Newser Story Index from February, 2008
Welcome to the Newser Story Index. Here you find stories written by Newser writers and editors, assembled with supporting photos and videos from the files of the news story.
Fayed: 'Nazi' Philip Killed Diana
Guardian (UK)
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Feb 18, 2008 9:48 AM CST
(Newser) -
Prince Phillip—a “Nazi” who should be sent “back to Germany from where he comes”—headed a royal family plot to murder Princess Diana and his son, Dodi Al Fayed's father told the Diana inquest today. “You want to know his original name—It ends with Frankenstein,” Mohamed Al Fayed said of Phillip.
McCain VP Talk Centers on Minn. Gov
Politico
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Feb 18, 2008 9:27 AM CST
(Newser) -
Maybe John McCain “has not spent one second thinking about a running mate,” as one adviser insists, but when he does, many observers expect his attention to turn to Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty. “He’s a conservative, rock-n-roll Republican and is counterintuitive to the party stereotype,” gushed one political hand. He also...
Snowstorm Wallops Greece
Bloomberg
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Feb 18, 2008 9:02 AM CST
(Newser) -
A freak snowstorm stranded as many as 200 Greek villages and halted hundreds of flights yesterday and today in Athens, reports Bloomberg. Power and water supply problems were reported across the country and civil defense authorities were on alert. Up to six inches of snow buried the Greek capital, a rare occurrence in the usually balmy town, and temperatures...
Stones Sing New Tune: Don't Do Drugs
Telegraph (UK)
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Feb 18, 2008 8:27 AM CST
(Newser) -
Stick with the sex and rock 'n' roll, but skip the drugs, say the Rolling Stones to the next generation of musicians. In particular, the 64-year-old front men warn pal Amy Winehouse that she can't always get what she wants. "She should get her act together," says Keith Richards, and Sir Mick Jagger is "worried she might die," reports...
Space Shuttle Heads for Earth
Reuters
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Feb 18, 2008 7:58 AM CST
(Newser) -
The space shuttle Atlantis parted ways with the International Space Station this morning and headed back towards the confines of Earth, even as NASA was rolling another shuttle onto the launch pad, preparing for its March 11th mission. In its 9-day stay, Atlantis attached Europe’s first permanent laboratory to the space station; the next flight...
Great Lakes Study Mired in Politics: Author
Washington Post
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Feb 18, 2008 7:52 AM CST
(Newser) -
A report suggesting industrial contamination in the Great Lakes poses health threats to residents is being suppressed by the feds, says study author Chris De Rosa, who also claims he was demoted because of his findings. The study found 230,000 "vulnerable" people are living in polluted areas, but the government cited concerns with methodology,...
New Afghan Bombing Kills 37
Guardian (UK)
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Feb 18, 2008 7:16 AM CST
(Newser) -
Terrorists targeting a Canadian NATO convoy today in southern Afghanistan killed at least 37 when they detonated a massive car bomb in a crowded marketplace, the Guardian reports. At least 30 more were wounded, including three soldiers. Like yesterday’s bombing, which claimed 100 lives and was the deadliest since the fall of the Taliban, the...
Major Knee Injuries Soar for Child Athletes
New York Times
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Feb 18, 2008 7:07 AM CST
(Newser) -
The number of serious knee injuries that doctors once saw only in adults is skyrocketing among children as kid sports become increasingly demanding, reports the New York Times . Injuries such as a torn ACL—the major ligament that stabilizes the knee—require surgery that poses particular risks to children who are still growing, according...
Lover Airs NIU Shooter's Letter
CNN
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Feb 18, 2008 6:48 AM CST
(Newser) -
The girlfriend of the gunman who murdered five students at Northern Illinois University Thursday talked to him every day last week, including the night before the shooting spree, and detected nothing amiss. "He wasn't erratic. He wasn't delusional. He was Steve; he was normal," Jessica Baty, 28, told CNN. Steven Kazmierczak, who killed himself...
Kosovo Independence Splits EU
BBC
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Feb 18, 2008 6:11 AM CST
(Newser) -
A meeting of EU officials today to discuss Kosovo is likely to reveal deep-seated divisions within the European Union. While Britain, France and Germany are expected to recognize the newly independent Kosovo immediately, other states like Cyprus, Greece, Romania and Spain worry about the message such recognition will send to their own restive separatists,...
