Tax Issues Loom Over Campaign

Clinton clings to slim lead, but poll finds 'lots of potential for change'

(NEWSER) - With just four days left before Iowans gather to caucus, a Reuters/C-Span/Zogby poll released today found Hillary Clinton leads Barack Obama 31% to 27%, while GOP heavyweights Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee are in a dead heat. Third-place Democratic contender John Edwards was running a strong 24%. Republican John McCain, who is focusing on New Hampshire, was the only other candidate in double digits with 11%. More»

Clinton's popularity plummets among women

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton’s lead in New Hampshire has evaporated, a CNN poll finds. Clinton's approval rating is at 31%, off 5% since November, leaving her in a statistical tie with Barack Obama, who's at 30%. Clinton’s support among female Democrats has fallen from 43% to 33%. Mike Huckabee hasn't replicated his Iowa surge—his 9% rating pales against GOP leader Mitt Romney's 32%. More»

GOP field still wide open, Rudy's numbers slipping

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton is still in first place among Democratic presidential hopefuls nationwide, despite a substantial 12% leap in support for Barack Obama since early December, finds the latest Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll. Clinton leads Obama 42% to 33%, with John Edwards trailing at 11%. Asked to pick between Clinton and Obama, a slender majority of Edwards voters went for Clinton. The GOP figures were less clear-cut. More»

Presidential hopefuls face food issues

(NEWSER) - Image-conscious politicians are having to balance their hunger for power with their hunger for food. Modern voters tend to mock or shun fat politicians—but with events like the Clyburn Fish Fry and the Harkin Steak Fry firm fixtures on the pre-primary calendar, candidates are struggling to stick to their diets, reports the New York Times. Voters expect to see enthusiastic participation, but frown on extra pounds. More»

Stress of political races can cause overeating, premature aging

(NEWSER) - Even the presidential candidates who miss out on the White House will feel the effects of their campaigns for years to come. The mad dash to the Oval Office—speeches all day, deadline pressures, cross-country tours—puts tremendous stress on the body. Forbes takes on the low points:

1. Sleep deprivation, leading to memory losses and risky decision-making.
2. Poor diets, causing that waist to grow (Clinton favors ice cream; Obama, French fries).