All Decoder
Why are Democrats so mad at DNC chief Debbie Wasserman Schultz?Political DC is buzzing about a Politico story quoting critics who claims Democratic National Committee chair Wasserman Schultz put her own ambitions ahead of the party's. Are they looking for a scapegoat for Democrats' likely drubbing in the mid-terms, or is something else at work?
Why is GOP's Karl Rove warning Democrats might keep Senate?Republican strategist Rove notes that, to this point, Democrats have outraised and outspent Republicans on Senate races. Could money outweigh President Obama's poor approval ratings and greater enthusiasm among GOP voters?
Joe Biden's two-gaffe day: Offensive or simple slips of the tongue?Vice President Joe Biden has already apologized for one of the gaffes, but the other caused many pundits to characterize him as the nation’s slightly dotty uncle, somebody who will say whatever pops into his head.
Poll: GOP's Joni Ernst leads in Iowa Senate race. Big, if trueA new poll shows Republican Senate candidate Joni Ernst up 6 points in Iowa. The state would be a huge pickup for Republicans eager to take control of the Senate.
How a Kansas ballot dispute could determine control of the US SenateKansas Democrat Chad Taylor asked to have his name taken off the ballot, likely damaging prospects for Sen. Pat Roberts to hold his seat. The Kansas Supreme Court decides the issue this week.
2014 elections: Might Democrats keep control of Senate after all?A funny thing happened on the way to 'majority leader Mitch McConnell.' In the past few days, a number of the major election forecasting models have lurched back toward the Democrats.
New Hampshire Senate: Are Scott Brown and Jeanne Shaheen really tied?A new poll puts Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Scott Brown in a dead heat in New Hampshire. But other polls suggest Senator Shaheen might still have a thin lead.
Did Hillary Clinton say anything important in Iowa?Hillary Clinton gave a speech in Iowa over the weekend, and it sounded a lot like a stump speech in the making. Even the theme was familiar: 'It's the economy, stupid.'
Would US sue parents of James Foley? Why White House is defending itself.The parents of James Foley, who was beheaded by the Islamic State, say the Obama administration told them they could be sued if they tried to pay their son's ransom. A White House official said Sunday that it was not a threat.
- Commish Condi? Drumbeat grows for former Secretary Rice to heal reeling NFL.
Condoleezza Rice – Russia expert, student of military strategy, and concert pianist – has always been a football lover who aspired to one day become NFL commissioner.
Hillary Clinton returns to Iowa. Is that Joe Biden behind her?Hillary Clinton is perhaps the most heavily favored nonincumbent presidential candidate in modern times. Her speech at Iowa's Harkin Steak Fry is sure to be parsed for clues to her intentions in 2016.
Ted Cruz walk-off: cynical, or 'Sister Souljah moment'?Ted Cruz was booed off the stage, after praising Israel at a meeting of Middle East Christians that included Palestinians. Was it a deliberate move to claim credit for standing up for Israel?
Ted Cruz booed off stage at Middle East Christian meeting. Why?Sen. Ted Cruz gave a keynote address Wednesday at a gala sponsored by In Defense of Christians, a group whose objective is to focus public attention on the plight of persecuted Middle East Christian groups.
Kid sofa-dives in Oval Office, Obama probably jealousIn a photo that's gone viral this week, President Obama is saying goodbye to a departing Secret Service agent and the agent’s wife. Their child is the diver in question.
Ray Rice: Did the White House need to weigh in?Some argue it’s a teaching moment, and the president needs to help steer the nation. Others say it’s an incident that the president has no authority over and should not attempt to influence.
Democrats slam Chris Christie on 'Bridgegate'. Why now?The 'Bridgegate' scandal has hurt Chris Christie, but he's still running hard for the GOP nomination for president. Democrats are hoping to remind voters why his favorability rating has dropped.
- Hillary Clinton says she'll decide on 2016 around January 1. Maybe.
What’s she really saying with today’s 'announcement' is that sometime next year she might surprise everyone and say she’s dropping out of a pre-presidential contest she’s already engaged in.
Why is Bill Clinton campaigning for Charlie Crist in Florida? Four reasons.In 1998, Charlie Crist called on President Clinton to resign. Now a Democrat, Crist needs his help to regain the Florida governorship. Clinton has plenty of reasons to oblige in Miami Friday night.
Was Bob McDonnell convicted for politics as usual?Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell accepted lavish gifts from a businessman, but it's not so clear what the businessman got in return. Politicians elsewhere may want to reconsider what has been viewed as politics as usual.
Have Islamic State atrocities turned Rand Paul into a hawk?The junior GOP senator from Kentucky, long known for anti-interventionist views, has blasted the Obama administration for inaction in the wake of atrocities carried out by the brutal Islamic State.
