All Politics
Senate averts 'nuclear option,' but leaves deeper questions unansweredAfter a rare, closed meeting senators agreed to confirm several controversial Obama nominees. The deal avoided a 'nuclear option' that would have changed Senate rules on filibusters.
Monitor BreakfastSen. Carl Levin imagines NSA phone-tracking in hands of J. Edgar HooverThe Michigan Democrat frames in vivid terms the potential for abuse of the NSA phone-surveillance program, invoking the memory of J. Edgar Hoover and his secret FBI files on public officials. But the program has pluses, too, says Sen. Carl Levin.
How much has Obama influenced public debate on Trayvon Martin?President Obama, who for the most part has maintained painstaking caution on topics of race, waded early into the national dialogue on the killing of Trayvon Martin. His statement Sunday was more restrained.
Pentagon girds for Senate fight over sexual assault billA bill to strip commanders of their authority in sexual assault cases has bipartisan support in the Senate. But Pentagon officials say it would make a bad situation worse.
Federal probe of George Zimmerman not over, says Justice's Eric HolderIn his first statement since George Zimmerman was acquitted, Attorney General Eric Holder said Monday the Justice Department probe into Trayvon Martin's death will continue, 'consistent with the facts and the law.'
'Nuclear option' 101: Why the big fight over the Senate filibuster?The 'nuclear option' involves a rules change involving the Senate filibuster that may look to many Americans like another case of partisan bickering. But it would in fact change how Congress works. Here's what all the fuss is about.
- 'Nuclear option' 101: Why the big fight over the Senate filibuster?
The 'nuclear option' involves a rules change involving the Senate filibuster that may look to many Americans like another case of partisan bickering. But it would in fact change how Congress works. Here's what all the fuss is about.
Will George Zimmerman now face federal charges?The Justice Department is reviewing the evidence to see if there is a basis for civil rights charges against George Zimmerman. Such a case would have to prove that Zimmerman shot and killed Trayvon Martin primarily due to race.
On immigration reform, more Americans hew to the Democrats' stanceForty-eight percent of Americans say their views on immigration reform align best with the Democratic Party, compared with 36 percent whose views are closer to the Republican Party, a new poll shows. The gap is much wider for blacks and Hispanics.
Texas abortion uproar: Could backlash turn Lone Star State blue?Outrage is running high among Texas Democrats after the Republican-led Legislature pushed through a tough new abortion bill. While change is coming, a blue Texas is not imminent, it seems.
Janet Napolitano replacement list grows for Homeland SecurityJanet Napolitano is stepping down as head of the Department of Homeland Security. Republicans promise a 'spirited debate' over the controversial department and Napolitano's replacement.
Texas abortion vote mirrors Americans' divided viewTexas lawmakers have passed a restrictive abortion law that could sharply reduce the number of clinics. Over the years, the sharply divided public view has become more conservative.
Eliot Spitzer, Anthony Weiner stage political comebacks. Redemption overload?Not long ago New York Democrats Eliot Spitzer and Anthony Weiner seemed to have killed their political careers with sex scandals. Now, each is attempting a comeback, but will New Yorkers forgive and forget?
Justice Department backs off on secret seizure of reporters’ recordsThe Justice Department has revised its guidelines on when it can probe the phone and email records of journalists as part of an effort to stem government leaks. This comes after the controversial secret seizure of Associated Press and Fox News records.
Edward Snowden: Is it illegal for US to block his asylum claim?NSA leaker Edward Snowden has made it clear that he believes he is being pursued for political offenses. But the US government considers him a common lawbreaker and not a human rights case.
Do media treat Michelle Obama like the new Jackie Kennedy?Not since Jackie's Camelot days in the Kennedy administration has a first lady so captured public attention and respectful coverage by much of the press. Unlike Jackie, Michelle Obama has got social media.
House farm bill leaves food stamps in limboA House version of the farm bill took food stamps out entirely – leaving them to be taken up later and separately. But if cuts are what Republicans want, the tactic might backfire.
A national park on the moon? Fire up the minivan!Two lawmakers have proposed an Apollo Lunar Landing Sites National Historical Park to preserve Apollo artifacts. Which raises the questions of how do we get there, and will there be T-shirts?
Is Hillary Clinton's new hairstyle a 2016 makeover? Or do we need to chill?Hillary Clinton has a new hairstyle, which can only mean she is absolutely, definitely, positively running for president. Or maybe not. But the move to push her into the White House is gaining steam.
US lethal aid to Syrian rebels: What's the holdup?Concern in congressional intelligence committees over the prospects of US small arms falling into the wrong hands has delayed the lethal aid to Syrian rebels. Some say it may arrive too late.
