All DC Decoder
- What would a Republican 'war on poverty' look like, circa 2016?
Republicans, especially possible 2016 presidential contenders in 2016, want to change their party's image as unfeeling toward the poor. Here are five ideas from prominent Republicans for helping low-income Americans advance.
- Why unemployment benefits twist Republicans into knots
It looked like Senate Republicans would block the bill to extend emergency unemployment benefits, but it passed narrowly with GOP support Tuesday. A Q-and-A on what's going on.
- Is long-term unemployment worse than it appears?
The Senate has voted to move forward with debate on renewing emergency benefits for those experiencing long-term unemployment. Some 1.3 million Americans saw such benefits expire on Dec. 28.
- Is income inequality as bad as Obama says? In many ways, yes.
Rising income inequality in America is a nuanced topic, but the numbers show that the richest 1 percent are doing much better than others, in part because of tax changes and shifts in the economy.
- Democrats to push income inequality as top issue of 2014. Winning tactic?
The Senate will take up extended unemployment benefits Monday as part of a broader Democratic push to focus on issues on income inequality ahead of the 2014 midterm elections.
- Mitt Romney says MSNBC's apology was 'clearly heartfelt'
MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry apologized for comments on her show about Mitt Romney's mixed-race grandson. Mr. Romney has accepted the apology as 'clearly heartfelt.'
- Supporters, opponents gear up for Obamacare election fight in 2014
More than 1 million Americans have signed up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. But problems could lie ahead, and that’s likely to feature in the midterm congressional elections.
- Unemployment benefits expiring: Should special help continue beyond 26 weeks?
Although unemployment has fallen substantially from its post-recession peak, a historically high number of Americans – 4.1 million as of November – have been out of work for more than 26 weeks.
- Unemployment benefits 101: What's happening Saturday?
The emergency unemployment benefits that have been in place for America's jobless since the recession will end Saturday. Here's a primer on what that means.
- Yes, it's the 'least productive Congress' ever, but what does that mean?
Members of Congress head home for a break with a slim record of legislation. To some, it's a sign of polarization so extreme that normal functioning is no longer possible. To others, it's an achievement.
- Max Baucus exit to China could help Democrats keep Senate
A Max Baucus nomination to be US ambassador to China would set up a chain of events that could give Democrats an unexpected boost in two states they risk losing: Montana and Louisiana.
- Budget deal cuts benefits to some vets: Heartless or painless?
Some Republicans criticized the budget deal passed by the Senate Wednesday because it cuts retirement benefits to some veterans. Military cuts are often tough for Congress to stomach.
- How budget deal might signal new normal in Congress – and how it might not
The Senate passed the budget deal Wednesday, but the House and Senate seemed to switch identities during the budget episode. Some of those shifts might endure, others might be the politics of the moment.
- Budget deal: Senate Republicans vote to advance bill they hate
OK, most Democrats hate the budget deal, too, but more is at stake for Republicans. Thankfully for them, Senate rules will allow a vote for and, then, against the bill. Huh?
- Senate simmers down after two all-nighters, but what was the point?
The brawl over Senate rules got ugly last week before a cease-fire was declared. But nominations this week, including of Janet Yellen to head the Federal Reserve, could again produce fireworks.
- Obama now losing a key constituency: younger voters
Younger voters were a key to Barack Obama's successful presidential elections. But now polls show he's losing those 'millennials,' and Obamacare seems to be a major reason why.
- Rise of the left and the backlash: How big a deal?
The last two weeks, progressive and centrist Democrats have been at odds, as President Obama has tilted toward economic populism. But the Democrats' real issue may lie elsewhere.
- Cracks in tea party front emerge in House vote on budget deal
The House overwhelmingly passed a budget deal that many tea partyers called odious. It suggests that a new generation of conservatives has concluded that 'shutdown politics' don't work.