All Decoder
Obama 'Between Two Ferns' show up for an Emmy. Deserved?The Obama episode of 'Between Two Ferns' is not the show's best work, some fans say. But it has been viewed online 22 million times and now is an Emmy nominee. If it wins, it wouldn't be a White House first.
Germany boots US spy. How much does America eavesdrop on its allies?The US has a long history of spying on its friends. Tensions between the US and Germany were raised last year by Edward Snowden's revelations of US eavesdropping on its European allies.
Has US reached peak interest in Sarah Palin?A new poll suggests that a majority of Americans would rather hear less from Sarah Palin. But that's never been her audience, and many Republicans still like her.
Obama and Perry talk border issues: Who has upper hand?Wednesday's meeting is billed as an exchange of ideas over border issues that could boost Gov. Rick Perry's stature in the GOP. It could also give Obama a talking point that House Republicans are not so eager to talk about.
Palin pushes Obama impeachment. What's up with that?Palin cites border security as her main reason to impeach Obama, and she is not the first to call for such a move. But the votes aren't there, and the maneuver could hurt the GOP.
Will Obama and Gov. Rick Perry meet on the border?President Obama and Texas Gov. Rick Perry negotiate, via proxies, the terms of a high-stakes meeting on the south Texas border with political gains and perils for both.
Elizabeth Warren: Is she really President Obama's 2016 choice?Elizabeth Warren would make a better guardian of the Obama legacy than Hillary Clinton. So runs the argument. But the mainstream media isn't buying it. Here are a few reasons why.
Political independents rarer than many think, poll suggestsA new poll offers evidence that the trend toward increasingly polarized US politics may be a stronger tidal pull than the desire to stand independent from the parties.
Surprise! Red and blue districts often agree on government policy.A new study suggests that Americans in both red or blue areas mostly agree about what government should do – even on issues like immigration and Social Security. 'Gridlock in Congress is not driven by the people,' one expert says.
'Kissing congressman' Vance McAllister to run for reelection. Any hope?'Kissing congressman' Vance McAllister changes his mind, says he has apologized to voters and 'worked it through with my family.' But this time, he faces widespread Republican opposition.
Have Hillary Clinton's wealth gaffes begun to hurt her with voters?It may not be the wealth gaffes that are driving down Hillary Clinton's poll numbers, but rather the higher levels of scrutiny that come with being a likely presidential contender.
Hillary Clinton $225,000 speaker fee: Is that a lot for a potential president?A Hillary Clinton speech in Las Vegas will cost the University of Nevada $225,000. That fee leaves Mitt Romney in the dust, and as voters shift their views of the presumed presidential candidate, it has focused more attention on her finances.
Did Howard Baker save Ronald Reagan's presidency?Howard Baker's strong advice helped Reagan through the Iran-Contra scandal, but he also knew when to back down. He urged dropping the line, 'Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall,' but the words were the president's own, and they stayed.
Howard Baker's other passion (besides politics)In his vast and varied career as US senator, White House chief of staff, and ambassador, Howard Baker was rarely away from his camera, which gave him a capacity to observe and reflect on events.
Howard Baker: the real story of his famous Watergate questionHoward Baker, who accomplished much in his years in Washington, may be best remembered for a single question he asked as a senator during the Watergate investigation.
Hillary Clinton rues 'wealth' gaffes. Will that end empathy debate?Hillary Clinton insists she's no Mitt Romney when it comes to appearing out of touch with America's middle class. But she now concedes that her remarks about her own family's financial status were 'inartful.'
Cleveland, Dallas named GOP convention finalists. Who will win?With Las Vegas out of the running, we're guessing Dallas. Studies show parties get no boost from the state they pick for conventions, so Republicans might as well meet in GOP-friendly Texas.
Is Hillary Clinton a bad campaigner (or just working out the kinks)?The Hillary Clinton wealth flap is still going strong, and some pundits are wondering if she is simply a bad campaigner. Others note that now is the right time to make mistakes.
Did Michelle Obama just (sort of) endorse Hillary Clinton for 2016?First lady Michelle Obama said this week that she'd like to see a woman hold the Oval Office 'as soon as possible' – and that she herself has no designs on it, or any other elected position. That kind of narrows the options.
Joe Biden: Poor for a D.C. politico?As Hillary Clinton stumbles over her 'dead broke' remark, Joe Biden tells those who might question his ability to empathize with the problems of working people that he's got no stocks, no bonds, and no savings account.
