Primary Dolor: Bowling for Dollars Edition
• Kerry, Edwards spar over electability, experience, the economy, trade, the death penalty, and charisma during debate. [WP and LAT]
• Kerry tries his hand at Edwards' regular-guy schtick: discusses the "have and have-nots," surrounds himself with mill workers (of which Edwards is the son of); also adopts Bush's passion for orange-bowling. [NYT]
• Edwards looks for surprise wins next Tuesday; says he will continue on if he loses. Campaign director compares chances of winning as a "Hail Mary pass." [WP and WSJ]
• Dean, Trippi vie for influence through blogs; supporters are "confused." [BG and LAT]
• Edwards leans on Ohio, a Republican stronghold, with hopes of stopping Kerry; Democrats look for upset in November. "The primary is wide open. Kerry's lead could disappear real fast," says the Ohio Democratic Chair. [WP]
• Bush challenges Democrats on terrorism: "Some of our opponents are skeptical that the war on terrorism is really a war at all. They view terrorism as more of a crime, a problem that can be solved with law enforcement and indictments. . . . After the chaos and carnage of September 11, it is not enough to serve our enemies with legal papers."
• Democratic National Committee rakes in record $166,000 in 24 hours following email from Bill Clinton after Bush's call for marriage amendment. [WSJ]
• Dean: "You have revitalized politics, and a lot of times people give up when their candidate doesn't win, and they say, 'OK, that's all I can do.' They go into hibernation. You can't afford to do that because we are fortunate enough to live in a country where politics really matters. And politics, from now on, is going to be ours." [BG]
• Kerry, Edwards un-support No Child Left Behind. [LAT]
• Edwards campaign is not releasing names of top donors. [LAT]
• Kerry, Edwards may have to return to the Senate on Super Tuesday to vote on gun regulations. [LAT and WSJ]
• Bush campaign buys ad spots on CNN, Fox News, and Fox Sports; Edwards runs new ad in Ohio, Georgia, and upstate New York. [NYT and NYT]