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Two political heavyweights are descending on New York's 23rd congressional district Monday,

(CNN) - Two political heavyweights are descending on New York's 23rd congressional district Monday, 24 hours before voters in that closely-watched special House race head to the polls.

Vice President Joe Biden is set to hold a morning rally in Watertown with Democrat Bill Owens at 10 a.m. ET.  Biden's visit comes two days after Republican Dede Scozzafava withdrew from the race - a seeming blow to Owens who had benefited from Sozzafava and conservative third-party candidate Dough Hoffman splitting the opposition vote.

Meanwhile former GOP presidential candidate Fred Thompson is also heading to the upstate New York district, holding a campaign event with Hoffman Monday evening.

Thompson, among Hoffman's earliest high-profile backers who was the recent star of a campaign commercial for the independent conservative, said in a statement "Dough is Target No. 1 for the Democrats' political machine, they are desperate to win."

A recent Siena College poll conducted before Socozzafava withdrew from the race suggests Owens and Hoffman were locked in a statistical dead heat, 36-35 percent, with Scozzafava far behind at 20 percent.  Political observers predict more than two-thirds of Scozzafava's supporters are now likely to cast their vote for Hoffman.

Biden also campaigned with Owens in September while President Obama made an appearance at a fundraiser for Owens in New York City earlier this month.

Follow Alex Mooney on Twitter @awmooneycnn

Fred Thompson, a former GOP White House hopeful, said Wednesday that he doesn't want some of the president's policies to succeed.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Count former GOP presidential candidate Fred Thompson among the growing chorus of prominent Republicans who want President Obama's policies to fail.

Tuesday evening Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal called pressure to support Obama's policies "political correctness run amok."

Related: Jindal defends those who want Obama to fail

Thompson told CNN's John Roberts Wednesday that he agreed with some of his fellow Republicans who have said publicly they do not want the president's policies to be successful.

Watch: Thompson on American Morning

"I want his policies that I believe take us in the wrong direction to fail," Thompson told Roberts on CNN's American Morning.

"If he takes us down the road of tripling our national debt in ten years and making us vulnerable to higher interest rates and higher inflation, and things of that nature, I want all those policies not to succeed," he said.

Thompson, who made the rising cost of entitlement spending a focus of his 2008 presidential run, said he'd be happy to help Obama overhaul those programs.

"If he wants to do that, I will join with him. I'll do everything I can to make him succeed with regard to that because that's the whole ball game in terms of our fiscal future in this country," said the former Tennessee senator.

Thompson criticized Obama's ambitious health care agenda, telling Roberts the president's plans would cost the government more than they would save.

Fred Thompson, a former Tennessee senator and presidential candidate, asks supporters in his e-mail to donate to Jim Tedisco and solicits contributions to his PAC.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Former Presidential candidate Fred Thompson told supporters Friday that a Republican victory in an upcoming congressional election in New York is the spark conservatives need to help stage a strong defense to oppose Democratic policy goals.

“If Jim Tedisco wins this seat, it will be a very public repudiation,” of the Democratic Party, Thompson said in an e-mail to supporters of his political action committee. “A Tedisco victory will start the process of building an effective opposition to the Obama-Pelosi agenda, and send a clear message: conservatives aren’t going to let the extremist left in Washington strip us of our rights and freedoms.”

Tedisco is the Republican candidate in the March 31 special election to fill the remaining 20 months of Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand’s term. Gillibrand, a Democrat, was appointed to the Senate earlier this year when Sen. Hillary Clinton was confirmed to be Secretary of State.  Scott Murphy is the Democratic candidate in this election.

Thompson, a former Tennessee senator and presidential candidate, asks supporters in his e-mail to donate to Tedisco and solicits contributions to his PAC. He is best known, perhaps, for his work as an actor in movies and on the television show Law and Order.

Fred Thompson said Barack Obama is unprepared to be president.

ST PAUL (CNN) – Barack Obama is wholly untested and unprepared to be president, former Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson said Tuesday - the most pointed criticisms yet of the Democratic presidential nominee delivered at the scaled-back GOP convention.

"Democrats present a history making nominee for president," Thompson told the cheering crowd. "History making in that he is the most liberal, most inexperienced nominee to ever run for president.

"Apparently they believe that he would match up well with the history making, Democrat controlled Congress," he continued in the prime-time speech. "History making because it's the least accomplished and most unpopular Congress in our nation's history."

