All Politics
- How much do you know about Inauguration Day? Take our quiz.
President Obama will be sworn in for his second term at noon on Monday, Jan. 21, in the 57th presidential inauguration in American history. But in fact, Mr. Obama will have been sworn in officially the day before in a small, private ceremony. That is because this year, Jan. 20 – Inauguration Day, as mandated by the Constitution – is a Sunday, and by tradition, whenever Inauguration Day lands on a Sunday, the festivities take place the next day. Take our quiz and see how much you know about Obama’s inaugural and inaugurations past.
'Gun Appreciation Day': who might show up, and why that mattersA Gun Appreciation Day is scheduled for Saturday. The goal is to rally support against anti-gun legislation and to show America that gun owners aren't 'radical crazies.'
Monitor BreakfastRep. Sander Levin: Debt ceiling standoff may make tax reform harderMichigan's Rep. Sander Levin, top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, says slow-walking the debt ceiling would also undermine prospects for immigration overhaul and tax reform.
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.
- 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 Democrats might get to 'yes' on gun control
To 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 warns of 'disaster' if House GOP doesn't raise debt ceilingIn the final press conference of his first term, President Obama called on House Republicans to pay the bills Congress has already racked up. He also reiterated that he will not negotiate over the debt ceiling.
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.
Does Donald Trump think the Oscars revile America?Donald Trump was asked on Fox News on Monday whether two movies were slighted by the Academy Awards because they're pro-American. Politics is swirling around the film awards season like never before.
Gun lobby: Congress doesn't have the muscle to pass gun controlA month after Sandy Hook shootings, lawmakers are scaling back expectations on what can be achieved in Congress on gun control. But Democrats are urging the White House to use executive powers.
Gun debate 101: Time for 'universal' background checks on buyers?Expanded background checks may well be among Vice President Biden's recommended gun policy reforms in response to the Newtown school shootings. They'd be aimed at closing the 'gun show loophole.' Here's what that would mean.
- Gun debate 101: Time for 'universal' background checks on buyers?
Expanded background checks may well be among Vice President Biden's recommended gun policy reforms in response to the Newtown school shootings. They'd be aimed at closing the 'gun show loophole.' Here's what that would mean.
White House opts not to create a Death Star. But a ‘magic coin’?A number of fanciful ideas on economic policy have been floated in recent weeks. The so-called Death Star idea, officially rejected, was a stimulus plan. The 'magic coin' plot is meant to sidestep a showdown with Congress over the national debt ceiling. Seriously?
Where do big deficits come from? James M. Buchanan had an idea.James M. Buchanan, who died Wednesday, concluded that a government's rules often favor its own expansion. He furthered 'public choice theory,' which says that politicians and others tend to act in self-interest.
Obama's State of the Union speech to be Feb. 12, as more 'fiscal cliffs' loomHouse Speaker John Boehner issued the formal invitation to President Obama on Friday for the State of the Union address, expressing a hope for cooperation in the new year.
Gun control: Biden sees early consensus, but NRA cries foulVice President Joe Biden met with a number of groups Thursday, but the NRA objected to the focus of the meeting it attended. Universal background checks and limits on high-capacity magazines are two ideas emerging.
New federal rule to prevent mortgage crisis: how it affects youThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced it's new 'ability to repay' rule that sets guidelines for new mortgages, including limits on debt payments as a portion of income.
