SNEAK PEEK: 'Words Matter, Promises Matter, Pledges Matter'

January 21, 2008— -- 5 days until the South Carolina primary (Democrats)

8 days until the Florida primary

For once, Rudy Giuliani was not the only one gaming out the Sunshine State: on Monday, the Clinton campaign seized on Barack Obama's decision to launch a 50-state national cable buy as evidence that the freshman senator has broken his pledge not to campaign in Florida, a state which flouted Democratic Party rules by scheduling its primary before Feb. 5.

"In the heartland, words matter, promises matter, pledges matter," said former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, a Clinton supporter, on a conference call with reporters.Before penetrating a substantial number of Florida homes with its paid message, the Obama campaign consulted with the chairwoman of the South Carolina Democratic Party.Carol Fowler told the Obama camp "unequivocally" that she "did not consider" a national cable buy to be in violation of the pledge made to the early states of South Carolina, Nevada, New Hampshire, and Iowa.

On a conference call that was chock full of Florida reporters, Obama campaign manager David Plouffe accused the Clinton campaign of "looking for some time now to try to find a way to break their word."

"To ascribe any kind of import to [Florida's Jan. 29 primary] would be a serious mistake," said Plouffe. "First of all, there are no delegates at stake. And secondly, there is no campaign. So there is now way to evaluate the appeal of the candidates."

On behalf of the Clinton camp, Vilsack took a very different tack when discussing the Sunshine State's importance.

"Florida counted yesterday as much as it counts today," said Vilsack.

Even though the Obama camp acted with Fowler's blessing, the Clinton campaign's Monday call will likely boost the bragging rights which the former first lady can claim if she comes out on top in the Jan. 29 balloting.

On Monday night, the top three Democratic '08ers -- Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John Edwards -- meet in Myrtle Beach, S.C., for a debate co-sponsored by CNN and the Congressional Black Caucus.

The 8:00 pm ET debate, which will be moderated by Wolf Blitzer, will run two hours.

You can follow Rick Klein's live blogging of the debate here.

Rudy Giuliani visits Daytona International Speedway. LINK

Traveling on the Hucka-plane
Reporters get treated to Mike Huckabee's travel antics and press conferences. LINK

"On The Trail" with Paul is a Lonely Ride
Up close with Ron Paul as the only reporter traveling in the candidate's SUV. LINK

Yankee Stumps for Giuliani in Florida
New York Yankee Center fielder Johnny Damon takes the stage for Giuliani. LINK

Edwards Says He's Proud of Obama and Clinton
Sen. John Edwards plays up his South Carolina roots during MLK event. LINK

Obama on Economy
Obama offers hope and direction in a speech about the weakening economy. LINK

Bush's Top Ten Funniest Moments
Hilarious highlights from the commander-in-chief. LINK

Romney Raps 'Who Let the Dogs Out?'
Former governor stops by a MLK Day parade in Jacksonville, Fla. LINK

Where Is Monica Lewinsky Now?
ABC takes a look at the historical scandal. LINK

Obama Responds to Clinton's Accusations
In a candid interview Obama challenges Bill Clinton's statements. LINK

Weekly Political Round-Up
George Stephanopoulos looks back at the latest political developments. LINK

Bush Honors MLK
Bush pays tribute to King at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library. LINK