On this day in 1799 George Washington died at his home in Mt. Vernon. He was 67. Now for today's top election stories:

"Upbeat Democrats' theme: Who can most credibly usher in change?" (Thomas Beaumont, Des Moines Register) Yesterday's Democratic debate was somewhat overshadowed by the news that Clinton aide Bill Shaheen resigned after suggesting that Barack Obama's past drug use could affect his viability as a candidate. As for the debate itself, a low-key affair, with few swipes and a lot agreement on the issues. One could say the it was like the eye of the storm.

"Obama Edges Clinton in Poll" (Sarah Liebowitz, Concord Monitor) Barack Obama has overtaken Hillary Clinton in New Hampshire, according to a new Concord Monitor poll. On the GOP side, Mitt Romney still holds a commanding lead, while Rudy Giuliani and John McCain are essentially tied for second.

"Giuliani Shifts Tactics, Goes on Offensive" (David Jackson, USA Today) Maybe it's just the intensity of the campaign, but more are beginning to wonder if Rudy's strategy of surviving until Feb. 5 without a single victory is viable.

"McCain Gaining in New Hampshire" (Martha Moore, USA Today) Meanwhile, in this companion story, John McCain's strategy of surviving Iowa to pick up a victory in New Hampshire is looking up.

"Poll Shows More Optimism on War" (Jennifer Agiesta and Jon Cohen, Washington Post) Although six in ten Americans still think that the Iraq war is not worth fighting, mirroring opinions 12 months ago, the overall impression is that progress is being made, especially among Republicans and independents. How might this affect Election 2008?

"More Blacks Lean Toward Obama" (Jonathan Kaufman and Valerie Bauerlein, Wall Street Journal) Two months ago a Pew Research poll showed Clinton with a 12-point advantage over Obama among black voters. Today, they are virtually tied. In South Carolina, which holds its primary on Jan. 26, recent polls show Obama with a lead among black voters.

"Obama Youth Appeal Strongest on Campus" (Ben Adler, The Politico) In other polling news, several show Obama leading among college students, especially in Iowa, where a poll last month showed Obama with a 58-14 advantage over Clinton at the University of Iowa. Problem is, the caucuses will be held while the students are still on winter break.

"Romney Takes Underdog Role" (Ed Tibbets, Quad-City Times) While in Iowa, Mitt Romney described rival Mike Huckabee as the "frontrunner" and he as the "underdog," a startling change of events from just a few weeks ago.

"McCain Emphasizes His Ability to Unite" (Tom Witosky, Des Moines Register) A theme of McCain's campaign is that he is much more critical of his party's handling of power, perhaps echoing the frustration of many GOP voters angry over increased spending and corruption.

"Biden Campaigning With Ease After Hardships" (Elisabeth Bumiller, New York Times) A look at Joe Biden's career and the accident that killed his first wife and daughter in 1972, just weeks following Biden's first election to Congress.

Get these and today's other stories at RCP's Politics and Election page.