LeBron Nets MVP as East Wins
Washington Post
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Feb 18, 2008 5:17 AM CST
(Newser) -
Ray Allen, only on the NBA All-Star roster to replace an injured Caron Butler, proved himself more than worthy of his slot by scoring a game-high 28 points to help the East to a 134-128 victory. Despite Allen's five three-pointers and red-hot fourth quarter, it was LeBron James hoisting the MVP trophy for his 27 points, nine assists and eight boards,...
Pakistanis Await Poll Returns
BBC
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Feb 18, 2008 5:09 AM CST
(Newser) -
Polls have closed in Pakistani elections long-delayed by the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, as fears of violence kept voter turnout down to an estimated 15%, Reuters reports. Heavy security, with more than 470,000 police and soldiers deployed at polls nationwide, did little to assuage citizens' anxiety as voting proceeded quietly, the Guardian ...
French Police Storm Housing Projects
Associated Press
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Feb 18, 2008 5:03 AM CST
(Newser) -
More than 1,000 French police stormed housing projects in three largely immigrant communities outside of Paris early today and arrested 33 suspects believed linked to riots in November, AP reports. Police sources said two gang leaders in particular organized the street violence that included armed rioters in what they described as a "quasi-military...
No. 12 Hoyas Fight Past Friars
Associated Press
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Feb 18, 2008 5:00 AM CST
(Newser) -
The No. 12 Georgetown Hoyas came into Providence having lost two of their past three, and for a time it looked like the Friars would help Georgetown continue their slid. But three-pointers keyed a 17-2 Hoya run that gave them a nine-point lead midway through the second half. Georgetown would go on to win 68-58, according to the Associated Press.
Selanne Top Scorer After Ducks' Win
Los Angeles Times
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Feb 18, 2008 4:20 AM CST
(Newser) -
Seven games after re-joining the Anaheim Ducks, Teemu Selanne became the franchise's all-time scorer when an assist gave him his 670th point. It also gave the Ducks one of the four second-period goals that would put them ahead of the Flames 4-2, the Los Angeles Times reports. In other icy matchups:
Purr-fect Kitty Survives Subway
New York Daily News
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Feb 18, 2008 4:18 AM CST
(Newser) -
A scared black kitten lost in the New York City Subway system more than three weeks ago has been found safe and well. Georgia escaped from a carrying case 25 days ago and scampered into a subway station to survive passing trains, the electrified third rail and some of Manhattan's meanest rats, among other hazards. Two subway workers with Georgia on...
UCLA Back on Track, Stops USC
Associated Press
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Feb 18, 2008 3:59 AM CST
(Newser) -
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is back for UCLA, and so was the Bruins' confidence in last night's 56-46 defeat of cross-town rival USC. Mbah a Moute's 10 points and boards supplemented Darren Collison's 14 points and Kevin Love's fifteenth double-double (13 points, 11 rebounds) this season. No. 6 UCLA remains a half game ahead of Stanford, AP reports.
Move to Nationalize UK Bank Sparks Fury
Times (UK)
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Feb 18, 2008 3:48 AM CST
(Newser) -
Furious shareholders concerned about the risk to their investments are blasting the British government's decision to nationalize ailing Northern Rock bank. The British Treasury is expected to face lengthy legal action from investors once the government formally announces details of the takeover today. Trading in bank shares is being suspended, and...
Obama Quietly Courts Edwards
Chicago Tribune
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Feb 18, 2008 3:30 AM CST
(Newser) -
Democratic contender Barack Obama secretly visited former campaign rival John Edwards yesterday, seeking his endorsement, according to the Chicago Tribune . The media usually travels everywhere with Obama, but he managed to shake his entourage in Chicago on a day when his campaign said all events were canceled because of bad weather in Wisconsin....
Wealth Doesn't Always Aid Health
BBC
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Feb 18, 2008 3:17 AM CST
(Newser) -
Citing new child mortality statistics, analysts say a nation's wealth doesn’t always translate into better health for its youngest citizens, the BBC reports. Every year, 10 million children die before their fifth birthday, with 99% of the fatalities occurring in the developing world. But even when conditions improve, survival is often just a...
