All Politics
As Obama and Romney ready for second debate, where do polls stand?The question now is whether Mitt Romney’s gains are due to a temporary bounce from his strong first debate performance, or whether they reflect a fundamental change in standings with President Obama.
With race tight, celebrities make the pitch for ObamaAs the campaign enters the final stretch, a tidal wave of Hollywood types are cutting ads and making appearances on behalf of President Obama. Do celebrity pitches actually help?
Obama vs. Romney on 'fiscal cliff': May the bolder man win, polls sayVoters want Romney and Obama to take on the tough issues concerning the nation's fiscal future, especially the $600 billion in tax hikes and spending cuts known as the 'fiscal cliff.'
Ohio pushes welfare recipients to find work and exit the systemOhio is one of three states still scrambling to meet the requirements of a federal law that requires states to get at least half of adults currently on welfare into work – or face $135 million in penalties.
What does Obama want to accomplish in next presidential debate?'More energetic' is how campaign advisers describe what they hope to see from Obama in Tuesday's presidential debate. That 'energy' is likely to be directed toward painting Mitt Romney as a 'severe conservative.'
Presidential polls: Politics, like Major League Baseball, is numbers-drivenWith 23 days and two important debates before Election Day, the presidential race could see major twists and turns. Here are the latest polling data, including an apparent advantage for Obama among early voters.
Cover StoryElection 2012: How another Obama term might be differentWould four more years of Obama change the Washington dynamic? A two-part election 2012 report profiles the stark differences and interesting similarities of a second-term Obama White House vs. a Romney White House – either of which would have to deal with a highly polarized Congress.
- History shows “coattail” effect not so crucial to presidents
The "coattail" effect may not be key to a successuful administration: History shows US presidents have always had to deal with opposition in Congress, whether their party held sway or not.
Cover StoryElection 2012: How Romney might lead on new Washington terrainRomney White House scenarios beyond a top-down CEO approach. A two-part election 2012 report profiles the stark differences and interesting similarities of a second-term Obama White House vs. a Romney White House – either of which would have to deal with a highly polarized Congress.
FocusAre ballot initiatives broken? California offers cluesDo ballot initiatives put power in the hands of the voters, or are they another tool for special interests to dominate politics? California's experiences – both good and bad – make it an important laboratory for 'direct democracy.'
FocusElection 2012: Ballot initiatives reflect nation's moodThe 174 propositions on state ballots point to evolving opinions on marijuana, same-sex marriage, health care, and more. Do the initiatives show the power of direct democracy or lack of legislative leadership?
Joe Biden's smiling: Was there method to his madness?Vice President Joe Biden has come under some criticism for his excessive smiling during Thursday night's debate. But Biden might have set up President Obama well.
Vice presidential debate: Did Paul Ryan want $300 million embassy security cut?In the vice presidential debate Thursday, Joe Biden said a budget written by Rep. Paul Ryan sought a $300 million cut in embassy security. The facts are more nuanced.
Paul Ryan workout photos: Do they send the right message?A new Time Magazine photo shoot shows a ripped Rep. Paul Ryan pumping iron. But has the congressman been emphasizing his fitness too much?
Ann Romney on 'Good Morning America': How'd she handle burning cookies?Ann Romney was the focus of several 'GMA' segments, interviewed other guests, and cooked. There’s some evidence that she is a driving force behind the revival of her husband’s prospects.
Biden-Ryan debate: why it doesn’t matter, and why it doesVice presidential debates have no history of swinging presidential races. But after President Obama's subpar performance last week, Vice President Joe Biden faces pressure Thursday night.
Obama Big Bird ad: a mistake, or shrewd?The Obama campaign's new ad attacking Romney for promising to cut Big Bird's funding has been criticized by conservatives, the Sesame Workshop CEO, and even some Democrats.
Why watch the vice-presidential debate? Entertainment value.The vice-presidential debate Thursday might not change much in the polls, but it should provide more zingers than the first presidential debate did – and be a warm-up for Obama-Romney Round 2.
Senator prods Gang of 8 to make middle class, deficit-cutting top prioritiesAs bipartisan talks to avoid a 'fiscal cliff' renew this week, a top Senate Democratic leader, Charles Schumer, warns negotiators that any plan that aims to cut taxes on the rich and also cut deficits is 'a trap,' and won't add up.
Polls: How big a bounce did Mitt Romney get from the debate?A poll from the Pew Research Center is the best news yet for Mitt Romney, putting him ahead of President Obama by four percentage points among likely voters. But polls can be conflicting.
