Today's News 12/23

[ZanZibar]

Polls And Trends:

USA Today: Voters leaving Republican, Democratic parties in droves

GOP CANDIDATES

Ron Paul:

Politico: Ron Paul in Iowa: Surging numbers; steady message
Huff Post: Ron Paul Brings Out Older Voters In Iowa
The Hill: Ron Paul woos religious conservatives as he pushes hard for win in Iowa
Des Moines Register: Paul says Congress hasn’t proposed real cuts
The Atlantic: Ron Paul's Iowa Edge: A Rock-Solid Caucus Campaign
Daily Caller: Messy NH free-for-all awaits if Ron Paul wins Iowa
NYT: In Iowa, Conservative Republicans Have Overachieved Polls
Washington Post: Paul’s quirky campaign, anti-establishment message draws crowds in Iowa
Dallas News: A Ron Paul victory won't kill the Iowa caucuses
Comedy Central: Iowa Concerned That Iowa Might Choose Ron Paul
Washington Blade: Paul latest to surge as Iowa caucuses approach
TH Online: Ron Paul keeps up the pitch
NPR: Ron Paul Has Support In Iowa, But Old Issues Linger
ABC: Ron Paul Talks 9/11, Iran, and Cookbooks On His Last Tour Stop Before Christmas
Seacoast Online: Paul touts economic plan
CBS: Paul's anti-establishment campaign draws crowds
Fosters Daily Democrat: Ron Paul's naive campaign promises
Patch: Iowa Pundits Discount Dustup Over Racially-Charged Ron Paul Newsletter
ABC: Ron Paul’s Supporters ‘Love’ Him While He Talks ‘Revolutionary Change’
CNN: Paul rushes to Iowa events, takes few questions, as caucus nears
CBS: Ron Paul: "Wishful thinking" to say an Iowa win for me doesn't matter
Deseret News: Votes for Ron Paul could send GOP nomination to convention

CBS: Paul, Romney respond to tax deal
National Journal: Romney, Paul Respond to Payroll Tax Deal
The Australian: Young Republicans rally to 'angry old man' Ron Paul's call

MSNBC: Rand Paul appears in TV ad for father's campaign
ABC: Rand Boosts Ron With Christmas Eve Ad


IBT: Ron Paul 2012: the Beginning of a New American Era?
VOA: Small Government Key to Ron Paul Campaign
Washington Times: KUHNER: Ron Paul’s moment
Examiner: Ron Paul Could Revolutionize Country

Washington Post: Ron Paul: Newt Gingrich has flip-flopped on issues
JPost: Gingrich condemns Ron Paul for abandoning Israel
WSJ: Gingrich Rips Paul on Foreign Policy
Washington Times: PICKET: (audio) Gingrich hits Rep. Paul on volunteers who want drug legalization and 9/11 truther views
Comedy Central: Newt Gingrich Accuses Ron Paul of Something Something Drugs
Examiner: Newt Gingrich Goes After Ron Paul

Politico: Gingrich, Paul get new super PACs
Slate: Why They Can't Quit Ron Paul

Daily Caller: Poll: Ron Paul would fare best against Obama among non-white voters

Daily Caller: Auburn student ordered to take down Ron Paul sign shares his story
Daily Caller: Who’s afraid of Ron Paul? Apparently, Auburn University

Politico: Ron Paul 2012: Six comments he needs to explain

State Column: Tucker Carlson on Ron Paul: ‘Kids love the racist newsletters’
Reuters: In ad for newsletter, Ron Paul forecast "race war"
Politico: 'Race war'
Huff Post: Ron Paul Newsletters: Ad Urging Subscription Warned Of 'Race War'
The Atlantic: Why Ron Paul's Racist Newsletters Didn't Hurt Him in Texas
Dallas News: Ron Paul faces new scrutiny about racist statements in newsletters from decades ago
Chicago Tribune: A-paul-ing newsletters
Daily Mail: 'Goodbye': Ron Paul walks out of CNN interview after criticism of racist newsletters from 1990s
Huffington Post: Ron Paul Touted His Controversial Newsletters In 1995 C-SPAN Interview
USA Today: 1995 video shows Ron Paul discussing newsletters
CS Monitor: Racist newsletters put Ron Paul on the defensive for first time
Examiner: Ron Paul supporter uses racial slur in call to assassinate Obama and family
LA Times: Ron Paul defenders: A video rebuttal from Jim Newton
UK Guardian: Ron Paul: racist newsletter scandal won't go away

Rick Perry:

ABC: Rick Perry Blasts Obama for Payroll Tax Cut Extension
NYT: Yes, Perry Has Lured Business to Texas. But How Many Jobs Created Is in Dispute.

