but the fact that this is sean penn doing something somewhat out on a limb, not surprising. >> he's going to be dining out on this story for years. >> he will tales that he will tell for years. >> thank you. >> thank you. i like that music. election. it's time for an election. u.s. presidential candidate rand paul says he will not take part in the next republican debate on thursday in south carolina. senator paul along with carly fiorina and rick santorum were invited to the undercard debate. the other candidates will be featured on the main stage. >> donald trump and cruz are battling for the lead in iowa where the state caucuses are three weeks away. cnn's dana bash reports. >> reporter: who does donald trump see as his stiffest competition? here's a hint.