sen. Barack Obama has touted his capturing of a former Hillary Clinton precinct chairman. As I noted last week, Clinton responded with a video of her own that featured "switchers" to her side.

Today, Clinton has wooed another Iowa Obama supporter, Bob McFadden of Muscatine County.

Here are portions of the campaign release:

DES MOINES, IA -- As the Clinton campaign's momentum continues to build in Iowa, the campaign spotlighted Bob McFadden of Muscatine County, an ironworker and former Barack Obama campaign labor steering committee member, who has switched his support to Hillary Clinton.
McFadden switched to Hillary because he wants a candidate who has the strength and experience to enact real solutions to the country's big challenges.
"Hillary Clinton won't just talk the talk -- she cares about the issues important to all of us and will work to change the direction of our country," McFadden said. "I support Hillary because she has the strength and experience to enact universal health care and deliver the real solutions our country needs."

Obama, meanwhile, has a fun post over at his Web site today. Turns out that "Grinch" animator Tom Ray is backing his candidacy.

I'll be heading to Iowa in the morning for the final stretch, so expect dispatches, video and photos from the campaign trail through the Jan. 3 caucus and beyond that to the Jan. 8 New Hampshire primary.

-- Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

This will be the last post until after Christmas, and in that spirit, here is a story that Stephen Dinan and I did for today's paper on the holiday campaigns and what most of the candidates will be doing for the holidays.

If you happen to be doing any weekend reading, check out our Christmas blog. Have a fantastic weekend and Christmas. I'll leave you with this until Wednesday:

-- Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Sen. Barack Obama is the candidate of "hope and the future," the Iowa weekly Spanish-language newspaper editorialized today.

El Latino, with 15,000 Iowa readers, endorsed Obama under the headline: "To Elect Barack Obama is to Elect a Better Future for Everyone."

The newspaper said Obama "understands" the Latino community and the issues affecting Hispanic families such as immigration, the war and small business development.

El Latino added a line central to Obama's campaign theme that Sen. Hillary Clinton won't be able to forge partnerships needed to get things done. "No other presidential candidate, particularly divisive candidates, can unite Congress and secure the votes to finally pass comprehensive immigration reform."

"We ask with all our heart that all members of the Latino community in Iowa attend that caucus to vote for Barack Obama, January 3 at 6:30 p.m."

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, aiming to move out of the so-called second tier of candidates, is asking his supporters to hit the road for him in Iowa and New Hampshire. It's not the first time he's asked for help from other states, and he's not alone among the candidates.

Here are some excerpts from the campaign e-mail:

The Holidays are now upon us. New Year's is almost here as well. Soon after, Iowans will hold their caucuses on January 3rd. And that means the New Hampshire primary is now 20 days away on January 8th.

The Governor's recent climb in polls means we need help turning out the rising number of supporters we have between January 4th-8th. Start the New Year off by helping Governor Bill Richardson become our Democratic nominee for President of the United States. We can help you with housing, if you need it. All you have to do is get to New Hampshire to help the Governor. Will you join us between January 4th-8th?

I look forward to seeing you there.

Ray Glendening
Richardson for President

-- Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Over at the Holiday blog, I've posted four presidential hopefuls' Christmas ads. They span from the funny (Rudy offers America a fruitcake) to the serious (John Edwards asks Americans to remember the homeless).

Here's Sen. Hillary Clinton's version, sent over by the campaign in an e-mail with the subject line, "Hillary has a present for you."

UPDATE, 4 P.M. -- The RNC chimes in with this bah-humbug response: "Americans don't want to find socialized medicine, failure to fund our men and women in uniform, and massive tax increases under their tree this Christmas. The best holiday gift we can give hardworking families is a complete rejection of Senator Clinton's failed, liberal policies."

-- Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

There are 15 days until Iowans head to the caucuses, and the campaigns are in the final stretch. Here is a story I have in today's print edition looking at Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and how they each say they can work with Republicans and attract them to their side.

Also, both Clinton and Obama are touting endorsements this morning.

Clinton won the favor of the Foster's Daily Democrat in New Hampshire, which said she was the best qualified.

"The field has been impressive, but it was Hillary Clinton who really impressed us as someone who is ready to lead — someone who is ready to be a consensus builder, not just in working with Republicans as well as Democrats and the nonaligned, but someone who is ready to heal the wounds we have had to suffer," the paper wrote.

Obama was endorsed by the Iowa Press Citizen, which editorialized today "Obama stands tall among this already strong group as both the candidate of hope and the candidate of change we can believe in."