Washington Post: Rick Perry back in Iowa, with less roar and more whisper
ABC: Rick Perry’s Van Halen Ring Tone Interrupts His Speech
Reuters: Jindal helps Perry in Iowa, perhaps with eye on 2016
Des Moines Register: Perry talks about Iowa SEAL during Burlington speech


Texas Tribune: Perry Grants Eight Pardons


Mitt Romney:

Politico: Sources: Mitt's fourth quarter at least $20 million

AP: Romney welcomes Bush 41's unofficial endorsement
NYT: Elder Bush Tells Paper Romney Is ‘Best Choice’
Politico: Chris Christie opens door to VP job

ABC: Romney: $40 Would Make a ‘Substantial Difference’ to American Families
AJC: Romney ignores Gingrich's taunts on ads, tax spat


Washington Post: Mitt Romney says no to Newt Gingrich debate
LA Times: Spotlight on Romney's marriage casts shadow on Gingrich's past
WMUR: Is Mitt Romney Playing It Too Safe?

Politico: Mitt Romney’s day of N.H. hard knocks
US News: Mitt Romney Poised for Iowa-New Hampshire Sweep
CBS: Romney stays busy in New Hampshire
CS Monitor: Mitt Romney bus tour: second chance at first impression in New Hampshire

Boston: Did Mitt Romney do a flip-flop on Iraq war?
Reuters: Romney rejects Taliban transfer from Guantanamo

NY Post: Romney: I’d deport Bam kin

MSNBC: Meet Mitt Romney, car guy

Michelle Bachmann:

SCJ: Vander Plaats denies asking Bachmann to drop out
CNN: Bachmann calls short term payroll tax extension a 'gimmick'
USA Today: Occupy hecklers drown out Bachmann at Iowa diner
National Review: Bachmann: I’m in a Statistical Dead Heat, a.k.a. Fourth Place!


Newt Gingrich:

Bloomberg: Gingrich Tamps Down Expectations to Win Iowa as Polls Show Slump
Fox: Gingrich Lays Down the Gauntlet to Romney
CBS: Gingrich: Americans shouldn't get paid to "sit around and do nothing"
NYT: Gingrich Wraps Up Virginia Swing
Washington Post: Gingrich and his ‘nice’ strategy are under fire from attack ads in Iowa
Politico: Newt Gingrich takes New Hampshire for granite

WSJ: Gingrich Vs. Judicial Activism
Des Moines Register: Gingrich court bombast is irresponsible

Salon: Watch Newt Gingrich awkwardly meet voters in 1992
NYT: As New Gingrich Takes Center Stage, Old Reputation Lurks in Wings
Washington Post: Callista Gingrich gets more involved in husband Newt’s presidential campaign
Newsweek: Newt Gingrich’s Bipolar Mother Kit Gingrich and His Difficult Childhood


Rick Santorum:

ABC: Iowa Conservative Leader Mired in Controversy After Rick Santorum Endorsement
Des Moines Register: Santorum, Branstad pay tribute to super-volunteer Wendy Jensen
Newsmax: Santorum Rises From the Dead in Iowa


Jon Huntsman:

NYT: Concord Monitor Endorses Huntsman


Multiple Candidates:

Politico: Bachmann, Huntsman, Santorum don't make Va. ballot

Other Candidates:




Caucus/Primary News:

Des Moines Register: 4 GOP hopefuls confirmed for Steve Deace’s pro-life tele-town hall
Care2: Republicans Stand Up for N.H. Marriage Equality


Coalitions-Related News:



ECONOMY

Reuters: Jobless claims drop signals economic momentum


HEALTH CARE


FOREIGN POLICY

USA Today: 10,000 U.S. troops leave Afghanistan
NPR: USAID Helps To Improve Medical Care In Afghanistan

ENERGY
 

Reuters: Oil holds near $108 on U.S. economy, supply worries

 

[ZanZibar]

Polls:
CNN: Paul In First Place In ARG Poll With 21%
The Hill: Paul 21% Romney 20% Gingrich 19%
Examiner: Rasmussen Poll: Romney 25% Paul 20%
Pocono Record: Romney, Paul and Gingrich in tight battle for Iowa, new poll shows

GOP Candidates:


Ron Paul:
TIME: 11 Days Till Iowa: Less Paul
Politico: Paul in Iowa
Christian Science Monitor: If Ron Paul wins in Iowa, does that make the state irrelevant?
Town Hall: Ron Paul's Truther Squad Includes Everyone Who Votes For Him in Iowa
Huffington Post: If Ron Paul Wins Iowa, Antiwar Democrats and Independents Likely to Provide Margin of Victory

Dubuque Telegraph Herald: Ron Paul keeps up the pitch
Greenville News: Ron Paul’s newer fans

Daily Caller: Mark Steyn on Ron Paul's Worldview: 'Sheer stupid, half-witted parochialism'
Examiner: Is Ron Paul too conservative for Rush?
Huffington Post: The Madness of Ron Paul

