All Decoder
Michelle Obama, the conservative? How to keep big government out of your lunchMichelle Obama says that 'if you don't like government ... messing with your life,' you should make better eating choices. Is Michelle Obama starting to sound more like a conservative than a liberal?
Why did Jeb Bush release an eight-year pile of e-mails?Almost-certain presidential candidate Jeb Bush says he released a trove of e-mails from his days as Florida governor in 'the spirit of transparency.' His direct correspondence with constituents is striking a chord with right-leaning pundits.
Axelrod book: Obama lied about opposing gay marriageCandidate Barack Obama lied about his views on gay marriage to get elected in 2008, writes David Axelrod, Obama's campaign advisor in 2008 and 2012.
Obama Vox interview: Was something missing?The Vox interview shows anew the administration’s belief that effective communications requires proffering the president to a wide range of outlets. Obama gave lengthy answers explaining his thinking on certain subjects.
IS claims US hostage Kayla Mueller killed in airstrike. Propaganda or possible?The White House said it had not seen any corroborative evidence. Western experts were highly skeptical of the IS claim that hostage Kayla Mueller had been killed by the weapons of a US ally.
Does Brian Williams have a 'Ted Baxter' problem?The same week that Brian Williams recanted his story about being in a helicopter when it was downed by enemy fire, questions have arisen regarding claims the NBC new anchor made during interviews about his coverage of hurricane Katrina. Is he facing a tipping point?
Why did Obama compare Crusades to Islamic State at prayer breakfast?It’s possible that President Obama knew his remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast would blow some of his opponents' stacks; it’s possible he’s surprised by the controversy. But controversy there is, manufactured or genuine.
How badly has Brian Williams besmirched NBC News?Brian Williams has admitted that his story of being in a helicopter shot down in Iraq is not true. It's a blow to his credibility, but the nature of network news has been evolving.
What congressional 'Downton Abbey' office says about Washington cultureRep. Aaron Schock has decorated his office with a 'Downton Abbey' theme. Yes, there are pheasant feathers. Yes, there are calls for an inquiry.
Jordan king cites Clint Eastwood film as model for Islamic State fightJordan's King Abdullah reportedly told United States lawmakers that he intended to fight the Islamic State like Clint Eastwood's character fought in 'Unforgiven.' But the US might have misgivings about that.
Poll: Huckabee slams on Beyoncé might boost him in IowaFormer Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee says that Beyoncé is 'mental poison.' He's leading the polls in Iowa, where 40 percent of likely GOP caucus attendees say that this view of her is 'about right.'
Hillary Clinton trounces GOP foes in latest poll. Why that's not a big dealA new poll shows Hillary Clinton ahead of potential Republican rivals in three critical swing states: Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Why that doesn't mean much at this point in the 2016 presidential race.
Vaccine uproar: Driven by partisan politics?Likely presidential hopefuls from Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton to Republican Gov. Chris Christie have weighed in on the vaccine debate. Polls show the difference of opinion on vaccination among Republican and Democratic voters is modest, if it exists at all.
Chris Christie calls for 'balance' on child vaccinations. What's his point?New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said Monday that 'parents need to have some measure of choice' in vaccinating of children. The topic is fraught with political sensitivities.
Lindsey Graham explores presidential run. What on earth is he thinking?So far there’s been no groundswell of Lindsey-mania or Graham-mentum among the GOP’s uncommitted. But Graham is from an important primary state and may be looking to influence the direction of the Republican Party.
John McCain erupts at protesters during hearing. Why the anger?While the Vietnam conflict seems a distant echo to many Americans, antiwar protests serve as a reminder that it was one of the most divisive issues in modern American politics.
- Why is Hillary Clinton delaying her campaign kickoff?
Politico reports that Hillary Clinton is likely to delay the official launch of her 2016 presidential campaign. What is the strategy behind the decision?
Loretta Lynch hearing: Why all those red suits in the crowd?Loretta Lynch, President Obama's nominee for US attorney general, put on a master class in poise at Wednesday's confirmation hearing. It's a political style that her Delta Sigma Theta sorority sisters, there to support her, recognize and applaud.
Why the Romneys are lunching with Chelsea Clinton. Awkward?Ann and Mitt Romney will be having lunch with Chelsea Clinton and her husband, at a fund-raising event in Boston on Friday. The lunch comes on the heels of a Mitt Romney speech slamming Hillary Clinton.
Romney speech: Still trying to win 2012?Mitt Romney's speech in Mississippi Wednesday night was full of the expected swipes at Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton. But he may have a harder time winning over the GOP electorate this time.
