All DC Decoder
- Americans OK with 'military action' against ISIS, but not another long war
For now, most Americans back President Obama’s plan to escalate airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria. But they are wary of a conflict that could last years, and they definitely oppose use of American ground troops.
- GOP voters more enthusiastic about Nov. 4: By how much?
A new Pew poll gauged voter interest in the midterm elections and also found differences between Republicans and Democrats in identifying the most important issues facing the nation.
- Three reasons Republicans may not want to capture the Senate Control of the Senate is the big prize in the November midterms. Increasingly, the Republicans’ prospects are looking good.If Republicans do capture the Senate, isn’t that great for them? In many ways, yes. They’d get to set the Senate agenda, for starters. But winning also brings risks. Here are some:
- Obama's Islamic State speech: 3 things for Congress to consider
Many Republicans support the president's plan to 'destroy' the Islamic State – but they say it doesn’t go far enough. And they have questions about it, particularly about how it would work in Syria, and what happens if the plan fails.
- Islamic State strategy: Divisions in Congress surface ahead of Obama’s speech
Much of the dissonance comes from real clashes over policy, but some of it also reflects the politics of the midterm elections. Congress’s two top politicians spoke about the Islamic State Wednesday.
- Top 3 questions about Obama's Islamic State speech As President Obama prepares to make his case about the necessity of confronting the Islamic State, there are key questions he must answer for the American people and for Pentagon officials who must carry out the strategy. Here are the Top 3:
- Why Ted Cruz channeled Dana Carvey on Senate floor
Democrats in the Senate are trying to pass a constitutional amendment to combat the influence of money in politics. But Sen. Ted Cruz argued the measure could even have implications for ‘Saturday Night Live’ skits.
- What have states actually done in crusade against Common Core?
Some states are rebelling against Common Core education standards adopted by 45 states, saying it is a sign of federal overreach. But few states are actually taking concrete steps, according to a new study.
- In a ‘Seinfeld election,’ does Obamacare matter?
A new Kaiser poll shows that among the fall election's most enthusiastic voters, only 3 percent list Obamacare as their motivating issue. In general, the midterms are threatening to be about nothing – just like the ’90s sitcom.
- Congressional leaders express 'support' for fight against Islamic State
But members of both parties disagree on whether congressional authorization is necessary for US airstrikes to continue against the Islamic State. Congressional leaders met Tuesday with President Obama and Vice President Biden.
- How Obama plans to ace his big speech on ISIS
President Obama delivers a major address Wednesday on the growing threat of Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria. He needs to sell his plan to the American people and Congress – but others will be watching too.
- Congress is back for 'closing arguments' before Election Day
Congress has immediate problems to resolve in its last weeks before November elections, including finding a way to avoid a shutdown after Sept. 30. But getting base voters to the polls looms over all.
- Chuck Todd (helped by Obama) launches his ‘Meet the Press.’ So how did he do?
NBC’s new ‘Meet the Press’ host Chuck Todd has a big job ahead of him: Raising the struggling Sunday TV show’s third-place ratings to Tim Russert levels while attracting younger viewers through social media.