Is there a lesson for Hillary Clinton from French socialist Segoleone Royal's loss of the female vote last week? The Wall Street Journal's Jackie Calmes and Alessandra Galloni write that "voters have become more receptive to females who project gender-bending strength and substance," like Clinton and are "more likely to reject those who don't" like Royal. This is nothing new to Clinton as she "doggedly refuses to apologize for her 2002 vote authorizing force in Iraq, despite pressure from party liberals" and her campaign titled a press release "Commander in Chief" after Clinton promised retribution for terrorist attacks in last month's Democratic debate.

Nonetheless, the campaign is using smaller crowds in Iowa to gain a softer, more intimate feel, reports the New York Observer's Jason Horowitz. At one particular meeting no one asked her about Iraq, but her comment about deauthorizing the war was followed by drowning applause. Meanwhile in Clinton's home state, Gov. Eliot Spitzer ended months of speculation by endorsing Clinton, reports the New York Times' Michael Cooper and Patrick Healy. Democrats close to Spitzer say the governor's "politics, background and generational outlook" were closely aligned with those of Barack Obama, but added that Spitzer never seriously considered backing him.

Obama made a gaffe yesterday in Virginia where he said "ten thousand people died" in last weekend's tornado that struck Greensburg, Kansas that killed 12. Obama realized he misspoke later and said, "There are going to be times when I get tired. There are going to be times when I get weary. There are going to be times when I make mistakes."

Meanwhile, John Edwards is trying to clarify the reason he joined a hedge fund in 2005, saying that he joined the fund to learn about financial markets, their relationship to poverty and to make money, the AP reports. Edwards asked, "How else would I have done it?" A reporter suggested he could have taken a university course, and Edwards said, "That's true ... It was primarily to learn, but making money was a good thing, too."

All three candidates may have to decide if they'll continue to campaign in Florida now that the DNC is considering making the state's new Jan. 29 primary non-binding, reports the St. Petersburg Times' Adam Smith. Florida violated the DNC's warning not to vote before Feb. 5 and now the state's 200 delegates to the national convention could be split up among all candidates regardless of who wins. Florida's Democratic chairwoman is working with the DNC to negotiate a compromise, which may include a later, party-run caucus or the Jan. 29 date with penalties.

On the Republican side, Rudy Giuliani is being hit by John McCain's campaign over his abortion position, reports the Los Angeles Times' Michael Finnegan. McCain strategist John Weaver said Giuliani is "well outside the mainstream of rank-and-file Republicans on this issue, not only as someone who is pro-abortion, but someone who has supported one of the most radical pro-abortion groups in the country," after it was revealed Giuliani donated to Planned Parenthood in the '90s. Giuliani advisor Anthony Carbonetti said Republicans will "judge a candidate on all of his or her resume and record and vision."

There was some positive news for Giuliani yesterday as he signed Anne Dunsmore to his campaign, the Washington Post's Chris Cillizza reports. Dunsmore has thirty years of experience raising money for the GOP and was George W. Bush's California finance director. Hotline On Call reports that Bob Holste, a 20-year political veteran who ran several House races for the NRCC will also sign with Giuliani.

Meanwhile, Al Sharpton is being criticized by Mitt Romney's campaign for saying "As for the one Mormon running for office, those who really believe in God will defeat him anyways, so don't worry about that; that's a temporary situation," during a recent debate on religion.(Listen to the audio here.) Beginning today Romney will air local and national TV ads touting his promise to expand the size of the military.

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