Presidential candidates campaign in SC, Florida

On the campaign trail the presidential pack spent the day in Dixie. Republicans were stumping in Florida, whose primary is in five days. Democrats have until Saturday to pick up votes in South Carolina. And — as usual — there were two Clintons campaigning there.

The Clinton-Obama war of words reached a fever pitch this week. Still, Barack Obama insists he doesn’t have a problem with bill Clinton campaigning for his wife.

Sen. Obama said, “The only thing I’ve been concerned about is when he makes misstatements about my record. That’s what I’m seeking to correct. And I do hold the
Clinton campaign, as a whole, accountable for statements that are made by such high profile surrogates.”

Dormer president Clinton has accused the Obama campaign and the press of making race an issue in the run up to Saturday’s primary.

Obama still leads Clinton by double figures in the polls. And it now appears even John Edwards has a shot at second place.

Clinton said, “When I was running I didn’t give a rip what anybody said about me. It’s weird, you know? But if you love somebody, you’d think they’d be good it’s harder.”

Among the Republicans the latest poll in Florida shows Mitt Romney and John McCain in a dead heat for first.

Sen. McCain said, “By the way, I forgot to mention, I need your vote, I need your vote, I’m asking for your vote.”

Rudy Giuliani, who has staked his whole campaign on the sunshine state, today insisted he would not drop out of the race if he lost next Tuesday. He said, “I’m going to continue my campaign. I have no plans to end my campaign. Of course I anticipate winning Florida, because I don’t go into a campaign anticipating losing.”

The Republicans debate Thursday night for the final time before their winner-take-all primary on the January 29.