Airbus Talks Mile-High Casinos
Breitbart
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Feb 18, 2008 2:55 AM CST
(Newser) -
A plane flight could soon be a big gamble. Airbus is considering turning some of its super-jumbo jets into airborne casinos, Breitbart reports. The hulking A380 passenger plane is the world's largest, boasting 50% more floor space than Boeing's 747. That's the kind of space that's needed for a mile-high casino, which Airbus says could premiere as soon...
Malkin, Conklin Lead Penguins Over Sabres
Associated Press
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Feb 18, 2008 12:25 AM CST
(Newser) -
Evgeni Malkin extended his point streak to eight games today as Pittsburgh beat the Sabres 4-1. The Penguins center contributed a goal and an assist in the win, as the team moved into a tie with New Jersey for first place in the Atlantic Division. Goalie Ty Conklin was also instrumental, stopping the Sabres first 25 shots, reports the Associated Press.
St. Louis Bests Columbus 5-1
Associated Press
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Feb 18, 2008 12:23 AM CST
(Newser) -
St. Louis ranks last in the NHL on the power play; Columbus ranks third in penalty-kills. So it was an unlikely surprise when the Blues scored three power play goals against the Blue Jackets in a 5-1 win today. Brad Boyes, the Blues first 30-goal scorer in four years, tacked on his 31st, while Eric Brewer had a career-best four assists.
Mickelson Secures Win at Riviera
Associated Press
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Feb 18, 2008 12:22 AM CST
(Newser) -
The West Coast has been kind to Phil Mickelson over the years: of his 33 career wins, 16 of which came in PGA Tour Western stops. His latest victory, a two-shot win over Jeff Quinney, came at the Northern Trust Open today. A win at Riviera Country Club is a feat neither Tiger Woods or Jack Nicklaus has ever accomplished.
Red Wings See Stars in Dallas
Associated Press
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Feb 18, 2008 12:16 AM CST
(Newser) -
Detroit continued a season-long streak of failure as they lost a defensive battle to Dallas, 1-0. The Red Wings have now lost six straight ,while the Stars improve to 9-2 in their last 10 games, reports the Associated Press. Marty Turco blocked two shots in the final minute of the game, safeguarding the Stars’ lead and earning himself his 32nd...
Kidd: Mavs Deal's Alive and Well
ESPN
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Feb 18, 2008 12:13 AM CST
(Newser) -
Reluctant trade pieces Devean George and Jerry Stackhouse got their way and will be staying in Dallas—but Jason Kidd is likely joining them regardless, reports ESPN. The blockbuster deal for the veteran Nets point guard will include Mavs Keith Van Horn and Trenton Hassell instead, along with Devin Harris, DeSagana Diop, Maurice Ager, draft picks...
Deacons Exorcise No. 2 Devils
Associated Press
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Feb 18, 2008 12:08 AM CST
(Newser) -
No. 2 Duke lost its second game of the season to fired-up, unranked Wake Forest, whose defense held the normally hot-shooting Blue Devils to 37.7% from the floor. Jeff Teague led all scorers with 26 points. The victory was particularly sweet for rookie coach Dino Gaudio, whose storied predecessor, Skip Prosser, passed away before the season began.
West Can't Forget Victims of Katrina
Sports Illustrated
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Feb 17, 2008 8:36 PM CST
(Newser) -
Tonight's NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans showcases basketball's best. In the Big Easy, the lingering effects of Hurricane Katrina's devastation are part of the scene. For Hornets All-Star forward David West, they're part of everyday life, and no matter how much he does to help, it doesn't feel like enough, Sports Illustrated reports.
Twisters Tear Through South
Associated Press
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Feb 17, 2008 8:03 PM CST
(Newser) -
A barrage of tornadoes ripped through the South today as cold rain and snow blanketed parts of the Midwest, the AP reports. Twisters left toppled power lines, shattered windows, and wrecked homes in Alabama and Florida, causing injuries but no fatalities. “You see it on TV," said a KFC employee who saw windows blown out. "You can’t...
UK Military Wives Freezing Husbands' Sperm
Guardian (UK)
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Feb 17, 2008 7:35 PM CST
(Newser) -
More UK military wives are freezing their husbands' sperm before the men serve in the Middle East. One London fertility clinic expected interest from soldiers but was surprised by the "wives and girlfriends who want to have children should anything happen," a spokesman said. But servicemen must give consent before sperm storage, experts say,...
