Obama Gains, But Still Lags In Big States  —  Barack Obama's overwhelming weekend victory in South Carolina's Democratic primary gives him new momentum in the run-up to the near-national nominating contest a week from tomorrow, known as Super Tuesday.  —  But Mr. Obama heads into the 22-state showdown as the underdog.

Clinton's Camp Seeks Gentler Role for Ex-President  —  Democrats inside and outside the Clinton campaign on Sunday debated and in some cases bemoaned the degree to which former President Bill Clinton's criticism of Senator Barack Obama last week had inflicted lasting damage on his wife's presidential candidacy.

Desperate Husband  —  In the run-up to Saturday's South Carolina primary, Bill Clinton repeatedly denounced racial divisions in American politics.  Indeed, he said Friday in Spartanburg, Americans are “literally aching to live in a post-racial future."  —  But Clinton certainly hasn't been hastening that day.

Kennedy Chooses Obama, Spurning Plea by Clintons  —  BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Senator Edward M. Kennedy, rejecting entreaties from the Clintons and their supporters, is set to endorse Senator Barack Obama's presidential bid on Monday as part of an effort to lend Kennedy charisma and connections …

A RUN ON THE BANK  —  Every indication is that Rudy Giuliani is sinking like a stone in Florida.  Barring a miracle, he'll finish either a bit above or a bit below Mike Huckabee.  Once Florida Republicans saw that Rudy was dropping in the polls, I think a lot of them jumped ship …

Economy, War To Dominate State of Union  —  Bush's Challenge May Be Getting People to Listen  —  For years, President Bush and his advisers expressed frustration that the White House received little credit for the nation's strong economic performance because of public discontent about the Iraq war.