All Politics
Republican Sen. Mark Kirk backs gay marriage: How big a deal?Sen. Mark Kirk became the second Republican senator in as many months to declare his support for gay marriage. But he's a moderate from a solidly blue state.
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?
FocusMedicare: Could Rep. Paul Ryan's reform plan work?The only big Medicare reform idea that's been pitched in public is called 'premium support,' championed by Rep. Paul Ryan (R). Here's how it would work, and here's why Democrats deride it as a 'voucher.'
FocusTaming Medicare costs: What are the options?The US spends twice as much per person on health care as other advanced economies, and Medicare is one of the biggest culprits. But here's why cutting its costs won't be easy.
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.
Caroline Kennedy to be US ambassador to Japan? Why it makes sense now.Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the late President Kennedy, may soon be on her way to Tokyo as President Obama's envoy. The new secretary of State likely played a role.
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.
Senior Catholic clerics weigh in on gay marriageReligion plays a big role in individual and institutional decisions about same-sex marriage. Senior Roman Catholic clerics spoke out Sunday on TV news shows – expressing love and compassion but holding to the church's opposition to gay marriage.
Business, labor reach immigration deal on guest workers. Will it stand?The US Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO have reached a deal on guest workers as a part of comprehensive immigration reform. That was a major issue, but more remain including border security and a pathway to citizenship.
Gay marriage opinion shift: conservative lawmakers, pundits left scramblingAs public opinion moves in favor of gay marriage, members of Congress find they have to adjust their stance. Conservative pundits are beginning to acknowledge this as well.
Gun control: Did Obama let the moment pass?While polls show a shift in US attitudes, President Obama is insisting, 100 days after the massacre in Newtown, Ct., that it's not too late to get gun control legislation through Congress.
Clean fuel regulations: EPA, oil industry vie over effect on gas pricesEPA on Friday proposed new regulations to require refineries to make cleaner gasoline. The cost? EPA says less than a penny a gallon. Oil industry says nine cents a gallon – and higher gas prices.
White House Easter Egg Roll: not just a few bunnies in fuzzy suitsStars on hand will include NASCAR driver Danica Patrick, New York Giant Victor Cruz, actress Quvenzhané Wallis, and 'American Idol' alums Jordin Sparks and Jessica Sanchez.
More Americans willing to let illegal immigrants stay, poll findsBut there's less clarity on what the public wants legal status to look like. Fewer than half, for instance, approve of a 'pathway to citizenship' for illegal immigrants who meet criteria, says the Pew poll.
'Path to citizenship' roils immigration reform. But what is it, exactly?The most contentious issue in immigration reform is probably the potential of a 'path to citizenship.' But the heated rhetoric obscures the fact that both sides have many points of agreement.
- 'Path to citizenship' roils immigration reform. But what is it, exactly?
The most contentious issue in immigration reform is probably the potential of a 'path to citizenship.' But the heated rhetoric obscures the fact that both sides have many points of agreement.
Ashley Judd says no, but Sen. Mitch McConnell can’t rest easyAshley Judd brought star power to a potential US Senate run, but she had negatives. Now GOP Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has to worry about another young woman the Democrats are wooing to run against him.
How border security 'trigger' could stop immigration reformCongressional negotiators say immigration reform will need a border security 'trigger' to pass. But agreeing on what counts as 'border security' won't be easy, and could determine whether reform happens.
'Obamacare' to drive up health-care premiums? Report sets off firestorm.The Society of Actuaries says insurance companies will face an average increase of 32 percent for medical claims under reform. That could lead to higher premiums. But the White House is hitting back.
Drones above New York 'scary' but inevitable, Mayor Bloomberg saysNew York Mayor Michael Bloomberg says domestic drones are coming, suggesting they perform the same functions as street cameras. Critics say the aim is to create permanent records.
