Presidential candidates for the Democratic Party nomination spoke at the Democratic National Committee annual winter meeting about their vision for the future of the party. Among the topics they addressed were operations in Iraq, the state of the economy, health care, energy and environmental policy, and education issues. Supporters for the candidates in the audience, some of whom had declared their candidacy and others who had formed presidential exploratory committees, waved campaign signs and cheered for their respective candidates. Additionally, several DNC officers gave reports from their respective committees.

The first day of speeches by candidates included Senator Chris Dodd, Senator Barak Obama, Retired General Wes Clark, Former Senator John Edwards, Representative Dennis Kucinich, and Senator Hilary Clinton. Coverage was joined in progress during Senator Dodd’s remarks.