Thompson, who abandoned his own presidential bid after poor showings in the first round of primaries early this year, also criticized the Illinois senator for comments at a recent faith forum during which he declined to say when he believed human life began.

"We need a president who doesn't think that the protection of the unborn or a newly born baby is above his pay grade," Thompson said in what was a clear reference to Obama's comments at a forum sponsored by Rick Warren last month.

Thompson faced criticism during his own presidential run when a YouTube clip of a 1994 Senate debate showed Thompson declaring, "The ultimate decision on abortion should be left with the woman and not the government."

It was also revealed Thompson once lobbied for an abortion-rights group.

Fred Thompson campaigned with Sen. McCain earlier this year.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) - Former Sen. Fred Thompson vehemently defended the selection of Sarah Palin for vice president Tuesday garnering huge applause from the crowd at the Republican National Convention.

"What a breath of fresh air Gov. Sarah Palin is," said Thompson, who dropped out of the Republican presidential race in January. "Give me a tough Alaskan governor who has taken on the political establishment in the largest state in the union - and won - over the beltway business-as-usual crowd any day of the week."

Thompson also praised McCain and talked about how his ordeal as POW shaped his character.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) – Thompson gave a considerably better speech than he ever delivered on his own behalf during the primary season. He was certainly a lot more animated.

His attack on Obama – that he delivered a “teleprompter speech designed to appeal to America’s critics” abroad – brought the crowd to its feet.

The themes they’re stressing are character, judgment, leadership – all personal qualities. Republicans believe they can win the election on McCain’s personal qualities – because they’re not going to win on policy.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) - Thompson asked rhetorical questions about John McCain: Who is this man? And can we trust him with the presidency?

Unstated: those are the big questions that people have asked about Barack Obama.

More and more Americans do believe we’re winning in Iraq, but the issue has now receded in importance in the public mind – and they now believe Barack Obama can handle the war just as well as John McCain.

McCain's campaign has accused Obama of maintaining a 'September 10th mindset.'

(CNN) – John McCain and the Republican National Committee have issued sharp words for Barack Obama this week after Obama suggested in an interview that the United States can combat terrorism "within the constraints of the Constitution."

One McCain adviser said such comments demonstrate Obama’s foreign policy "weakness" and his "September 10th mindset."

But in consecutive days, the McCain campaign has attacked Obama's so-called "law enforcement approach" by offering up a pair of high-profile Republican surrogates who themselves have appeared to favor legal avenues for prosecuting terrorists.

The McCain campaign pressed their case against Obama on Thursday by convening a conference call with former GOP presidential candidate Fred Thompson.

Thompson accused Obama of being "inconsistent on matters of national security and foreign policy" and criticized Obama's support for last week's milestone Supreme Court ruling, which determined that terrorists being held at Guantanamo Bay should be granted habeas corpus rights.

But during Thompson’s presidential run, he also appeared to support legal pathways if Osama bin Laden were captured.

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Fred Thompson joined John McCain on the campaign trail Tuesday.

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina (CNN) - Fred Thompson made his first public appearance since dropping out of the presidential race Tuesday, using his conservative credentials to backstop a major speech Tuesday from presumptive Republican nominee John McCain on judicial appointments.

Thompson, seated behind McCain on stage and rocking back in his arm chair, grinned as McCain called him “an old and very dear friend” and made a few light-hearted references to Thompson’s acting resume.

“I know exam week involves some tough moments,” McCain told students in the audience at Wake Forest University. “Like when you're up at 3:00 a.m. and have to choose between studying or watching one of Fred's old movies.”

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Thompson is looking to head back to Hollywood.

(CNN) - Two months after early primary voters put an end to his short-lived presidential bid, Fred Thompson is hoping for a friendlier reception back in Hollywood.

The former Republican presidential candidate is seeking a return to his acting career, having recently signed a deal with the William Morris Agency, Reuters reports.

Thompson, a former senator from Tennessee, starred as New York District Attorney Arthur Branch in the NBC show "Law & Order" until last year when Republican Party insiders convinced him to mount a presidential bid.

The 65-year-old conservative was hailed by some as the next coming of Ronald Reagan, but his campaigning style was criticized as lackluster, and he was never able to capitalize on the anticipation supporters had built before he announced that he was getting into the race.

