Clinton punches back at rivals' attacks  —  LAS VEGAS, Nevada (CNN) — Democratic front-runner Sen. Hillary Clinton fought back at criticism from some of her presidential rivals Thursday night, decrying what she termed mudslinging and defending her record against the charge that she avoids taking firm positions on controversial issues.

QUICK POST-DEBATE IMPRESSIONS  —  From NBC's Chuck Todd  —  If the last debate was the moment where Democrats realized that the Clinton coronation was, at least, postponed, this one will be known as the debate that seemed to sharpen the contrast between Clinton and Obama and create a gap between the big two and everyone else.

Debate Drunkblogging — LIVE!  —  5:49pm (All times Mountainish) The comments thread is below.  Loud [Freudian typo? -ed.] Dobbs needs to fire his colorist, but it's not like they're hurting for business over at Crayola.  —  5:53pm Mike Gravel is notable for his absence.

Panel Drops Immunity From Eavesdropping Bill  —  Reflecting the deep divisions within Congress over granting legal immunity to telephone companies for cooperating with the Bush administration's program of wiretapping without warrants, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved a new domestic surveillance law …