On this day in 2003 the United States began Operation Iraqi Freedom. On to today's top stories:

"Obama Speaks Bluntly on Race" (Mike Dorning and Christi Parsons, Chicago Tribune) Like it, didn't like it, thought Obama did what he had to do, didn't do that -- opinions vary on effectiveness of Obama's speech yesterday. But a general consensus has formed that whatever one's opinions are, the speech was substantive and indeed thought-provoking.

"GOP Sees Rev. Wright as Pathway to Victory" (Jonathan Martin, The Politico) With his speech Obama might have won over enough liberals and Democrats to win the nomination, but it's a whole different story during a general election. That fight will take place in the middle, where both McCain and Obama would need the Independent vote.

"McCain Missteps on Iraq; Democrats Pounce" (Michael Cooper, New York Times) McCain got his Sunnis, Shiites mixed up while touring Iraq and the Democrats wasted no time in pointing this out.

"In 50-State Poll, Foes Top McCain" (Donald Lambro, Washington Times) A 50-state poll conducted by SurveyUSA found that McCain would lose the electoral college vote to both Obama and Clinton. The margins, however, are close enough that it's not a sweep and many red states that vote blue in the polls do so only by the slimmest of margins.

"Clinton Tries to Keep Plan for Two Revotes Alive" (John Broder, New York Times) Hillary Clinton's hopes of getting a do-over vote in Michigan and Florida are growing darker by the day. Florida has essentially scuttled its plan, and Michiganders are far from a solution.

"McCain Gets Warm Welcome in Israel" (Aron Heller, Associated Press) Traveling with Sen. Joe Lieberman, McCain was embraced by Israelis, as he made a ceremonial stop at the Wailing Wall.

"Supreme Court Justices Critical of D.C. Gun Ban" (Michael Doyle, McClatchy Newspapers) Not since 1939 has the Court addressed the Second Amendment so directly. What it decides in June, and there were hints that it might overturn D.C.'s ban, could have a major impact on the general election.

"Paul Slighted by the 'Neoconservative' GOP" (Ralph Hallow, Washington Times) Ron Paul is taking shots at the GOP nominee and establishment for not courting his voters. Well, one explanation could be that Paul hasn't officially ended his presidential run.

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