All Politics
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.
Monitor BreakfastIsraeli envoy calls divisive settlement plan a politically necessary reprisalSettlement plans east of Jerusalem – decried by the US and Europeans – were meant to punish Palestinians and satisfy domestic political pressure in Israel, Ambassador Michael Oren says.
Should Michigan GOP brace for reprisal over 'right to work' law?When Republicans in Wisconsin and Ohio took on Big Labor, unions fought back ferociously. But Michigan's GOP lawmakers, calculating the political risks of pushing a 'right to work' law, may have looked to Indiana as a better precedent.
Should estate tax rise in a 'fiscal cliff' deal? Why some ultra-rich say yes.While much of the focus in the 'fiscal cliff' debate has been on income taxes, the group of wealthy Americans says an estate tax 'promotes democracy by slowing the concentration of wealth and power.'
Is Stephen Colbert trying to buy Senate seat in South Carolina?Stephen Colbert's decision to campaign for the seat being vacated by GOP Sen. Jim DeMint gives the famous funnyman yet another chance to educate Americans on how to game the US campaign finance system.
Senator Jenny Sanford? Why it might be a smart pick.Jenny Sanford, ex-wife of South Carolina's ex-governor, is reportedly on the short list to fill outgoing Sen. Jim DeMint's seat. It could present the GOP with a much-needed opportunity to appeal to women.
Michigan 'right to work' law: Worse for unions than Wisconsin setback?Wisconsin revoked collective bargaining for most public-sector unions, a slap to the labor movement. Michigan's bid to become a 'right to work' state is an even bigger blow to unions.
Economic optimism falls. Are 'fiscal cliff' worries to blame?A new Monitor/TIPP poll shows Americans' outlook on the economy soured in December, across the board – coinciding with the 'fiscal cliff' standoff. For Republicans, economic optimism has hit rock bottom.
- Tax deductions in peril? Americans prefer mortgage break to item on charity.
Tax revenues are seen as one source to help cut the deficit. In a new Monitor/TIPP poll, Americans were asked which tax deduction they would be most ready to part with. The charitable deduction led the list.
Americans' 'fiscal cliff' fix? Cut government spending – but not Medicare.A new Monitor/TIPP poll finds Americans favor cutting government spending to solve the fiscal cliff, but few want to cut entitlements such as Medicare, which make up most of the budget.
Are Republicans really 'incapable' of beating Hillary Clinton in 2016?Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said over the weekend that his party could not rise to Mrs. Clinton's level. But she might not be as formidable as it appears.
More Republicans agree to higher tax rates for the wealthyRecognizing that President Obama has the upper hand, more Republicans say they're now willing to consider higher tax rates for the wealthy. On Sunday, it was Sen. Bob Corker (R) of Tennessee.
Obama's Medicaid expansion: How many states are likely to rebel?The Supreme Court ruled that states do not have to abide by the expansion of Medicaid under President Obama's health-care law. There are strong economic arguments on both sides.
Charlie Crist joins the Democrats: What drives a political chameleon?Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist's decision to become a Democrat suggests to his critics that he's prepping for a 2014 run against Republican Gov. Rick Scott.
Obama's other option on pot: Legalize it for everyone?Under federal law, Uncle Sam could try to block marijuana legalization in Washington and Colorado. But there's another option: President Obama could pull the US out of the marijuana wars.
Why Obama insists on higher tax rates for the wealthyAs the 'fiscal cliff' looms closer, President Obama says higher tax rates for the wealthy – not just revenue from limiting deductions and other sources – is his nonnegotiable demand.
'Fiscal cliff' talks: Could they sink US job market?The 'fiscal cliff' talks are about more than taxes. How they are resolved could have a significant impact on the US job market, experts say.
Michigan to join 'right to work' states. A blow to unions?Michigan is set to become the 24th state with a 'right to work' law prohibiting unions from collecting fees from nonunion workers. Data on such laws' economic impact are mixed.
