All DC Decoder
- Election 2014: Mississippi Senate race is tea party’s best shot at victory
Longtime Sen. Thad Cochran faces a strong tea party challenge in the Republican primary. The state GOP establishment has rallied to support him, but the tea party has the energy on the ground.
- Obamacare deadline 101: How can I get more time with an extension?
The Obamacare deadline for enrolling in a health insurance plan expired Monday, but there are some extensions available, and the penalty is prorated by months without coverage.
- Ryan budget's clear message: We're not Democrats
Both the Republican House budget by Rep. Paul Ryan and Democrats' 'fair shot' legislation are red meat for partisans, aimed at getting voters to the booth in November.
- Senate report slams CIA over harsh interrogations. It won't be last word.
Information is leaking out about a Senate panel's classified report on Bush-era CIA interrogations of terrorism suspects – and it paints the CIA as brutal and deceitful. The spy agency disputes the report. Will the public ever see it?
- Who is Jonathan Pollard, and why is his spy case inflammatory?
Jonathan Pollard supporters say the spy did nothing but help an ally, Israel, and clemency could help Middle East peace talks. Critics say Pollard did serious damage to US intelligence and his release would gain nothing.
- Obamacare deadline 101: Do I have to enroll or not?
The Obamacare deadline to enroll in a health insurance plan is Monday, but many people are confused about whether they need to do anything or whether they can get an extension.
- Obamacare deadline 101: Do sign-ups above 6 million signal success?
Figures like total enrollment are clues to Obamacare's early performance. But they hint at a larger challenge: how to keep costs contained so more Americans can afford insurance.
- Obamacare deadline 101: What if I haven't signed up yet?
The Obamacare deadline to sign up for health insurance is March 31, but people who start the sign-up process by then have extra time to finish. To enroll, HealthCare.gov is the first stop.
- Is Sheldon Adelson the one man any Republican presidential hopeful must woo?
Billionaire casino magnate Sheldon Adelson hosted a meeting of the Republican Jewish Coalition this weekend, and Republican presidential hopefuls flocked.
- Obamacare deadline 101: How much will enrolling cost me?
The Obamacare enrollment deadline is approaching, and cost will be a big issue for some. Here, we break down how much Obamacare will cost based on your situation.
- Obama, Pope Francis, and the (rocky) history of US-Vatican relations
Obama said he was 'incredibly moved' by a discussion with the pope on poverty. But the Vatican said the talk centered on church issues in the US, such as funding contraception through Obamacare.
- IRS scandal 101: Why House doesn't have all Lois Lerner e-mails yet
IRS Commissioner John Koskinen rejects the assertion his agency is 'slow rolling' requests for Lois Lerner's e-mails by a House panel looking for a White House connection to the scandal.
- Obama proposes NSA reforms. Why now?
Facing an upcoming legislative deadline, the White House has proposed the reforms nearly a year after NSA leaker Edward Snowden revealed the extent of the metadata program.
- Obamacare sign-up deadline delayed. Is the mandate effectively gone?
March 31 is no longer the hard deadline. Americans now have until mid-April to sign up for health coverage, as long as they try to enroll by March 31. New Obamacare exemptions waive the individual mandate altogether.
- Is Harry Reid helpless against the Koch brothers' cash?
The Koch brothers are spending millions through their super PAC to unseat vulnerable Democrats and flip the Senate Republican. Senate majority leader Harry Reid is furious. But options are limited.
- Hillary Clinton vs. Jeb Bush? Why political dynasties might make sense.
A new Battleground Poll shows Hillary Clinton beating Jeb Bush by a wide margin on favorability. That could actually spur Bush to run for president, says a Republican pollster. Here's why.
- Obama to offer bill to end NSA data sweep. Why doesn't he just do it?
Obama's proposal would represent a major change in NSA surveillance activity, scuttling most of a post-9/11 program to track communications among terrorism suspects. He could end it himself but is opting to seek Congress's approval.
- Mitt Romney: Russia not an enemy, it's 'our geopolitical adversary.' Huh?
Mitt Romney criticized President Obama Sunday, saying he lacked foresight in dealing with Russia. But Romney stopped short of calling Russia an enemy, trying to make a more nuanced point.
- Nate Silver's new Senate forecast could terrify Democrats into action
Polling expert Nate Silver has come out with a new forecast: Republicans are currently favorites to take control of the Senate this fall. That prediction could open Democratic wallets.
- Russia sanctions 101: five questions you were too embarrassed to ask President Obama has announced several rounds of economic sanctions on Moscow, acting with European allies. Here are answers to some simple questions about sanction specifics.