CNN writes, CNN's GUT CHECK | for February 25, 2013 | 5 p.m. - n. a pause to assess the state, progress or condition of the political news cycle BREAKING: Former Surgeon General of the United States C. Everett Koop died in his home in Hanover, New Hampshire. He was 96. Koop served as surgeon general from 1982-1989, under then-Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. He was outspoken on public health issues and did much to elevate the office of the surgeon general. FORCED BUDGET CUTS WATCH: ‘THESE CUTS DO NOT HAVE TO HAPPEN,’ OBAMA SAYS… In his latest push to pressure Congress before automatic,…