Big Table Fantasies  —  Broadly speaking, the serious contenders for the Democratic nomination are offering similar policy proposals — the dispute over health care mandates notwithstanding.  But there are large differences among the candidates in their beliefs about what it will take to turn a progressive agenda into reality.

KERREY'S PRAISE OF BARACK A BIG O-BOMBO  —  NEW SCHOOL President and former US Sen. Bob Kerrey just couldn't help himself from applauding Barack Obama after endorsing Hillary Rodham Clinton in Iowa yesterday - until he gave a left-handed compliment that almost sounded like it was cooked up in Clinton's headquarters.

Newsflash: Iowa GOP Rep. Steve King endorses Thompson  —  Scroll down for updates...  Iowa GOP Rep. Steve King announced his endorsement for president this morning.  He's going with Fred Thompson.  —  As I mentioned, Rep. King has been one of the strongest proponents of strict immigration enforcement.

Ron Paul becomes $6 million man  —  Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) raised an astounding $6 million and change Sunday, his campaign said, almost certainly guaranteeing he'll outraise his rivals for the Republican nomination in the fourth quarter and likely will be able to fund a presence in many of states that vote Feb. 5.

Ron Paul Beats Own Fundraising Record  —  In 2004, on the day John Kerry accepted the Democratic presidential nomination, the Boston senator raised $5.7 million on the Internet, the biggest online fundraising day on record.  —  Yesterday, Ron Paul, the Republican congressman whose rock star status …

Harry Reid — compare and contrast  —  (updated below - Update II)  —  Russ Feingold, today, on the effects of Harry Reid's pro-administration dirty work: … All of this stems from Reid's refusal to honor the "hold" placed on that bill by Chris Dodd, who has been in the Senate for 24 years.