Ryan Newman Wins Daytona 500
Associated Press
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Feb 17, 2008 7:06 PM CST
(Newser) -
It appeared that Joe Gibbs Racing was going to take today's Daytona 500; the question was whether it would be Tony Stewart or his teammate Kyle Busch. That changed after a last-lap decision by Stewart to go low on the track, blocking Busch and freeing Ryan Newman to zoom past on the high side and win the Daytona 500, reports AP.
Plasma May Zap City's Garbage Crisis
Canada.com
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Feb 17, 2008 6:48 PM CST
(Newser) -
Vancouver may have a fix for its garbage overflow crisis: Burn the trash into a gas that makes electricity. A Canadian company called Plasco Energy Group has proposed a plant that zaps waste into ionized gas, or plasma; about a fifth of it would run the plant and the rest could be sold off. A few plasma plants by other companies have reportedly tanked,...
Blackhawks Shut Down Colorado
Chicago Tribune
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Feb 17, 2008 6:32 PM CST
(Newser) -
Chicago used a hard-working, grinding style, and it paid off with a 2-1 victory over Colorado, the Blackhawks' third straight win and fifth straight earning at least a point. Defenseman James Wisniewski, the game's first star, assisted on goals by Martin Havlat and Dustin Byfuglien. Patrick Lalime had 21 saves while spelling regular starter Nikolai...
Rangers Extend Dominance Over Visiting Sharks
Associated Press
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Feb 17, 2008 6:28 PM CST
(Newser) -
Chris Drury's power play goal against one of the league's stingiest penalty-killing teams turned out to be the winner, as New York defeated San Jose, 3-1. Henrik Lundqvist earned the win by making 29 saves and giving up a single goal for the second straight afternoon. Ryan Callahan had the Rangers' other two goals, including an empty-netter, reports...
Irish Escape Rutgers With a 'W'
Associated Press
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Feb 17, 2008 6:26 PM CST
(Newser) -
Notre Dame bounced back from a tough loss against Connecticut Wednesday, getting out with a 71-68 win over host Rutgers, reports the AP. It wasn't easy though. With 10 seconds left, the Scarlet Knights missed an easy defensive rebound opportunity on a missed free throw, handing the ball back to Notre Dame instead of having a chance to go down and attempt...
Unmarried, Frustrated, and Turning to Islam
New York Times
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Feb 17, 2008 6:10 PM CST
(Newser) -
Facing a feeble job market, many Middle Eastern youths can't afford pricey marriages—and end up single, frustrated, and devoted to Islam, the New York Times reports. Several countries are trying to stem the religious tide by funding weddings, but thousands are left unmarried and isolated. “People don’t help you,” a single...
Dallas DA Finds Stored Docs on JFK Slaying
Dallas Morning News
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Feb 17, 2008 5:35 PM CST
(Newser) -
Dallas County officials have uncovered a batch of JFK assassination materials, including a transcript between Jack Ruby and Lee Harvey Oswald that one expert laughed off as a likely fake. Other items include correspondence, records of the Ruby trial, and a gun holster, the Dallas Morning News reports .
Jumper Soars at Box Office
Variety
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Feb 17, 2008 4:55 PM CST
(Newser) -
Jumper has vaulted to top spot at the box office and may bank the fourth-highest President's Day weekend score ever, Variety reports. Step Up 2 the Streets surprised in second thanks to young females, earning $26.3 million to Jumper 's $33.8 million. The Spiderwick Chronicles took third with $21.4 million. All three were holiday weekend debuts.
Shrink Killer Suspect Acts Up at Hearing
New York Post
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Feb 17, 2008 4:20 PM CST
(Newser) -
The suspected killer of a New York psychologist shocked observers at a hearing today by ridiculing his lawyer and asking for food, the New York Post reports. The judge ordered a psychiatric evaluation of David Tarloff, who was charged with second-degree murder in the slaying of Kathryn Faughey and attempted murder and assault in an attack on Kent...
