Primary Dolor: Big Lie Edition

· Kerryprepares for general election while trying not to take primary wins for granted; debate planned for this Sunday. [ WP and NYT ]

· Clarkformally quits: "Expectations on him were unreasonable because he was such an empty vessel — and everybody put their hopes and desires into this empty vessel." [ WP and NYT ]

·Democrats force the White House onto a three-point defensive. "Nobody ever said this was going to be a blow-away. What they need to do is make sure everyone doesn't panic," says former RNC chair. [ WT and WSJ ]

· DeansaysKerryis associated with "the corrupt political culture in Washington" and thatEdwardsis a better candidate; "I agree with that. I think that [Dean] is a very wise man," says Edwards;Bill Clintonsays the race is not over yet. [ WT and NYT and AP/Yahoo ]

· Kerryhad a different position on gay marriage two years ago; in 1970, he said he wanted the military under control of the UN and he would consider the elimination of the CIA. [ WT and NYT ]

·Fonda photo fallout: Jane Fondablames "a narrow, extremely conservative, right-wing segment" for the "big lie." [ LAT and WT ]

·HasKerryimproved or is he just the default?Stu Rothenberg: "He's a better candidate, but his showing exaggerates his improvement." [LAT ]

· Kerry-Edwardsticket is unlikely, according to campaign staff. [ BG ]

· Edwardsstays positive, brings hope to Wisconsin, compliments residents on ability to make decisions: "[Y]ou're going to make your own independent decision on who to vote for. Am I right about that?" [ NYT ]

·Moveon to run another round ofanti-Bushtelevision spots. [ NYT ]

· Ralph Nader,Pat Buchananamong third-party candidates who are suing for third-party inclusion in debates. [ BG ]