All Decoder
Four reasons the Senate gun control bill may be kaputThe Senate is slated to vote Wednesday on nine gun control provisions, but prospects for passage for several – including expanding background checks to more gun buyers – look dim. Here's why.
Immigration reform: public support for a path to citizenship at all-time highAs the 'Gang of Eight' prepares to unveil its immigration reform proposal, several new polls shed light on shifting attitudes among Americans on a path to citizenship.
North Korea nuclear talks: Did John Kerry soften conditions?North Korea nuclear talks are possible if the North gives up its nuclear program, Secretary of State John Kerry said this weekend. That's not new, but Kerry's tone has worried some analysts.
Obama's tax rate is 18.4 percent. Is that too low for a millionaire?The release of President Obama's tax returns last week showed that his tax rate has gone down. Of course, his income went down and he gave a lot to charity, but critics are still chirping.
Why hasn't North Korea fired its Musudan missile yet?Satellite imagery has detected the movement of several Musudan missiles toward the east coast of North Korea, and a test is widely expected. But April 15 is not likely to be the day. Here's why.
'If babies had guns they wouldn't be aborted.' Is Rep. Steve Stockman serious?Rep. Steve Stockman sees himself as a conservative insurgent and likes to shock. But his new bumper sticker promoting his pro-gun and anti-abortion views might have a specific agenda.
Sarah Palin Tesla slap: Elon Musk says he's 'wounded'Sarah Palin Tesla tweet lumps the car maker and its luxury Model S in with other tax-subsided 'losers.' Tesla founder Elon Musk couldn't resist tweeting a response, but he should have.
Did North Korea secretly restart work on disabled nuclear reactor?One of North Korea's more worrisome threats this week was to restart its plutonium production reactor at Yongbyon. Satellite photos suggest the rebuilding has already begun.
Uproar over Obama comment on Kamala Harris: political correctness run amok?President Obama sparked a mini-tempest when he called California's Kamala Harris the 'best-looking attorney general in the country.' At least he also called her brilliant, dedicated, and tough.
Obama 5% of salary: He'll give it back, in sign of 'sequester' solidarityObama 5% of salary will be returned as a tribute to federal workers facing furloughs under the sequester. That's $20,000 – a big chunk for most people, but for the president, not so much.
North Korea's threat to restart shuttered reactor: Bluster or big problem?North Korea said Tuesday it would restart a nuclear reactor capable of making fissile material for bombs. At least one expert sees it as North Korea's 'most worrisome' threat yet.
Caroline Kennedy: Good or bad choice for US ambassador to Japan?Caroline Kennedy has largely shunned public political life, spending much of her time working at nonprofit organizations. Is it a good idea to send someone with little diplomatic experience as envoy to an important US ally?
Was Ashley Judd sabotaged by rival Democrats?Ashley Judd was forced out of the Kentucky Senate race by Democrats, says an adviser. But, in many ways, the charges he makes sound a lot like typical, sharp-elbowed politics.
US jets to Korea: Why send stealth fighters to the region?US jets, Korea bound, constitute Washington's latest move in the face of heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula. The presence of the stealth fighters could figure into several American aims.
David Petraeus: Too soon for a comeback?David Petraeus resigned in disgrace as CIA director last November after an affair. Now, he suggests he's ready to get back into public life. Recent history has plenty of role models.
Could a Gingrich-Santorum ticket have fared better against Romney? Or Obama?The Gingrich and Santorum campaigns reportedly made a serious bid to form a 'unity ticket.' But it probably could not have wrested the GOP nomination from Romney, nor the general election from Obama.
Obamacare 'kills': Has Michele Bachmann finally gone too far?Obamacare 'kills' – literally, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R) asserted on the House floor Thursday, roiling her critics. But that's just the latest in a series of controversial claims she has made lately.
Gay marriage: Why Sen. Chambliss' clunky quote indicates softening GOP stanceRepublican Senator Chambliss has taken some flak for saying he opposes gay marriage because he's 'not gay.' But it's another sign that GOP opposition is moving from doctrinaire to personal.
Why House vote for short-term spending bill is importantHuzzah! Both House and Senate have voted to fund the government through the end of this fiscal year, and their measure is winging its way to Obama's desk for signing. Here are three reasons this is notable.
Assault weapons ban shelved. Background checks next?Senate majority leader Harry Reid says he wants to bring a gun bill to the floor that will pass. That means no assault weapons ban and, possibly, no universal background checks, either.