He played to the voters as a staunch conservative and a son of the South, and while he did draw some evangelical voters from one-time Baptist preacher and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, it wasn't enough to pull him into contention for the nomination.

Thompson formally ended his bid late last January after third place showings in Iowa and South Carolina - the two states in which he devoted most of his resources.

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

TAMPA, Florida (CNN) – The day after Fred Thompson announced he was dropping out of the presidential race, Mitt Romney told reporters he believed he had the most to gain from the former senator's exit.

For the Republican party to hold on to the White House, said Romney Wednesday, “I think you have to have social conservatives on board, as well as economic conservatives and foreign policy or national defense conservatives.

"I speak to those three groups. I think Fred Thompson did as well and in some respects his departure from the campaign I think inures to my benefit.”

He added, “I will miss Sen. Thompson's humor at our debates, he is a delightful character.... I appreciate his contributions to this campaign.” The two men often tangled on the campaign trail, with Romney often on the receiving end of attacks from Thompson.

The former Tennessee senator hasn’t said whether he plans to endorse any of his former opponents, including close friend John McCain, and it's unclear which candidate his former supporters might now embrace.

The most recent polls, which were conducted before Thompson ended his run, showed Romney neck-and-neck with McCain in Florida's GOP presidential race.

– CNN Political Producer Alexander Marquardt

CNN=Politics Daily is The Best Political Podcast from the Best Political Team.

(CNN) – The troubled economy is front and central this election year. President Bush and Congress are facing mounting political pressure on the issue, as the Federal Reserve unexpectedly cut interest rates Tuesday.

In the latest episode of CNN=Politics Daily White House Correspondent Ed Henry highlights a possible emergency recession plan from President Bush and Congress.

On the campaign trail, the battle between Sens. Clinton and Obama continues after Monday’s spirited CNN debate in South Carolina. Jessica Yellin reports from that state on the latest campaign dustup.

And while the Democrats battle each other, they are starting to focus on a new target across party lines. Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider highlights the new cross-party fire directed at Republican presidential candidate John McCain.

Finally, just days after a placing third in South Carolina’s Republican primary, former Sen. Fred Thompson has dropped out of the presidential race. Chief National Correspondent John King reports from Florida.

Click here to subscribe to CNN=Politics Daily

–CNN's Emily Sherman

Thompson had a disappointing showing in the GOP's South Carolina primary. (Photo Credit: AP)

In a statement issued by his campaign, Fred Thompson said:

"Today I have withdrawn my candidacy for President of the United States. I hope that my country and my party have benefited from our having made this effort. Jeri and I will always be grateful for the encouragement and friendship of so many wonderful people."

Full story

(CNN) - The presidential race remains unsettled despite voting in Iowa, New Hampshire, Wyoming, Michigan, Nevada, and the GOP primary in South Carolina.

As the 2008 White House race moves to Florida for the primaries there on January 29 and the Democratic primary on January 26 in South Carolina, CNN continues to bring you in-depth political coverage. 

If you missed any of CNN's Sunday Ballot Bowl programming, you can catch the highlights here:

Video: Watch Chuck Norris and Mike Huckabee

Video: Watch Giuliani on what he'd fix 

Video: Watch Edwards on Dr. King's legacy

Video: Watch Sen. McCain's S.C. victory speech

Video: Watch Sen. Clinton on Dr. King's legacy 

Video: Watch Fred Thompson's S.C. concession speech

Video: Watch Edwards: 'Enough is enough'

Video: Watch Romney: 'We can fix Washington'

Video: Watch Mike Huckabee S.C. concession speech

Video: Watch Sen. Obama on unity

Video: Watch Sen. McCain discuss his S.C. win with Dana Bash

–CNN Associate Producer Martina Stewart

Will Fred Thompson stay in the presidential race? (Photo Credit: AP)

(CNN) - After a weak showing in the South Carolina primary, Fred Thompson gave a wistful speech to supporters, telling them "we'll always stand strong together."

Thompson had staked his campaign on a strong finish in the Republican primary here.

While he remains in the race, two sources told CNN that "it was abundantly evident to all of us" that the bar was a win or a very competitive second place in South Carolina to continue to be viable in the GOP presidential race.

Thompson has no public schedule Sunday, and is planning to consult with campaign manager Bill Lacy and other top advisers about the next move.

"We are not blind to the obvious," said one senior campaign adviser.

But, given the muddled course of the Republican race so far, both aides said Thompson and his advisers wanted to watch the results come in tonight before making a final decision.

