• With the McCain campaign on an unprecedented roll as of late - moving up in New Hampshire polls, grabbing key endorsements from the Boston Herald and Lieberman - it comes as no surprise that come political mud is being hurled in his direction. What is surprising is that it came in the form of a grandiose front page blurb on the infamous “Drudge Report”, where MD told the world that the press is holding onto some serious lobbyist-tainted allegations pertaining to JMac. Same old story, where McCain granted unfair favors to a “female” lobbyist and other nefarious deeds. Does the fact that Drudge has now pulled the link to their in-house story from the site mean anything? Either way, the McCain camp immediately fought back, releasing the following statement yesterday:
    • “It is unfortunate that rumor and gossip enter into political campaigns. John McCain has a 24-year record of serving this country with honor and integrity. He has never violated the public trust, never done favors for special interests or lobbyists, and he will not allow a smear campaign to distract from the important issues facing our country.
  • Tancredo’s withdrawal from the race yesterday was hardly shocking, but the recipient of his endorsement was. Mitt Romney got the coveted backing of the anti-immigrant militant, due to his plan that would kick illegals out of the country and ostensibly strengthen border security. Tancredo didn’t cover why he thought Mitt would best protect “American culture,” but we’re sure that he’ll get around to it…
  • Huckabee’s infamous FP article quote where he terms the foreign policy of the Bush administration “arrogant” and merely a “bunker mentality” was slammed by none-other-than Condi Rice today. She stuck up for herself and the BA in general as she loosely called the accusations from Huckabee “ludicrous.” No doubt this plays right into thew hands of Romney (whose campaign sent out gleeful pressers detailing the remarks) - GW Bush’s apparent chosen successor…
    • “The idea that somehow this is a go-it-alone policy is just simply ludicrous,” she said at a State Department news conference. “One would only have to be not observing the facts, let me say that, to say that this is now a go-it-alone foreign policy.”
  • A surging Edwards goes on Iowa Public TV tonight (well, he actually was interviewed this morning - to air tonight) to chat about his chances in the caucuses and whether he thinks that his crowd of merry supporters will shrug off talk of Hillary/Obama inevitability and show up when it counts.  He hit on what makes him uber-attractive to Iowa Dems - his general lack of direct assaults on the other candidates while they (HRC and Obama ) hammer anyone in sight. -  “…what Iowa Caucus-goers are looking for is not petty, personal fighting among politicians.”  -  Don’t underestimate that connection in the Hawkeye State. It’s what got him in the top-tier in ‘04.
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