On this day in 1860 Abraham Lincoln, known primarily as a "prairie politician" who scored some prominence for his debates over slavery with Stephen Douglas, delivers his Cooper Union address in New York City. The speech would relaunch Lincoln's political career and make him a candidate for the Republican nomination. On to today's top stories:

"Clinton Comes Out Swinging in Debate with Obama" (Steven Thomma, McClatchy Newspapers) If last night was to be the last debate, then Hillary and Obama went out with a bang. Once more, the two fought over their differing health care proposals and NAFTA, but managed to keep the argument mostly about the issues. It was still a good 90 minuted brawl.

"Debate Puts Hillary Clinton's Frustrations on Display" (Jim Tankersley and Christi Parsons, Chicago Tribune) It was one of the oddest moments in all the debates: "Well," Clinton said, "could I just point out that, in the last several debates, I seem to get the first question all the time? And I don't mind. You know, I'll be happy to field them, but I do find it curious. And if anybody saw 'Saturday Night Live,' you know, maybe we should ask Barack if he's comfortable and needs another pillow." Referencing SNL during a presidential debate? Clearly the Clinton team wanted to raise the media bias issue, but it came off sounding very forced and awkward.

"Cunningham Irritates McCain" (Howard Wilkinson, Cincinnati Enquirer) Following a local radio host's introduction at a rally yesterday, during which Bill Cunningham repeatedly used Obama's middle name, John McCain stepped up to the microphone and apologized: "A person came out here before I arrived and made some disparaging remarks about senators Obama and Clinton and I regret that."

"Democrats Raise Legal Point Over McCain and Ohio as He Opts Out of Public Money" (Michael Luo, New York Times) It's been a tough media week for McCain. When he's not apologizing for a supporter's comments, he and his team are busy battle the DNC over public funds. The issue of public funds was also raised in last night's debate, where Obama, who's also been criticized for backing out of a pledge to accept public funds, said he would "sit down" with McCain and hash out a deal.

"GOP Banks on McCain to Lure Hispanic Vote" (Stephen Dinan, Washington Times) Having reached a high-point of 44 percent in President Bush's reelection, the GOP's Hispanic support has since plummeted, with congressional candidates attracting just 30% in 2006. Some see McCain as the only GOP nominee who could rally those erstwhile supporters.

"McCain Has Edge Over Democrats" (Peter Wallsten, Los Angeles Times) A new Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll finds that about half of registered voters think McCain is best able to handle the Iraq war, even as a majority of respondents said the war was not worth fighting. McCain also beats out (although barely) both Democrats in head-to-head polling.

"Women Voters in Texas Feeling the Pressure" (Emily Ramshaw, Dallas Morning News) According to reporter Ramshaw, older, more-educated women in Texas are facing a tough choice next week: They don't want to vote for Clinton just because she's a woman, but they know that Clinton represents perhaps the only chance of a woman winning the White House. Clinton has traditionally carried women voters, but Obama has managed to strengthen his support among them, as he has across most demographic groups.

"Dodd Endorses Obama" (Hartford Courant) It's probably a little late for a former candidate's endorsement to matter at this stage. Still, Chris Dodd's nod to Obama helps the Illinois senator in the New England area and, strangely, splits Connecticut's senate delegate between him and McCain (whom Joe Lieberman has endorsed).

"U.S. Says Rezko Paid His Way In" (Jeff Coen and John Chase, Chicago Tribune) Tony Rezko's trial begins Monday, but prosecutors are already making their case. The focus right now is on Gov. Rod Blagojevich, but Obama's name is sure to come up.

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

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