The Page

Huckabee returned to the Des Moines Marriott – the site of Monday’s press conference at which he denounced negative campaigning – and was easily goaded by a reporter into making a joke at Mitt Romney’s expense -- tying together the NRA and Martin Luther King controversies. Facing reporters using tiny cameras, Huckabee made a quip about how there should be “an NRA for hand-held camera users.” Watch what happened next (including the laughter) below: Permalink

KUCINICH URGES IOWANS TO PICK OBAMA AS SECOND CHOICE

Says "Sen. Obama and I have one thing in common: Change." Read full statement here. Obama releases statement thanking rival for support: "I'm honored that he has done this." NY Times: Two spoke by phone Tuesday. Permalink

Grassley: Romney Win Prediction “A Little Bit in Question”

Iowa Senator tells Des Moines Register that many Republicans are still on the fence or willing to switch. Sees McCain as “very viable." Permalink

Multi-Front McCain-Romney War

New Romney Web-only video hits McCain on tax cuts, campaign finance, immigration. Click above to watch and read script here. Comes after McCain plays the Terror Card against Romney on his own Web video, which creatively interprets Romney interviews to argue he believes: “The next president doesn’t need foreign policy experience.” Click here to watch video, and read script here. Plus: McCain invokes Reagan in anti-Romney campaign research memo. Prompts Romney campaign to release its own memo in response. Permalink

Biden: Clinton Doesn't "Understand Pakistan"

Clubs her for suggesting Musharraf is on the ballot in upcoming parliamentary elections. Doesn't say her name, but uses female pronoun, to laughter in a Des Moines bar. At Indianola event, again suggests sharply that Clinton is still too inexperienced to conduct America's foreign policy. Clinton campaign responded that she was referring to Musharraf's party, not to him personally. Permalink

Romney Criticizes Huckabee, Stands By Bush

During Iowa town hall says "I'm not sure if Mr. Huckabee meant the attack as a joke, but this is not the time to be mocking our President." Huckabee scored Bush Monday for not reading NIE report for four years. Permalink

"So Long, Ethanol. Hello, Taxes"

Brilliantly forward-looking AP story on how things change Friday. Permalink

McCain-Romney Keep Web Video War Going

McCain releases new video using clip of rival saying “if we want somebody who has a lot of experience in foreign policy, we can simply go to the State Department” against him. Watch it above. Read script here. Romney also on the attack with video pitting Huckabee, Chuck Norris against each other. Watch it above. Read script here. Permalink

Romney Continues to Funnel Millions into Campaign

In Iowa, says "sure" he's put more of own money into campaign, wouldn't provide an exact figure. Other money news: Ron Paul: Campaign says raised nearly $20 million in 4th Q. Clinton: Campaign reports raising north of 100 million bucks (not counting transfered funds, but including general election dough) in 2007. Obama: Camp says they've passed that milestone as well. Permalink

The Dominant Reporter in Iowa

Chicago Tribune profiles Radio Iowa's O. Kay Henderson and her "seasoned and constant presence on the campaign trail." Obama local spokesman: "She's the voice of Iowa." Gets candidate interviews more frequently than seems humanly possible. Permalink

Evening News Roundup

CBS: Fallout from DM Register poll flavored packages leading the show. Dean Reynolds reported on Obama's continued efforts to woo undecideds. Jim Axelrod said Clinton camp seemed unfazed by poll; interviewed woman who told Register she'd back Obama but now has second thoughts. Nancy Cordes quoted Huckabee saying he would not have shown Monday's ad if he could do it again. Bill Whitaker looked at Romney's top-notch IA organization, which campaign says is worth 5 points. CBS' Campaign Notebook included Clinton and Obama passing the $100 million mark, Kucinch gesture of support for Obama, Edwards' 36-hour campaign push. Seth Doane bought a ticket to Caucus! the Musical. NBC: Broadcast led with three back-to-back pieces on Iowa, starting with Andrea Mitchell summing up the three-way Dems race, David Gregory covering GOP candidates (including Huckabee-Romney fight, Romney-McCain multi-platform spat). Williams asked Russert to weigh in on potential caucus outcome -- he says if 20% of independents come out it will be a tight win for Clinton. Also Josh Mankiewicz package on Iowa's significance in the nominating race. ABC: Rose Bowl Permalink

Obama and The House of Labor

Campaign criticizes union support for Clinton, Edwards in ways dangerous for a Democrat. Permalink

Edwardses Call Foul on M Obama

Des Moines Register: After voter tattles on Michelle Obama for making the electabilty argument based on fundraising, Elizabeth Edwards says, "I'm surprised and disappointed in Michelle." Permalink

Edwards' Closing Iowa TV Pitch

Pounds jobs and middle class themes in sixty-second TV spot that will air on 1/2, 1/3 road-blocked in early evening newscasts throughout the state. Watch the video above. Read the script here. Also: This full-page ad on same themes in Tuesday's Des Moines Register. Read the full text here. Permalink