The Clinton-Obama exchange  —  CNN is providing transcript, and the full transcript of their first exchange is after the jump.  —  It began with this line from Obama, on his taxing and spending plans: “What she said wasn't true."  —  MODERATOR: She says that the new programs that she proposes she essentially

CNN readers respond angrily to ‘race or gender’ story  —  (CNN) — Within minutes of posting a story on CNN's homepage called “Gender or race: Black women voters face tough choices in South Carolina,” readers reacted quickly and angrily.  —  Many took umbrage at the story's suggestion …

“Who Let The Dogs Out?"  Mitt Romney Wants To Know  —  From CBS News' Scott Conroy:  —  JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA — Mitt Romney was greeted warmly by a largely African-American crowd at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Parade in Jacksonville.  He shook hands with several dozen parade-goers and even hugged a few of them.

BILL HAS A ‘DREAM’  —  EX PREZ NODS OFF DURING MLK AWARD PRESENTATION  —  Bill Clinton showed yesterday why he made it into the book “The Art of Napping."  —  During an appearance at the Convent Avenue Baptist Church in Harlem, the former president was caught nodding off.

SC Democrat debate: Punch, Judy, and Silky; Update: Squabbling, mud-slinging, the gloves are off!  —  Update 10:55pm Eastern.  I agree with every word of this: … As I noted below, Hillary's answer to the question about whether she wants to end the war or win it (she channeled Cindy Sheehan's …

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS  —  It's hard for me to think of much good from this debate.  If you view debates like a boxing match, I guess it was lively and perhaps entertaining, in the sense that a good boxing match can be, though the fighting was more intense than well executed.

Scarlett Johansson boosts morale in Kuwait  —  If anyone has wondered what can make a battle hardened Marine act like a love-struck high-schooler, the answer is simple—a meet and greet with Scarlett Johansson.  —  The 23-year-old bombshell met with nearly 600 service members at Camp Buehring …

THE FED-UP FEMALE....Reader Mary S. emails to echo something that I've heard from more than a few women:

WHAT THE GROWN-UPS SAY  —  Seriously, why should John Edwards drop out of the race?  I think his chances of winning the nomination at this point are quite slim.  And I could understand if he wanted to drop out.  But is there some reason he should?  Is he under some obligation?