All DC Decoder
- Debt ceiling 101: eight questions about the latest round Congress has until the end of February to raise the federal government’s borrowing limit, known as the debt ceiling, or the country risks going into default. How is this time different from the previous rounds of debt ceiling politics? Here’s a guide, plus the context.
- Immigration reform: Boehner says it's down to a matter of 'trust'
Speaker Boehner says that what's holding up immigration reform is a 'trust gap' with President Obama. But that doesn't mean the door is shut on action in the House, even in an election year.
- Obamacare: 'Job-killer' or freedom from 'job trap'?
Debate is raging over how Obamacare will affect the job market, following a report by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Here's what the report actually says.
- Jay Leno: a short history of a political player
Jay Leno was a must-stop for Washington power players, who often emerged more likable. But his jokes could sting: The Broncos were so ineffective ... 'they were invited to join the Obama administration.' Ouch.
- Why all the buzz about Mitt Romney 2016?
Mitt Romney and his allies are adamant he won't run for president again. But there are signs it could happen: a humanizing documentary, Chris Christie's woes, and Mr. Romney's active role in public life.
- Senate Democrats to plot strategy ... with Bill Clinton?
Senate Democrats gather Wednesday for a private policy retreat. Obama will be there, of course, but so will former President Bill Clinton. Is Clinton 'message-crafter in chief,' or peacemaker, or something else?
- Obamacare to cost economy 2.3 million jobs? Not so fast.
A political firestorm erupted Tuesday when the CBO reported that Obamacare could result in many fewer full-time workers in 2021. But the White House insists that's a good thing: Workers will have more choices.
- Farm bill, check! Is Congress, at last, finding a way to do its work?
With Tuesday's Senate vote, Congress sends a long-disputed, $956 billion farm bill to President Obama's desk. That's on top of a recent budget deal, and an omnibus spending bill.
- Does slicing $8 billion from food stamps cut to bone or just trim some flab
Congress's newly approved farm bill cuts $8 billion from food stamps over a decade, barely 1 percent a year. Low-income households in 16 states will feel the effect the most. Why is that (and answers to other FAQs)?
- Oh no! US is near debt ceiling again. So why isn't anyone panicking?
Investors are convinced that Congress, after provoking a bruising government shutdown in 2013, doesn't have the appetite for a confrontation over the debt limit, especially in an election year.
- Bridge-gate: Why conservatives are now embracing Chris Christie
Chris Christie, embattled by Bridge-gate, is now welcome at CPAC 2014, the annual conservative bash, after getting no invitation last year. Perhaps a case of 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend.'
- Obama report card: Mediocre grades, 'more effort needed'
Recent polls have not been kind to President Obama as he appears to be losing ground, especially among moderates and independents. Will his second-term agenda, as outlined in his State of the Union address, help him?