- The big buzz in the political world is Hillary Clinton’s healthcare plan. It has both Democrats and Republicans on the attack. The Clinton campaign calls these attacks politics as usual.

- The Values Voters debate, which was snubbed by all the front-runner Republican candidates was followed by a straw poll. Mike Huckabee came out on top with 64% of the vote, a major triumph for his campaign that follows on his second place nod in the Iowa Straw poll. Mitt Romney made the big news though receiving 0% of the vote.

- Speaking of healthcare John Edwards has vowed on the first day as president he will “submit legislation” revoking the presidents, vice presidents, Congress’ and all senior political appointees healthcare until they pass a universal healthcare plan.

My two-cents? Edwards is obviously upset that Clinton’s healthcare plan is taking the spotlight off of him. So he responded by saying something so silly it would gain headlines. At the end of the day though “submitting legislation” isn’t exactly the kind of language voters respond to. Seeing as how Congress holds the purse strings I don’t think Edwards could actually do anything to cut off those benefits. He would be “submitting” this legislation to Congress and I highly doubt they would do anything with it.

In a historical note when George Washington accepted the presidency he did so desiring to not accept a salary for the position. Congress overruled him because the constitution clearly stated he should be paid and because they did not want to setup a bad precedent whereby other presidents would be expected to turn down salary. With the same thought in mind, I doubt this Congress would stop anyones healthcare.

- Rudy Giuliani has entered into a spat with MoveOn.org over their publishing of an ad referring to Gen. Patraeus as Gen. Betray-Us. He now claims that as the parties nominee he will be liberal groups “worst nightmare“.

- Race politics are in full effect. All the major Republican candidates have turned down a debate at Baltimore at Morgan State University, led and moderated by Tavis Smiley leading African American author and social commentator Colonel West to remark at the Republicans are at a “crossroads with black and hispanics.” He is followed by strategists in the Republican party who fear the candidates persistent desire to avoid issues seen as important to minorities as a potential problem for the party.

Meanwhile the Rev. Jesse Jackson is now taking on Barack Obama saying he is “acting like he’s white”. Jackson made the comments specifically in reference to the issue of six black juveniles’ who were arrested on attempted-murder charges in Jena, La. Jackson. The comment has started a back and forth between Jackson & the Obama campaign.

Polling
- Clinton & Romney are still ahead in New Hampshire.

On the Trail
- Joe Biden has five meetings/appearances in Iowa, Hillary Clinton has a fundraiser in NY, John Edwards has a fundraiser in Washington, Bill Richardson is giving a speech on obesity in DC.

- Sam Brownback is giving a speech to ‘Women Impacting Public Policy conference’ in DC, Rudy Giuliani is in London giving two speeches, Mike Huckabee has two meetings in South Carolina, Mitt Romney has a rally in Florida.

For more information visit the Washington Post campaign tracker.