On this day in 1781 astronomer William Hershel discovers Uranus, adding to mankind's understanding of the stars and at the same time launching the careers of millions of bad-joke tellers. On to today's top stories:

"Clinton Apologizes to Black Voters" (Devlin Barrett, Associated Press) And so the great Ferraro Fiasco ends as these things often do: Resignations and apologies. Twenty-four hour ago, Clinton was doing the regret-but-support dance, while the first female VP candidate on a major party's ticket was defending herself on any station that would have her -- which was a lot. Today, the race moves on.

"McCain, GOP May Have Cause for Hope" (Jackie Calmes, Wall Street Journal) Against a generic Republican, Democrats are looking good. But against John McCain, things get interesting. According to a new WSJ poll, McCain enjoys parity with Clinton in a general election and loses only a few points when matched against Obama -- not bad considering this is supposed to be a Democratic year.

"Florida's Mail-In Primary Plan Opens Rifts in Washington and Tallahassee" (Jonathan Weisman and Shailagh Murray, Washington Post) Democrats can't seem to find common ground on anything these days. With Florida's state party pushing forward with a mail-in do-over they're running up against the state's congressional delegation, as well as the Obama campaign.

"Democrats Propose Do-Over Primary Paid for by Donors" (Kathleen Gray and Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press) Moving now to Michigan and the other half of the mess, the idea of holding a state-run primary has resurfaced once prominent Democrats like Penn. Gov. Ed Rendell offered to raise money for it. Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm had said that a state-run primary would cost taxpayers too much money -- somewhere in the realm of $10 million.

"Obama, Clinton Parrying Over Perceptions" (James O'Toole, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) Can't do much better than this article's subhead: "Clinton: State is the climactic showdown. Obama: It's a chapter in delegate story." Of course neither candidate's views on the April 22 primary has anything to do with their chances of winning.

"Obama Enlists Ex-Commanders" (John McCormick, Chicago Tribune) Wait, you mean a candidate is talking about something other than race or gender? Obama buffed his national-security credentials yesterday by appearing on stage flanked by some retired military brass. The Clinton campaign reacted to the show of force with a list of more than 30 admirals and generals who have endorsed her.

"Super-Delegate Tally Remains Slippery" (Fredreka Schouten, USA Today) Witness the horror that is super-delegate math. Just when you think you have a handle on the whole process you read something new and wonder if the Democrats' primary process was designed by a 5-year-old living in Antarctica. But that would insult the intelligence of 5-year-olds -- and Antarcticans.

"Support for War Effort Highest Since 2006" (David Paul Kuhn, The Politico) In a development that could dramatically alter the political landscape, more Americans support the war than at any previous time since 2006. Despite the positions of both their candidates, 29% of Democratic voters now support keeping troops in -- still low, but eight points higher than last summer.

"McCain Says He's Ready for the Call" (John DiStaso, New Hampshire Union Leader) Returning to the place where it all began for him, McCain said his visit to the Granite State was the starting point of his general-election campaign. To win, he might need its help one last time.

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