All Decoder
Senator Feinstein's assault-weapon ban: How would it work?Sen. Dianne Feinstein's proposed bill would not ban assault-weapon ownership, but it would ban the manufacture, sale, transfer, or importation of new assault weapons, as well as ban high-capacity magazines.
Rand Paul vs. Hillary Clinton: A preview of 2016?During her congressional testimony Wednesday, Hillary Clinton faced off with Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul – a tea party darling whose confrontational style could make him a contender 2016.
Hillary Clinton's tearful moment on Benghazi: Will it help or hurt?While tears were once seen as political suicide, these days it's become a way to show genuineness and connect with the public.
Beyoncé lip-sync: Did she sing national anthem after all?The Beyoncé lip-sync debate is in some ways a clash of cultures. On one side is a political world in which authenticity is seen as important; on the other is show business.
Beyoncé lip sync on national anthem: Does it matter?The Beyoncé lip sync, like all things inaugural, is not without precedent: Cellist Yo-Yo Ma and violinist Itzhak Perlman didn't play live in 2008, either. But it gives White House critics an opening.
Roe v. Wade at 40: a new surge in support for abortion rightsAccording to one poll, a majority of Americans now support abortion in all or most cases – a result, perhaps, of the many anti-abortion measures enacted by states in recent years.
Republicans call Obama inaugural speech too partisan. Right or wrong?President Obama's speech defended liberal touchstones, such as a strong role for government, but it raised issues that could divide GOP ranks, such as gay marriage, equal-pay legislation, and even amnesty for illegal immigrants.
Why Republicans defy public opinion in gun-control fightSenate minority leader Mitch McConnell said Saturday, ' I will be doing everything in my power' to block President Obama's gun-control proposals – despite polls showing support for gun control.
- Inauguration 2013: what to see and when. (Don’t wait ‘til Monday.)
There is plenty to see and hear in Inauguration 2013's public ceremonies Monday, but the real action, constitutionally speaking, takes place the day before.
Lessons from Lance Armstrong: Comebacks are easier for politiciansLance Armstrong, who admitted to doping, may or may not hope to mount a comeback in sports. But here's one profession that seems to provide a relatively easy path to redemption: politics.
Why does Michelle Obama need two Twitter accounts?Now she's got @FLOTUS, as well as @MichelleObama. How many Twitter accounts does one first lady need? Well, there's a reason for Michelle Obama's double-tweeting, and it has to do with the law.
Could gun control be the new gay marriage?The public's views on gay marriage have moved decidedly to the left, spurred by demographic and generational changes in the electorate. But that same electorate has shifted to the right on gun control. Why the politics of the two issues are different, for now.
NRA defends ad with Obama daughters. Right or wrong?Washington has been roiled by an NRA ad that makes a point about President Obama's daughters. On Thursday, the organization's CEO argued the ad wasn't really about them.
More conservatives plead with GOP to abandon debt-ceiling ultimatumCongressional Republicans are still threatening to refuse to raise the debt ceiling – but the stance is causing growing anxiety for many within the GOP.
Is it wrong for NRA to drag Obama's daughters into gun-control fight?Amid discussion in Washington of new gun-control measures, the NRA releases an online ad that cites the Secret Service protection of Sasha and Malia Obama as an example of how President Obama is a 'hypocrite' on guns.
Time to raise debt ceiling: Does public back approach of Obama or Boehner?Polls don't answer the question directly but indicate public support for Obama's 'balanced approach' to deficit reduction. But worry about 'government dysfunction' is also at its highest point since Watergate, and Americans are signaling to leaders that they want compromise.
Obama and gun control: What actions could he take on his own?With opposition in Congress to renewing a ban on assault weapons, the White House sees advantages to using executive powers to signal progress on gun control. But Obama would need Congress to achieve some likely goals.
How Democrats might get to 'yes' on gun controlTo move their agenda on reducing gun violence forward, congressional Democrats will have to woo, and reassure, gun owners. But that won't preclude some tough political maneuvering.
How to tackle gun violence: 5 things liberal groups wantAs Vice President Biden has prepared his recommendations on alleviating US gun violence, he has talked to several interested parties. Here is what key liberal advocates are seeking.
Obama's refusal to negotiate on debt ceiling: Smart or risky?President Obama reiterated in a press conference Monday that he will not negotiate over the debt ceiling. But Republicans say they want dollar-for-dollar spending cuts, and some are willing to threaten default.
