So, what's a caucus anyhow? Fox explains it all.

Dartmouth will host a Dem debate on January 25th.

The debate, developed for months in secret by national media and Dartmouth officials, will mark the first time the candidates meet to address a pre-set theme of women's issues.

The debate will be hosted by Lifetime TV and ABC News.

Record turnout expected at Iowa caucus:

Iowa Secretary of State Chet Culver on Thursday predicted a record turnout at Monday's first-in-the-nation Democratic caucuses as county officials around the state reported strong interest in the meetings.

"This will go down in history as the most exciting, the most competitive caucuses we've ever had," Culver said. "It's going to be a big night."

Looks like the biggest hit at the Dean rally on Wednesday wasn't Dean himself:

"This is Stephen Colbert's water bottle!" Duncan Skinner, 17, shouted to a friend at a Howard Dean campaign rally Wednesday night.

Yes, it was true. Colbert, a correspondent on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show," had left an empty plastic water bottle on top of a trash bin. Or on the floor. The details are fuzzy.

What's known is that Skinner, a Johnston High School senior and Dean volunteer, quickly grabbed it.

"I've got to take this home and keep it," he said.

Pause. Picture light bulb blinking above his head.

"Hey, I could sell it on eBay!"

Then quickly: "No, it's too precious. I'll keep it."

When it was pointed out to him that the bottle looked as if it had been gnawed on, Skinner said excitedly, "That's even better."

Dean and Gephardt step back from negativity:

Democratic rivals Howard Dean and Dick Gephardt are pulling the negative ads they've been airing in Iowa, opting for a more positive message in the final days before the state's presidential caucus.

Of course, the Dem candidates are descending on Iowa this weekend. And they'll be joined by a slew of Republicans.

Campaign manager Ken Mehlman, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and GOP adviser/former HBO star Mary Matalin will be in Des Moines. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani will be in Cedar Rapids. Campaign Chairman Marc Racicot and Rep. Bob Portman will be in Davenport. Sen. Rick Santorum will be in Dubuque. Adviser Ralph Reed and House Majority Leader Tom DeLay will be in Sioux City. Colorado Gov. Bill Owens will be in Council Bluffs along with adviser and former congressman Vin Weber. RNC Chairman Ed Gillespie will be in Waterloo.