Related video: Watch Thompson's S.C. concession speech

–CNN's John King, Candy Crowley, and Gloria Borger contributed to this report

CNN=Politics Daily is The Best Political Podcast from the Best Political Team.

(CNN) - Former President Bill Clinton has become a regular fixture on the campaign trail as his wife mounts her own campaign for the White House.

In the latest episode of CNN=Politics Daily, Senior Political Correspondent Candy Crowley takes a look at the Clinton's tag-team campaign style.

Wolf Blitzer also speaks with Clinton backer Bob Johnson about his apology to Sen. Barack Obama.

South Carolina's GOP primary is January 19 and the Best Political Team has the southern state covered. Dana Bash reports on Sen. John McCain's new economic plan announced in Columbia, South Carolina Thursday.

Chief National Correspondent John King is also on the trail in South Carolina and takes a look at Fred Thompson's effort to win the important GOP primary.

Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider reports on the string of endorsements Sen. Barack Obama recently received from Democratic insiders.

Click here to subscribe to CNN=Politics Daily.

Thompson is getting tough on his rivals.

ABBEVILLE, South Carolina (CNN) -– Fred Thompson continued his attacks on all three of his main Republican rivals in South Carolina Wednesday.

The former Tennessee senator, running behind John McCain, Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney in recent surveys in the state, has staked his candidacy on a strong showing in the GOP primary there this Saturday.

Asked by a voter Wednesday how his record on "conservative Christian values" stacked up against those of Huckabee and John McCain, he immediately criticized the former Arkansas governor.

"Just to cut through the baloney, it was me and not him who received the National Right to Life endorsement," he said. "Who do you think knows my record better? They've been following me since 1994."

Thompson repeated the criticisms he made against Huckabee at last weekend's GOP debate in Myrtle Beach, especially on the issue of illegal immigration.

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CNN=Politics Daily is The Best Political Podcast from the Best Political Team.

(CNN) - The Republican presidential primary race has another winner. Mitt Romney won Michigan's GOP primary Tuesday night and now Romney and the rest of the GOP presidential field will continue their contest in South Carolina and Nevada.

The three leading Democrats debated one another Tuesday night in Las Vegas - less than a week before Nevada's caucuses.

In the latest episode of CNN=Politics Daily, John Roberts speaks with Mitt Romney and Mary Snow reports on the Republican presidential race.

Roberts also sits down with Mark Halperin, book author and Senior Political Analyst for Time Magazine, to discuss the next stage of the White House race. Finally, Kiran Chetry speaks with former senator Fred Thompson.

Click here to subscribe to CNN=Politics Daily

–CNN Associate Producer Martina Stewart

(CNN) – With voting just two days away, it’s down to the wire for the Republican White House hopefuls contesting Michigan’s GOP presidential primary. Out West, Nevada’s caucuses are now less than a week away and South Carolina’s Republican primary will be held on the same day – January 19.

In CNN’s Sunday Ballot Bowl programming, CNN’s correspondents and producers were with the presidential candidates out on the campaign trail in the states who are up next to vet the field of White House hopefuls. If you missed any of Sunday's Ballot Bowl, you can get the highlights here:

Video: Giuliani on change

Video: Huckabee on Baptist background

Video: Obama: It won't stay in Vegas

Video: Romney one-on-one

Video: McCain: Michigan can lead the nation

Video: Edwards in Florence, S.C.

Video: Thompson's conservative values

Video: Clinton on health care

Video: Clinton on Dr. King

Video: Obama on Clinton's MLK comment

–CNN Associate Producer Martina Stewart

(CNN) – The race for the White House fans out to Michigan, South Carolina, Nevada, and Florida now that Iowa's caucuses and New Hampshire's primaries are over. CNN continues to provide complete coverage of the presidential hopefuls as they battle for their party's nomination. If you missed any of CNN's Ballot Bowl programming Saturday, you can catch the highlights here:

Video: Clinton: 'We need a change of heart'

Video: McCain: 'We can create jobs here'

Video: Giuliani on tax reform

Video: Huckabee: 'We value life'

Video: Obama: 'Yes we can'

Video: Edwards: Value U.S. workers

Video: Romney: 'Washington is broken'

Video: Thompson: 'What you see is what you get'

Video: Poll: McCain a threat to Dems

– CNN Associate Producer Martina Stewart