All Politics
Sandy Hook tragedy: Pro-gun senator says it's time to ban assault riflesThe support of pro-gun Democrats, such as West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, is boosting prospects for a new drive to ban semi-automatic weapons and high-ammunition clips.
Amid Newtown grief, will a 'fiscal cliff' deal quietly get done?While the nation is focused on the shootings in Newtown, Conn., lawmakers appear to be nearing an agreement on the fiscal cliff – and may settle the matter without fight or fanfare.
Sandy Hook school shooting: Democrats speak up on gun controlFollowing the Sandy Hook school shooting that killed 20 first graders and six adults, Democrats are speaking up on gun control. They'll introduce a bill banning the sale of assault rifles and high-capacity ammunition clips.
Reports: Sen. John Kerry to be named secretary of StateNow that Susan Rice has withdrawn her name, President Obama reportedly will name Sen. John Kerry to take over as secretary of State when Hillary Rodham Clinton resigns.
GOP cracks in higher taxes for the wealthy?House Speaker John Boehner has joined Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in signaling that the Bush-era tax cuts for 'millionaires and billionaires' – President Obama’s favorite campaign target for additional federal revenues – should be allowed to expire at year’s end.
Can Ben Bernanke save the job market if 'fiscal cliff' talks fail?The Federal Reserve said this week it would maintain ultralow interest rates until the unemployment rate falls to at least 6.5 percent, unless inflation starts looming as a near-term risk.
Obama on Conn. shooting: 'Our hearts are broken today'Obama on Conn. shooting, speaking at the White House, called for 'meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of the politics.' At this point, he didn't offer specifics.
Obama says going after marijuana 'not a top priority'Marijuana remains an illegal drug under federal law even though voters in Colorado and Washington State recently approved ballot measures legalizing small amounts of pot for adults.
Monitor BreakfastPalestinian envoy: Israeli settlement a red line with 'grave consequences'The Palestine Liberation Organization’s top diplomat in the United States says that Israel's plans for a settlement in a sensitive area is a ploy to undermine a future Palestinian state.
Susan Rice: Was she pushed to end secretary of State bid?With the 'fiscal cliff' unresolved and other big issues still on the table, President Obama didn't need a confirmation battle. Realistically, Susan Rice had little choice but to take her name out of the mix.
Gimme shelter! Your Rolling Stones guide to the 'fiscal cliff'Yes, we know the fiscal cliff is not always easy to understand. But help is here. Mick Jagger and the music of Rolling Stones can explain it all – with satisfaction – in nine easy steps. Seriously.
'Fiscal cliff': Is John Boehner in a lose-lose situation?Speaker John Boehner and fellow Republicans are being asked to cave on tax rates in the fiscal cliff negotiations. In return, they could be the 'bad guys' on entitlement reform – something even their own voters may not support.
Taxing the rich: why $250,000 became the benchmarkSome Democrats had sought an income threshold well above $250,000. But since the election campaign and in 'fiscal cliff' talks, that's the number President Obama has settled on. Here's what's behind it.
With Illinois concealed gun ban struck down, some say 'Fight on'Even as Illinois lawmakers contemplate a new law allowing concealed weapons, as ordered by a US Appeals Court, some plan to take the fight against the 'wrongheaded' ruling to the next level.
Why Susan Rice withdrew her name as secretary of StateRepublican senators had vowed a fight if Obama nominated Susan Rice to be his next secretary of State. Their opposition centered on her erroneous public statements about the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya.
Will new right-to-work laws worsen the gender pay gap in Michigan?Michigan already ranks among the worst states for gender pay equity. Critics of its new 'right-to-work' laws say they limit the power of unions, which historically have helped close wage gaps.
How bad is the GOP's image problem?A new survey puts the GOP last in the ratings of 11 political figures and institutions. But the tide of US politics ebbs and flows – and in the 'fiscal cliff' negotiations, many Americans appear to be holding both sides accountable.
Raising Medicare's eligibility age: How much money would it save?A full account of the impact of raising Medicare's eligibility age to 67 must also include the added costs to other expensive programs, as some seniors switch to Medicaid or seek government subsidies for private insurance.
Monitor BreakfastWould a 'fiscal cliff' deal imperil John Boehner's tenure as House speaker?Resolving the fiscal cliff this year may require Speaker John Boehner to take to the House floor a deal that a majority of Republicans will reject – a move that could risk his speakership in the next Congress, says the Democrats' Rep. Chris Van Hollen.
Obama's pollster: Republicans have a tolerance problemObama's campaign pollster, Joel Benenson, says the Republican challenge goes beyond the Latino vote, extending to anyone who isn't white and thinks differently from party orthodoxy.
