All Politics
- Russia has invaded Ukraine
If NATO reports are true, it would appear that Russia has decided to significantly ramp up its involvement in the rebellion in eastern Ukraine. Vladimir Putin apparently isn't fazed by economic sanctions. It's not clear what the West can do to deter him.
- Confessions of a Washington tan suit wearer
Tan suits aren't that bad. What’s been lost in a lot of the Twitter uproar is that they used to be standard Washington summer wear for men. This writer had three of them and wore one virtually every day from May to October.
- Why Obama's 'we don't have a strategy yet' on Islamic State is good, for now
President Obama's statement that 'we don't have a strategy yet' for dealing with the Islamic State fired up critics. But if a more comprehensive military response is needed, Congress needs to be part of the discussion.
- How should Hillary Clinton deploy Bill in 2016?
Data show that voters' opinions of Bill Clinton have a significant impact on their opinions of Hillary Clinton, and the connection is strongest among independents and Republicans.
- Britain poorer than all US states except Mississippi
According to one calculation, the United Kingdom would be the second-poorest US state. More than that, Americans are richer at almost every income level. The US just has more money.
- Congress must vote before we expand the attacks on Islamic State
The steady increase of US airstrikes against Islamic State targets in northern Iraq raises the prospect of a war powers fight with Congress on the eve of midterm elections – and none too soon.
- How much does Malia Obama tip? A brush with American royalty.
It's Washington, so sometimes your barista daughter just might wait on the president's daughter. But it's still a hoot, and Malia Obama seemed, well, normal.
- Monitor BreakfastAFL-CIO leader: Hillary needs a primary, Obama needs bold action
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka has not endorsed Hillary Clinton for president: A 'coronation' is 'dangerous for the candidate,' he says. Meanwhile, he's urging Obama to go bold on immigration.
- Poll shows Mitt Romney leads in Iowa. Does that matter?
When the Mitt Romney name is added to the list of potential GOP White House candidates, he sweeps the field. But he says he has no interest in another run – and he probably means it.
- Is Obama dragging Democratic Party down?
President Obama’s sagging job approval numbers are one big reason that forecasters say the odds are good the Senate will swing the GOP’s way. But other factors are weighing on Democratic chances, too.
- What Republican wave?
Republicans need six seats to take back control of the Senate, but there is no sign yet that the GOP is headed for a massive win like what they saw in 2010 or what Democrats saw in 2006.
- Fake Quotations
Fake quotations from famous people, no matter how often discredited, take on new life in campaign seasons. Get ready for the best line Lincoln never said: 'You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.'
- President Griswold? The nation lampoons vacations
Like the hapless Clark Griswold in the National Lampoon vacation film opus, US presidents can't get a break when it comes to taking a vacation. It's always the wrong time to appear to be away from affairs of state.
- How New York mayor de Blasio trumped Obama on equal pay for women
Equal pay is a big election year issue for President Obama. In New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio just announced a big settlement on the issue as part of his 'liberal laboratory.'
- Bobby Jindal sues Obama over Common Core. What's that mean for 2016?
Presidential contenders running well behind in the polls need a big issue. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal may have found his in a lawsuit to block President Obama from imposing Common Core education standards.
- Florida smackdown: Why Crist vs. Scott is marquee governor's race of 2014
The race pits a former Republican governor against the current Republican governor in a race that has already been nasty and expensive. The women's vote will be key.
- Why Rick Perry can't carry a concealed weapon in Texas
Texas Gov. Rick Perry is a facing felony indictment which means under state law he cannot carry a conceal firearm, buy a new gun or ammunition.
- What's the deal with Rick Perry's $500 hipster glasses?
Texas Gov. Rick Perry has a new look thanks to a pair of Jean Lafont eyeglasses chosen by his wife. What are the political optics of this?
- Final Ferguson thoughts
It would be far better to take race out of the equation and just deal with the problems with real solutions. These solutions need to be specific to the kids who are the highest risk.
- James Foley's killer in GOP Senate ad: Smart move?
An ad by long-shot Senate candidate Allen Weh of New Mexico shows the knife-wielding killer of American journalist James Foley. Democrats are crying foul, but the ad may be smart politics.