All DC Decoder
Is Sarah Palin getting in the way of Republican 2016 candidates?Sarah Palin says she's 'seriously' considering a run in 2016. But she hasn't hired staff or raised big bucks, and an Iowa speech raises questions about whether she is serious.
Recreational drone crash: New vulnerability for White House?There was no danger this time. But, like the spate of fence jumpers that troubled the White House last fall, the drone intrusion could indicate a security vulnerability.
With move on Arctic refuge, Obama again turns back on RepublicansPresident Obama has vowed to protect Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, something the Republican-led Congress is likely to oppose. The move offers further evidence of how Mr. Obama is approaching the final two years of his presidency.
Why it matters that Donald Trump is attacking Mitt RomneyThe Iowa Freedom Summit Saturday was a platform for conservatives considering a run for president, and Donald Trump was on the attack. It hinted at what lies ahead.
Obama's interview with GloZell: undignified or smart outreach?President Obama sat for interviews Thursday with three YouTube stars, including GloZell, who is best known for getting in a tub with cereal and milk. Conservative media jumped on Obama for demeaning his office.
Revolt of the moderates? How GOP's hardline abortion bill got shot down.A group of more-moderate House Republicans, tired of Congress's tendency to hold show votes that amount to little, stood up to an antiabortion bill seen as too extreme.
Personal history boosts Hillary Clinton, hurts Jeb Bush and Mitt RomneyA new poll shows two pluses for Hillary Clinton in 2016 presidential race: her gender and her husband's presidency. Jeb Bush is hurt by his family legacy; Mitt Romney loses ground over failed 2012 bid.
Does new Republican bill back Obama's call for 'open Internet'? Sort of.Republicans are putting forward a new bill that suggests they're more open to defending principles of 'net neutrality.' But the details are giving critics pause.
For Joni Ernst, homespun Obama response was full of political calculationFor Republicans, having freshman Sen. Joni Ernst deliver their response to President Obama's State of the Union speech made a lot of sense, and she did a workmanlike job.
What midterms? Obama treats State of the Union as a victory lap.The speech, in which President Obama laid out an agenda topped by free community college and tax breaks for parents and the middle class, was a consummate display of political bravado.
Why Joni Ernst is a good choice to rebut State of the UnionThe first incoming senator to deliver the State of the Union rebuttal in the first month in office has both tea party and GOP backing and is the first female senator with combat experience.
Obama liberated? Five things to watch in State of the Union.President Obama faces solid Republican opposition in the Capitol Tuesday night in his sixth State of the Union address. In a way, that frees him to go for broke in his proposals.
State of the Union: Who will sit with Michelle Obama?More than 20 guests will sit with Michelle Obama while her husband, President Obama, delivers his State of the Union address Tuesday night. The guests offer clues to the content of his speech.
Boehner and McConnell: Can they get their chambers to work together?House Speaker John Boehner and Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell are heading the first GOP-controlled Congress since 2006. Some see the pair as having the most important relationship in Washington in the next two years.
Obama takes executive action on paid family and medical leavePresident Obama signed a memorandum Thursday granting paid leave for federal workers after the birth of a child. But the rest of what he wants requires Congress to pass legislation.
House GOP blocks Obama immigration plan, but there's an asteriskHouse Republicans voted to defund Obama's executive action on immigration. But the effort is likely to fail in the Senate, and a path to piecemeal immigration reform might remain.
Huckabee slams Obamas for letting Malia and Sasha listen to BeyoncéFormer Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee has jumped on the Obamas for letting their daughters listen to Beyoncé, who he describes has having gone 'X-rated.' But critics observe that Huckabee's music tastes veer toward the sexually explicit, too.
As would-be Senate reformer, Mitch McConnell faces first test with KeystoneMitch McConnell, the new Senate majority leader, says he wants to use a bipartisan bill that approves the Keystone pipeline to prove the Senate can be a chamber of open debate. A look at the politician’s past may hint at what happens next.
Party’s over? Record voters say they’re Independents, reject 'D' and 'R'Record numbers of American voters are rejecting both major political parties – Democrat and Republican. Instead, according to new poll findings, they’re registering to vote as Independents in increasing numbers.
David Petraeus: From military rock star to possible prosecutionDavid Petraeus, the distinguished US Army general and former CIA director might have been headed for high political office. But an extramarital affair tarnished his reputation, and now federal prosecutors are considering whether to bring criminal charges against him over the handling of classified information.