Also, if you haven't checked out our new Washington Times "Holiday" blog, we are posting some fun items. I've been blogging about all the holiday ads and Christmas cards coming from the political candidates.

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Sen. Hillary Clinton sent a message to Sen. Barack Obama in her newest video, released this afternoon by the campaign: I'll see your precinct chairman and raise you 5 voters.

In the video, former Obama supporter Todd Eaton talks about how he was wooed at first by the Illinois senator being a "dynamic speaker." But because his friends were "strong Hillary supporters," they persuaded him to give her a chance.

Now "she's the one," he says, in strikingly similar language an Obama backer used recently.

"She's got the experience, she's got the connections," Eaton says of Clinton. "I took off my Barack button after the Harkin Steak Fry and I haven't put it back on since."

Also featured in the video, two former Edwards supporters. Watch for yourself:

Seems to be a direct response to Obama's video (below), which the campaign released last week to showcase how Iowan Susan Klopfer switched from Clinton's side to his.

Also, a B-Blog reader sent along this anti-Edwards YouTube spot:

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Yesterday, Sen. Hillary Clinton had dozens of real people talking about "The Hillary I Know" to showcase her lighter side and, presumably, to show what's in her heart.

Here's one from Ann Henry, who hosted the Clintons' wedding reception in her Arkansas home, calling her "funny, warm and engaging."

Today, former Sen. John Edwards is showcasing his — ahem — Hollywood side with a tongue-and-cheek movie trailer about the Iowa caucuses.

Using everyone's favorite movie trailer voice, the narrator speaks of a place "where corn grows tall and hope grows taller" and promises, come Jan. 3, "a candidate will rise, a party will unite and a nation will be redeemed."

Actor and Edwards supporter Kevin Bacon touts the trailer in an e-mail to supporters:

"Now, I am happy to help him kick off his final push before the caucuses. Today, John's campaign is launching a great new video you really should check out. It's a movie trailer, actually — a preview of all that will be possible when John is our next president:

With only 16 days left until the caucuses, it's critical that we all step up and help John Edwards right away. This is a crucial time in American history — and we need real change. In the past, I've felt that I haven't always stepped out as soon or as actively as I should have. But now, after getting to know John, and getting to hear his strong dream and strong plan for our country, I've decided to join him and do everything I can to help.

...

It's clear that John is gaining momentum across the state, but he needs help from all of us now to keep that momentum going.

Have happy and healthy holidays,

— Kevin Bacon
December 18, 2007

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

It was only two months ago that Peter Ryder of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, told me he would stand in a corner for former VP Al Gore in his caucus no matter what.

But Ryder, an organizer of an Iowa "Run, Al, Run" concert that was called off, has decided to caucus for former Sen. John Edwards instead.

"My primary reason is his dedication and focus on dealing with the growing income gap in the USA as well as his determination to finally provide comprehensive health care for all Americans. He has the steel and strength to do these things," Ryder told me. "Needless to say I think he will focus on environmental and climate change issues too."

Meanwhile, Gore supporters in New Hampshire are pushing a write-in campaign for the Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Finally, I got official word recently that a rumored climate change forum sponsored by Gore and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger "looks unlikely." A Schwarzenegger source told me it probably won't happen because of scheduling and logistical difficulties.

-- Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

I have a story up today about Sen. Hillary Clinton's suggestion that should she win the Democratic nod, there would be no "surprises."

Here's a write-up of Bill Clinton appearing on Charlie Rose.

The coveted Des Moines Register endorsement is expected tonight. Here's a New York Times piece on its importance.

And here's that new ad I mentioned yesterday going up today for former Sen. John Edwards.

-- Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

A birdie from the John Edwards campaign tells me that staffers for the former senator are scrambling, in a good way.

The source says Edwards (D-N.C.) generated "so much buzz" from a solid debate performance in Iowa yesterday that the campaign's ad folks are "totally hustling to get a new ad on the air with that core economic message from yesterday." (They must be busy — one key Edwards adviser had his laptop out on the table during a late dinner last night at a Des Moines hot spot.)

Edwards, who repeatedly used the phrases "corporate power," "greed" and "corporate greed" during the debate, was heavily favored in focus groups for talking about the middle class.

The Edwards source says the reaction was so positive they want to get the ad on the air immediately.

Until then, they have this new ad telling the story of James Lowe, a man who lived 50 years with a cleft palate. Edwards talks about him in most of his stump speeches.

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Iowans got their last chance to see the six major Democratic candidates share the same stage yesterday, in a debate that focused more on substance than style.

