All DC Decoder
- Iran nuclear deal 101: eight questions about what's in it
Here is an explanation of the main elements of the deal struck to temporarily freeze the Iran nuclear program. Negotiations aimed at a final deal are to continue over the next six months.
- Washington blows up: Has American politics hit an all-time low?
The approval ratings of Congress, the Republican Party, and President Obama have now all hit all-time lows. And the Senate's 'nuclear option' is supposed to make things worse?
- Obama must convince many Democrats as well as Republicans on Iran nuclear deal
Congress strongly supports Israel, with many members pushing for tough sanctions on Iran. This is a challenge for President Obama trying to win support for the deal on Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
- Like Harry Truman, does Obama face a 'do-nothing' Congress?
Congress has passed a record low number of bills and blocked a record high number of presidential appointees during the Obama administration. Neither party has benefited from dysfunction in Washington.
- Obamacare delayed: Deadline to sign up for Jan. 1 start date is now Dec. 23
Obamacare delayed: Americans now have eight additional days to enroll in insurance that starts Jan. 1. Insurers say processing could be a challenge, depending on how many people enroll on HealthCare.gov in the last few days.
- John F. Kennedy assassination: three key mysteries
There is still no accepted story about the John F. Kennedy assassination. After half a century of investigation and speculation, it's the missing documents, the holes in what we know, that stand out, leaving only factions of belief.
- Is Senate's 'nuclear option' an Obamacare diversion?
Senate majorities have long wanted to rein in filibusters for presidential nominations. So why now? The GOP assertion that it's an Obamacare diversion might not be entirely off the mark, but Democrats' frustration with gridlock appear to have peaked.
- How new Senate filibuster rule could change balance of power on courts
There are 18 vacancies on federal appeals courts nationwide, but perhaps most significantly, the new Senate filibuster rule allows Obama and Democrats to fill three seats on the D.C. Circuit, the nation's second most powerful court.
- Republicans double down to kill Obamacare, but can they?
A 17-page Republican memo offers guidance on how to skewer Obamacare and keep Congress focused on its flaws, but safeguards built into the law mean a 'death spiral' is unlikely.
- Senate takes 'nuclear option' on filibusters: What does that mean?
For the tradition-bound Senate, the 'nuclear option' is of seismic importance. But does it mean an end to filibusters? Not really. Here's Q&A explaining what Democrats just did.
- Health inflation hits historic low. A victory for Obamacare?
A White House eager to tout good news reports evidence that the Affordable Care Act has helped slow the growth of health-care costs. But there are other factors.
- JFK assassination: three feuds in Dallas
One of President Kennedy's main goals in his Texas trip was to heal a Democratic Party split in the state. But that wasn't the only political feud. Here are some main crosscurrents before the JFK assassination.
- More damaging news for Obama on Obamacare. Can he rebound?
A consultant warned the Obama administration in March that Obamacare's HealthCare.gov was in trouble, a document released Monday shows. As the drumbeat of bad news continues, here's what experts say Obama should do to pull out of a second-term tailspin.
- Obamacare sign-ups: How states with their own websites stack up
The 11 states that run their own Obamacare enrollment websites are reaching more of their potential market than those using HealthCare.gov. But the numbers are still modest so far.
- Obamacare 101: Why do men need to buy maternity coverage?
Americans searching for new health insurance plans under Obamacare are finding they need to pay for coverage they don't want or need. That idea is fundamental to Obamacare.
- Obamacare and you: Who is exempt from Obamacare?
Under Obamacare, Americans will be required to purchase health insurance for 2014, but like many requirements in life, the 'individual mandate' is not absolute. Here are the exceptions.
- Smoking gun? Critics cite evidence Obama knew Americans would lose coverage
Did Obama simply misspeak when he said Americans could keep their existing health insurance policies, or did he know that to have been false? Critics say there's clear evidence that he lied.
- GOP: Obama lied about health insurance law
A leading Republican says President Obama made 'false promises' and engaged in a 'grand deception' about the Affordable Care Act, charging that Obama's recent apologies were 'phony.'
- Obama offers reprieve on insurance cancellations, but will it work?
After an uproar, President Obama announced Thursday that health insurers may now extend canceled plans for a year. But the insurance industry is unhappy, and it's not clear what insurers will do.
- Obamacare numbers are finally out, and they’re low. Time to panic?
Only 106,000 people signed up for Obamacare insurance through government exchanges in the first month, far below the 500,000 expected. Only a quarter came through buggy HealthCare.gov.