• Most Democrats say Gore's endorsement won't sway their vote

WASHINGTON - What would former Vice President Al Gore's endorsement mean for a Democratic presidential candidate? Most Democrats say absolutely nothing, but about a quarter say it would influence their vote — though not necessarily for the hopeful he backs.

· Dem Hopefuls Kucinich & Gravel Excluded From AARP Forum in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa (CNN) — For the second time in one week, Democratic presidential candidates Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, and former Alaska Sen. Mike Gravel will be absent from an Iowa stage on which the majority of their opponents will be standing.

Thursday night marks the Divided We Fail/AARP/Iowa Public Television presidential candidate forum on health and financial security. It also marks the second time this week that an event or organization has not exactly welcomed these two candidates with open arms.

The first was Sunday– Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin's annual Steak Fry.

Spokespeople from both Sunday's and Thursday's events say the two candidates would have been allowed to schmooze and hold hands with the rest of the pack had they met the criteria–a stronger physical presence in Iowa.

• Dodd chides Clinton's health care policy roll-out

'08 campaign

WASHINGTON - Democratic presidential candidate Chris Dodd on Thursday criticized rival Hillary Rodham Clinton's rollout of her health care plan, saying she had mismanaged her effort to reshape the system as first lady, resulting in a major policy debacle.