Here is my story from the debate in today's paper, and you can see full video and read the transcript here.

No sparks were flying during the debate, but there was plenty of drama in the Spin Room. Clinton adviser Mark Penn assured reporters post-debate that rumors of a campaign shake-up to fight Clinton's decline in some polls were false. "We're very stable and close-knit," he said, later calling the campaign team "coherent" and "together."

Penn and other surrogates also had to repeat that Clinton had nothing to do with her national co-chairman Bill Shaheen's comments about Sen. Barack Obama's drug use as a young man. Shaheen resigned yesterday, but Obama adviser David Axelrod said negative campaigning should not be disavowed publicly and then allowed to continue with "a wink and a nod."

Here is some Spin Room video of Axelrod describing Clinton's personal apology to Obama on the tarmac at National airport yesterday.

Before the debate, the Obama campaign sent a fundraising e-mail yesterday to raise money off what the campaign called an attack on Obama's character. Here are some excerpts:

This race took a sharply negative turn yesterday.
With recent polls giving Barack the lead in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, and just three weeks left before the Iowa caucuses, the attacks on Barack's character that Hillary Clinton has called "the fun part" of this campaign have reached a new low.
In an increasingly desperate effort to slow Senator Clinton's slide, the focus of the Clinton campaign has moved from Barack Obama's kindergarten years to his teenage years.
On Wednesday, their top advisor in New Hampshire tried to recycle old news by smearing Barack for experimenting with drugs as a young man -- something Barack candidly wrote about years ago in his memoir and has since talked about with young people in an effort to teach them the lessons he learned from his mistakes.
The only way to stop these kinds of tired, desperate attacks is to demonstrate very clearly that they have a real cost to Senator Clinton's campaign.
If 5,000 people donate in the next 24 hours, we can show their campaign that we reject this kind of divisive politics. Make your donation of $25 now:
...
These remarks crossed a line that should never be crossed in a Democratic primary. In fact, even Republicans think it's beyond the pale. When asked about this very topic recently, one of the GOP presidential frontrunners actually commended Barack's candor and honesty.
It's a sad day when a Democrat running for president takes up a line of attack that even a potential Republican opponent refuses to dignify.
...
Make no mistake -- this kind of attack is becoming a pattern as Clinton's support declines.
Since the last time I wrote to you about their attacks, the Clinton campaign has mailed brochures in Iowa that distort Barack's health care plan, produced negative television ads for New Hampshire, and actually sent emails asking for information that could help them smear Barack's efforts to fight poverty and joblessness as a community organizer in Chicago.
It's up to you to demonstrate to the Clinton campaign that these kinds of attacks will backfire and make us stronger.
...
Growing outrage at this line of attack already has the Clinton campaign backtracking in the media, but it's up to us to stop these tired, petty tactics once and for all.
Please respond and make your voice heard for a new kind of politics. Let's bring real change to America.

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

-- Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Here are a few videos from the scene outside today's Democratic debate in Iowa, the final meeting of the top six candidates before the Jan. 3 caucuses.

Barack Obama has Obama girl, well here's Biden Girl, a recent college graduate who moved from Miami to work for Joe Biden's campaign.

Some competing rallying cries:

If you can't watch the debate on television, here's some afternoon reading: an interesting take on the Democratic candidates over at Daily Kos, where former Sen. John Edwards has a slight advantage over Sen. Barack Obama in a new online poll.

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Sen. Hillary Clinton is up with a new ad this morning, starring her mother Dorothy Rodham and featuring a cameo of her daughter Chelsea from a campaign event Saturday.

Here's the script:

What I would like people to know about Hillary is what a good person she is. She never was envious of anybody -- she was helpful. And she's continued that with her adult life with helping other women. She has empathy for other people's unfortunate circumstances. I've always admired that because it isn't always true of people. I think she ought to be elected even if she weren't my daughter.

-- Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

To go with my story in today's paper about former Sen. John Edwards on the stump in Iowa, here is some video of actor/activist Tim Robbins campaigning with Edwards yesterday.

This first clip shows Oscar-winner Robbins talking about the goodness of the American people and pondering the nation's forefathers' vision for the country.

This clip shows Robbins saying that pundits do voters a disservice when they cover the presidential primary contest as if it's a two-person race.

Seen here in Grinnell, Robbins outlines the problem with a broken media, celebrity culture and people too consumed with the latest "pop tarts" scandal.

(Ironically as I wrote this, MSNBC's Keith Olbermann was doing a several-minute piece on Britney.)

Here's Robbins' main arg