International Business Times: Ron Paul - Is He Right About the U.S. Dollar, Inflation?
International Business Times: Ron Paul's People Have Passion: If Only More Americans Did
Orlando Sentinel: Whom do you trust to report election results – if you support Ron Paul?
CNN: Paul criticizes Dems & GOP, elevates tea party, Occupy movement

Huffington Post: Ron Paul Touts Newsletters In 1987 Interview (VIDEO)
CBS: Paul campaign: Ron Paul didn't write advertising letter predicting "race war"
Commentary: Libertarians Must Confront Paul’s Hate
Slate: "The Ron Paul Survival Kit Comes in an Official World War II U.S. Army Ammo Holder"

Examiner: Ron Paul: Civil War unnecessary, Abe Lincoln out to destroy the republic
International Business Times: Ron Paul Claims Civil War Was Unnecessary: But How?


Mitt Romney:
Salon: Romney Charity Used For Conservative Donations
Associated Press: Romney charity used for conservative donations
Huffington Post: Romney Charity Used For Conservative Donations
FOX News: Romney charity used for conservative donations

Digital Journal: George H.W. Bush backs Mitt Romney for Republican nomination
The Atlantic: George H.W. Bush: 'Romney Is the Best Choice'

Boston Herald: Mitt Romney hits pay dirt with Uncle Omar stand
New Jersey Newsroom: Mitt Romney shows no mercy towards President Obama's uncle

New York Times: Romney Keen to an ‘Occupy’ Bank of America
New Zealand Herald: Peter Huck: Wealth buys a bunch of grief for Romney
My FOX Houston: Romney Says He Loves His Dog
Telegraph: Mitt Romney: Vladimir Putin 'a threat to global peace'
Politico: Romney's super PAC policy
Mlive.com: Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney: Chevrolet Volt 'an idea whose time has not come'
Huffington Post: Chris Christie Open To Vice Presidential Run With Mitt Romney
LA Times: Romney's faith and family; skyscrapers in Hollywood; California's widening income gap
The Atlantic: Mitt Romney's Powerful Iowa Enemy Redoubles His Efforts
Washington Post: Media continues letting Romney claims skate by unchecked
Chicago Daily Herald: Romney won't release tax returns if he's GOP nominee
NJ.com: Romney: Why Mitt Romney will win the election and become President. Why he won't
Washington Post: As the voting approaches, Mitt Romney is cruising

Des Moines Register: Mitt Romney calls Joe Biden’s op-ed in today’s Register ‘astonishing’
NY Times: Romney Finds a New Sparring Partner in Biden
LA Times: Mitt Romney fires back at Joe Biden for 'chutzpah' in op-ed
US News & World Report: Mitt Romney: Obama and Biden Live in 'Fantasyland'


Rick Perry:
Politico: Perry spot features Dakota Meyer
Des Moines Register: Rick Perry’s holiday ad in Iowa: ‘President of Honor’
Newsmax: Rick Perry Texas Job Claims Exaggerated
Washington Times: Rick Perry appears at the Republican Jewish Coalition 2012 Presidential Candidates Forum
Politifact: Pro-Perry super PAC says Gingrich teamed with Pelosi on global warming
CBS: Perry shares Christmas traditions with press corps
CBS: Perry's ad for holidays features veterans


Michele Bachmann:
The Hill: Bachmann releases two new Iowa videos
The Hill: Bachmann: Romney and Gingrich are health law's 'father and grandfather'
Des Moines Register: Michele Bachmann claims polling strength


Newt Gingrich:
CBS: Gingrich, citing unnamed CIA official, accuses White House of historic number of leaks
Politico: Newt Gingrich's favorite verb: Imagine
Boston Herald: N.H. family not buying negative ads
The American Prospect: Explaining Newt's Inimitable Newtness
The Patriot-News: Democrats caution against taking Newt Gingrich lightly
NPR: The Nation: Getting Rid of Gingrich
ABC: Dowd: Don’t Count Gingrich Out So Fast

Politico: Gingrich still may not make Va. ballot
ABC: Gingrich Files in Va., But Other GOP Candidates Do Not

Washington Post: Newt Gingrich’s judicial jousting
NPR: Weekly Standard: Newt Gingrich And The Courts


Jon Huntsman:
The State Column: Jon Huntsman scores another New Hampshire newspaper endorsement


Rick Santorum:
Summerville Patch: Santorum Announces State County-Level Leadership
Des Moines Register: Santorum, rising in Iowa polls, bumps up advertising buys
Marshalltown Times-Republican: Santorum greets voters in Fairfield
Politico: Santorum's pop-up Iowa pitch
CNN: Santorum gets 'Pop Up' treatment
NJ.com: Santorum: Why Rick Santorum will win the election and become President. Why he won't


Economy
Reuters: Analysis: Economy to show stamina as global growth slows
Foreign Affairs
Business Insider: A Look At What May Be The Foundation For A U.S. Attack On Iran