USDA Recalls 143M Lbs of Beef
Associated Press
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Feb 17, 2008 3:27 PM CST
(Newser) -
The USDA today issued its biggest recall ever, recalling 143 million pounds of frozen beef from a slaughterhouse in Southern California that is currently being investigated for animal cruelty. The recall affects meat dating to Feb. 1 that originated in Westland/Hallmark Meat Co. The company distributes beef to major fast-food chains, as well as the...
Iran Asks Dutch Gov't to Ban Anti-Islam Film
BBC
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Feb 17, 2008 2:35 PM CST
(Newser) -
Upset by a right-wing Dutch politician's movie, which portrays the Koran as an inspiration for murder, Iran’s justice minister is asking the Dutch government to ban the film, the BBC reports. The minister called the film, by parliament member Geert Wilders, an unnecessary attack on Islam’s holiest object. The Dutch government has so far...
Toshiba May Pull HD DVD Plug
PC World
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Feb 17, 2008 2:08 PM CST
(Newser) -
Toshiba has temporarily halted production of players and movies in the HD DVD format, and is contemplating dropping the format altogether, PC World reports. The move would cost the company tens of billions of dollars, but the defection of several studios and retailers to the rival Blu-Ray format has left HD DVD’s future very much in doubt.
Confessions From Torture Must Be Tossed
New York Times
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Feb 17, 2008 1:57 PM CST
(Newser) -
So-called “confessions” obtained by waterboarding should be tossed out of court, Guantanamo's ex-chief military prosecutor writes in the New York Times . Morris Davis quit over the practice last year and regrets that the Pentagon is allowing waterboarding evidence to prosecute six 9/11 suspects. "Military justice has a proud history....
Bush Pushes Abstinence in AIDS Program
Associated Press
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Feb 17, 2008 1:21 PM CST
(Newser) -
President Bush urged Congress today to “stop squabbling” and renew his global AIDS program, which provides medication and treatment for millions and earmarks funds for abstinence efforts. In Tanzania, his African tour’s second stop, Bush signed a $700 million aid package, saying, “We don’t want people guessing on the continent...
UK Nationalizes Northern Rock
BBC
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Feb 17, 2008 12:52 PM CST
(Newser) -
British ministers plan to nationalize Northern Rock as part of a bold, desperate move to rescue the struggling bank, the BBC reports. Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling said two private bids to take over Northern Rock failed to offer “sufficient value for money to the taxpayer,” adding that London would only hold onto the bank...
During Bust, Green Groups Make Land Grab
Newsweek
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Feb 17, 2008 12:19 PM CST
(Newser) -
As the subprime debacle rips through real estate, leveling home values and clogging the market with unsold property, an unlikely group of vultures is descending, reports Newsweek. Conservation groups and local governments alike, which sat on the bench during the last boom, are snapping up land from would-be developers to preserve for a rainy day...
Pope Appeals for Lebanon Peace
Associated Press
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Feb 17, 2008 11:40 AM CST
(Newser) -
Pope Benedict XVI expressed concern today over the escalating tensions in Lebanon, calling on its people to find a “president for all Lebanese” to end the months of infighting that have stalled elections. After his noontime blessing, the pontiff told the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square that he was troubled by the country’s...
CIA Lost a Fortune on Failed Terror Traps
Los Angeles Times
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Feb 17, 2008 10:56 AM CST
(Newser) -
CIA officials lost a bundle after 9/11 setting up fake businesses to ensnare suspected terrorists in a strategy it now concedes was ill-conceived, reports the Los Angeles Times . The agency spent hundreds of millions of dollars to establish 12 enterprises in Europe and elsewhere to provide a convincing cover for spies. All but two have been shut down.
Kosovo Declares Independence
BBC
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Feb 17, 2008 10:30 AM CST
(Newser) -
Kosovo's parliament declared independence from Serbia today by a unanimous vote, the BBC reports. "We have waited for this day for a very long time,” said PM Hashim Thaci, before reading the declaration, which promised respect for the Serbian minority. Serbia’s PM, meanwhile, slammed the US and other western nations for their plans...
Clinton, Obama Bicker About How to Count Superdelegates
Washington Post
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Feb 17, 2008 9:55 AM CST
(Newser) -
As superdelegates appear ever more likely to play a deciding role in the Dems' hotly contested primary battle, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are pushing very different visions of how they should decide how to vote, the Washington Post reports. Obama wants them to follow the will of voters in their districts; Clinton says they should act independently.
