Possible Clues:

• February 2 VIP
• Woodchuck
• US burrowing rodent
• _________Day
• Reporters' subject on Feb. 2
• A reason to corner the woodchuck
• Burrowing animal - ruin surrounds his head, immersed in drink
• Reporters' subject in February
• US native giving order contrary to the spirit of 17?
• It's actually a rodent