Captain Morgan's Rum War

By Paul Bedard, Washington Whispers

Now that the House has approved healthcare reform, the floodgates are opening for action on other pressing issues. Among them is settling the rum war between Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. At issue: Diageo PLC, the makers of Captain Morgan rum, is moving its operations from Puerto Rico to the Virgin Islands, which offered a sweetened deal to the British firm. Puerto Rico, however, is fighting back and now wants Congress to intervene. And it has become a blood match between the lobbyists and PR firms representing the two sides. The latest: Edelman, the Virgin Islands' influential publicity team, stepped in and successfully killed a local Washington TV report about Puerto Rico's latest moves in the duel. "The U.S.V.I. decided enough is enough. It wanted to tell its side of the story," says Edelman's Chris Hayes, though there was no new Virgin Islands angle. The Hill's Susan Crabtree, who was featured in the TV report, says the move "shows how there is a lot of money at stake for both sides."

Pentagon Fighting AIDS in 80 Countries

By Paul Bedard, Washington Whispers

On the eve of the annual December 1 World AIDS Day, the Pentagon reports that it has expanded its program to help friendly militaries deal with the issue to 80 nations, including India and Russia. "This is a very important connection to other militaries," said Dr. Rick Shaffer, executive director of the Defense Department's HIV/AIDS Prevention Program.

Hillary for Vice President

By Paul Bedard, Washington Whispers

The hot rumor in Washington: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton could replace Vice President Joe Biden on the 2012 Obama re-election ticket. It would be a reward for her work at State and ready her for a 2016 run, as some strategists think Biden would be too old then to run for president.

Kyl Sees Jimmie Johnson Era

By Paul Bedard, Washington Whispers

No. 48 came through on Sunday to win the NASCAR crown, but for racing's biggest fan in the Senate, Jimmie Johnson is more than just the 2009 champ. Johnson, says Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl, is now a living legend, already having captured three straight Sprint Cup victories. "It might not just be Jimmie Johnson's year," says Kyl. "It might be his era." Kyl should know: He's been a race fan since a kid, is called Senator NASCAR by friends and even guests on an Arizona radio show Mondays to review the weekend's race.

Matalin and Carville Split Even on Pen Color

By Paul Bedard, Washington Whispers

They are such opposites in politics, clashing so often on candidates and policies, that it's not crazy to wonder if James Carville and Mary Matalin's show isn't just an act. After all, how can two people who disagree on almost everything political—to the degree of working against each other—have what they and their friends call a strong marriage?

Hard News for CNN's King

By Paul Bedard, Washington Whispers

Don't expect political ranting or an edgy agenda from John King when he officially takes over the 7 p.m. anchor chair from Lou Dobbs at CNN early next year. "I hope to have a show that takes time to look at the big picture with newsmakers that are driving the debate," King says. "I want to have fun and lively, provocative analysis and discussion that invites everyone in. I want to be the anchor that is playing broker and traffic cop, not a guy with an agenda."

Pumpkin Dies, but Pecan Still Gobbles

By Paul Bedard, Washington Whispers

Each year, a presidential pardon saves the National Thanksgiving Turkey and his "alternative" from the holiday oven. This year will be no different. President Obama gets his chance with the national gobbler on Wednesday.

Sadly, death typically comes soon afterward, because turkeys are bred to be so heavy that they generally live just 18 weeks (or would, if they weren't already on store shelves before then). Breeders say it's just too hard to get around the fact that the birds' legs and organs aren't made to take care of a Biggest Loser-sized turkey.

Will Rudy or Won't Rudy Run?

By Paul Bedard, Washington Whispers

Suggestions that former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani won't run for governor but is interested in challenging Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand are being met with skepticism among his allies.

Whispers reached out to key Giuliani insiders on the rumors, all of whom said that Giuliani had not told them of his Senate plans. Senate Republicans eager for a strong candidate in that seat would be pleased to have Giuliani in the race but say that the 9/11 governor has not talked to them about it. "Obviously, it would be great if he did it, but we're still having a hard time believing it," said a Senate GOP leadership aide.