Biden, Warren absence at California gathering irks top Dems
(World News USA)

LONG BEACH, Calif. (AP) - The decisions by Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren to skip a weekend gathering of thousands of fervent California Democrats less than three months before voting begins have frustrated and puzzled some party leaders. But they have offered a chance for their rivals to capitalize on the absence of two front-runners at the gathering that serves as an unofficial kickoff of the final sprint to California´s March 3 primary, which offers the biggest delegate haul of any primary or caucus. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in particular could benefit from Warren´s absence as the two battle over the party´s most progressive voters, many of whom were galvanized to become more involved...