All Politics
Cuban Missile Crisis: the 3 most surprising things you didn't know Fifty years ago, the Cuban Missile Crisis brought the United States and the Soviet Union within a hair’s breadth of nuclear war. Here are three things that many Americans don’t know about what historians routinely call “the most dangerous moment in human history.”
From the 'Wastebook': robotic squirrels, talking urinals, and CongressSen. Tom Coburn's annual Wastebook comes up with $18 billion of spending that never should have occurred, with an eye to getting Washington priorities back in line. The No. 1 wasteful item: $132 million to run a Congress that won't say no to waste.
Town-hall presidential debate: what to know about Candy Crowley's rulesFrom an audience of 80 undecided voters at Tuesday night's presidential debate, CNN's Candy Crowley will select some to ask questions of President Obama and Mitt Romney. In question is how much leeway Crowley has to follow up or press the candidates.
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.
