All DC Decoder
- Tea party Republican breaks through to House GOP leadership
The tea party has claimed its first spot in House leadership with the election of Rep. Steve Scalise to the No. 3 post – majority whip. Will he ease GOP tensions or make them worse?
- Should US intervene in Iraq? What key players are saying.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has asked the US to supply air strikes to quash a rising Islamic insurgency. Here's a roundup of what influential voices are saying.
- House Republicans elect new leaders: Who are they?
After the defeat of Eric Cantor, House Republicans were forced to elect a new House majority leader and whip. A look at who they are, and how they might lead.
- Obama's Iraq plan: a middle path from a conflicted president
Obama does not want to get the US involved in Iraq again, but he also knows the threat presented by a civil war there. His plan announced Thursday weighs those concerns.
- House leadership reshuffle 101: Who does what?
House Republicans are voting today to fill leadership positions in the wake of majority leader Eric Cantor's surprise defeat in the Virginia primary. The job of majority whip could open up, too.
- Obamacare premiums rising in 2015, but not at 'death spiral' pace
The success of Obamacare hinges to a significant degree on keeping premium hikes down. New data show increases in some states, but so far, they're not too steep.
- Democrat vs. Democrat: five tough primaries that pit left against itself Republicans have become famous for eating their own in primaries. The Democrats? Not so much. But there are still a handful of interesting Democrat vs. Democrat races this cycle. Here’s a list:
- Why Benghazi suspect's capture isn't all good news for Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton could argue the capture of Ahmed Abu Khattala closes the door on the Benghazi episode. But for her GOP critics, it could be a durable re-opener.
- Would US air strikes work against Iraq insurgents?
President Obama has few options as Iraq insurgents move toward Baghdad. Air strikes are one possibility. But their effectiveness might be limited without boots on the ground.
- How is money reshaping American politics? Take our quiz.
Since the American Republic's founding, money has had a role to play in politics right along with candidates, voters, and election laws. The debate over the influence of lobbyists and political donors over government policies is now amplified in an era of increasingly unlimited contributions, the obscurity of "dark money," and the growing wealth gap between the ultra rich and ordinary Americans. Here's a quiz where you can test (and expand) your knowledge.
- Obama to sign order supporting gay workers. Why now?
President Obama will soon sign an executive order barring federal contractors from discriminating against gays, lesbians, and others based on their sexual orientation. The gay-rights lobby has long wanted this measure.
- Eric Cantor: Could he be the next Karl Rove?
In the Republican split over how cozy to be with big business, Eric Cantor and David Brat were on opposite poles. Now Mr. Brat could be headed for Congress. But Mr. Cantor could remain influential in D.C.
- 'Who lost Iraq?' The political fight over America’s longest war
As the situation in Iraq deteriorates, the Washington blame game begins. The Obama administration for pulling out or the Bush administration for invading and occupying Iraq in the first place?
- Replacing Cantor: To win a leadership post, it’s not what you know, it’s who
The whip job of gathering votes from GOP members has given Californian Kevin McCarthy a big advantage in the race to replace Eric Cantor as House majority leader.
- What did tea party take from Eric Cantor defeat? New life, perhaps.
The tea party wing of the Republican Party has been relatively subdued since the government shutdown debacle last fall. The Eric Cantor defeat could rouse it.