Internal Dem memo faults party message  —  Democrats are losing the battle for voters' hearts because the party's message lacks emotional appeal, according to a widely circulated critique of House Democratic communications strategy.  —  "Our message sounds like an audit report on defense logistics …

The New Right-Wing Smear Machine  —  On February 27, 2001, two members of the American Gold Star Mothers, an organization of women who've lost sons or daughters in combat, dropped by the temporary basement offices of the new junior senator from New York, Hillary Clinton.

Panel to See Papers on Agency's Eavesdropping  —  The White House on Thursday offered to share secret documents on the National Security Agency's domestic surveillance program with the Senate Judiciary Committee, a step toward possible compromise on eavesdropping legislation.

FEMA Meets the Press, Which Happens to Be . . . FEMA  —  FEMA has truly learned the lessons of Katrina.  Even its handling of the media has improved dramatically.  For example, as the California wildfires raged Tuesday, Vice Adm. Harvey E. Johnson, the deputy administrator, had a 1 p.m. news briefing.

Democrats, the War and Shays's Rebellion  —  A poll released yesterday by the Associated Press made it official: Americans are more likely to believe in ghosts (34 percent) than to believe that President Bush is doing a good job with the war in Iraq (29 percent).

Another Man From Hope  —  Who is Mike Huckabee?  —  Republicans have won five of the last seven presidential elections by running candidates who broadly fit the Ronald Reagan model—fiscally conservative, and firmly but not harshly conservative on social issues.

Lennonism at Bloomies  —  Bloomingdale's is advertising jewelry with a political message.  A necklace by designer Georgianna Koulianos is fashioned to look like military dog tags.  But the tags read "Imagine" "Peace" and "Love."  —  So trendy ladies in Chevy Chase and Manhattan are going to wear …

Coleman becomes an Obama supporter  —  Despite phone calls from both Clintons — Bill and Hillary — Mayor Michael B. Coleman will endorse Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination at an Obama campaign rally today in Columbus.  —  Comparing Obama to two Democratic icons …

Sen. Webb On Hardball: "The Cheney element of the administration is well represented in the United States Senate"  —  Play (293) (thanks to Heather for vids)  —  On Thursday's Hardball Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA) talked with Chris Matthews about the strong push from Dick Cheney and some members of the Senate …

Strike on Iran Would Roil Oil Markets, Experts Say  —  Price Hits Record Close; U.S. Tightens Sanctions  —  A U.S. military strike against Iran would have dire consequences in petroleum markets, say a variety of oil industry experts, many of whom think the prospect of pandemonium …

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Hillary turns 60 with a bash  —  The key numbers from Hillary Rodham Clinton's birthday extravaganza Thursday night were 60 — her age — and $1.5 million, the approximate amount of cash she raked in thanks to Elvis Costello and Billy Crystal.  —  The Clintons have always blurred the lines between personal …

Fox Orders Halt to McCain Ad  —  Fox News Channel confirms that it has ordered the campaign of Senator John McCain to cancel its new ad featuring a clip of him at last Sunday's debate, which was sponsored by Fox News.  The news network prohibits candidates from using debate clips in their political advertisements.

Relax, Republicans, It's a Fine Field  —  Major grumbling among conservatives about the Republican field.  So many candidates, so many flaws.  Rudy Giuliani, abortion apostate.  Mitt Romney, flip-flopper.  John McCain, Mr. Amnesty.  Fred Thompson, lazy boy.  Where is the paragon?