All DC Decoder
- How strikes against the Islamic State play out in US midterms
National security is shaping up as a rising concern among voters heading into 2014 midterm elections, especially among swing voters known as 'Walmart moms.' Will slamming the president for 'no strategy' on the Islamic State work for Republicans?
- Obama targets 'tax inversions' by US firms, but real reform needs Congress
The Obama administration aims to reduce the appeal of a corporate shift overseas to avoid US taxes, as it buys time for Congress to reform a corporate tax code that some claim is driving business away.
- Military strikes bombard Syria: Is America at war with Islamic State?
The airstrikes and waves of Tomahawk missiles launched against the Islamic State in Syria overnight will not lead to a ground war, President Obama says. But this doesn't preclude other types of war.
- Religion in public life: another political divide that's growing
Americans increasingly believe the influence of religion in public life is waning, a Pew poll finds. In a likely consequence, the portion of Americans who want religious leaders to speak out on politics is growing.
- Boehner says unemployed ‘don’t really want’ jobs. How bad a gaffe for GOP?
After giving a speech about his plan to revive the economy Thursday, House Speaker John Boehner said the unemployed would rather 'sit around' – reviving the image of Republicans as a party of the rich.
- Obama vs. ISIS: Remind you of Bush’s 'coalition of the willing' in Iraq?
President Obama claims that ‘over 40 countries’ have offered to help the US-led campaign against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria. Just how firm is that support, how firm the support of Americans and Congress?
- Governor Christie exonerated on 'Bridgegate?' We'll see.
Federal investigators reportedly have found no evidence that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie personally ordered or knew ahead of time that aides concocted the political dirty trick known as 'Bridgegate.' Will that boost his 2016 presidential bid?
- Kansas Senate race: Can Mr. Orman go to Washington ... and fix it?
Now that the Kansas Supreme Court has ruled that the name of the erstwhile Democratic candidate won't be on the ballot, incumbent Pat Roberts is in a difficult Senate race against Independent Greg Orman, a champion of reform.
- Senate campaign 2014: Brought to you by 'dark money' like never before
Campaign spending by 'dark money' groups is eight times higher than about this time in the last midterm campaign cycle, and it's mainly going to TV ads in races that could tip control of the US Senate.
- Why Congress moved so fast on Syria: It's the election, stupid
Instead of bracing for a government shutdown, Congress is fast tracking a stop-gap funding measure and an amendment to arm the Syrian rebels, as lawmakers prepare to head home to campaign for midterm elections.
- 'Boots on the ground' in Iraq: Are Obama and Pentagon really at odds?
President Obama and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey seem to be at odds over possible use of US ground troops in Iraq to fight Islamic State militants. But this is just how civil-military relations are supposed to work, says one analyst.
- Why Congress is punting on authorizing war against Islamic State
Congress will vote Wednesday on whether to train anti-Islamic State in fighters in Syria and Iraq, but not on the bigger issue of whether to authorize US force. That comes after November's elections.
- Fewer Americans uninsured. Is Obamacare gaining momentum?
The debate over whether Obamacare is a success goes on, with many Americans still not convinced. But news is getting steadily better.
- Islamic State 101: three tricky problems for US military campaign The campaign to train Iraqi and Syrian fighters to take on the Islamic State will be long and difficult. “This will not look like ‘shock and awe,’ ” Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey told a Senate committee Sept. 16.Here are what are likely to be the top three trickiest sticking points for the US military campaign in the months to come:
- Why is US deploying the military to fight Ebola?
On Tuesday, White House officials outlined a new plan to assign 3,000 members of the American armed forces to supply medical and logistical support to help treat Ebola epidemic victims.
- With new Syria plan, House seeks to keep Obama on short leash
The House plan for training and arming Syrian rebels has many checks on the Obama administration to make sure Congress has oversight. Too many, some say.
- Islamic State 101: Why are Arab countries so reluctant to help?
Secretary of State John Kerry just ended a whirlwind tour of the Middle East to raise support for US-led military action against the Islamic State. The response was less than enthusiastic.