Washington Matters

Tea Party Still Flexing Its Political Muscles

Having knocked off Senate veteran Richard Lugar, the right is now looking to battles in Wisconsin, Utah and Nebraska.

Etch A Sketch Time for the GOP

Hard right rhetoric in the House and Senate will cool as November nears.

Obama-Romney Race Could Swing on Surprise States

North Carolina, Missouri, Arizona and Wisconsin may be factors in the 2012 presidential race.

Postelection Fights Will Rattle Markets

This lame-duck Congress will have big issues to tackle in little time. Feathers are sure to fly.

5 Economic Issues That Will Drive the 2012 Presidential Election

At a White House summit on personal finance last week, President Obama and his top economic advisors sketched battle lines for his upcoming duel with Mitt Romney.

Santorum's Exit Can Help Him -- in 2016 or Beyond

He nearly overstayed his welcome, but a quick and forceful endorsement of Romney will extend his political future.

Obama Touts His Middle-Class Experience

The President tells Kiplinger that his working-class upbringing differs from the GOP candidates.

Vetting the Veep List for Romney

Why the GOP nominee won't pick Palin or Santorum. Why he should pick Rubio.

Obama Needs to Stay the Course in Afghanistan

A faster pullout would be an insult to the U.S. troops who died fighting terrorism.

Gingrich Having too Good a Time to Quit

Even without a chance to win the GOP nomination, the former House speaker has a lot to gain.

Why Romney Should Shift Gears in Presidential Race

As the inevitable GOP nominee, he should focus on Obama and the economy. Now.

Can Obama Prevent an Attack on Iran?

He'll try to convince Israel to let sanctions work, but Netanyahu seems ready to act alone.

Why Obama Will Wipe Out Tax Breaks for the Wealthy

At some point, the president has to appease his base, and there's little the GOP can offer him in exchange for backing down.

The Issues Presidential Contenders Aren't Talking About

With all of the focus on the economy, other topics get short shrift from White House candidates.

Why Romney's Still the One

With money and organization behind it, the campaign of the former Massachusetts governor is built for the long haul.

Why Rubio Is Right for Romney

By choosing the Florida senator as his running mate, the GOP nominee-to-be can address some of his own shortcomings.

Why Obama and Romney Are Fighting So Soon

Both candidates for the White House see early engagement as a chance to move poll numbers and frame the fall debate.

After Iowa, Romney Poised to Be Republican Pick

The race for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination will be over quickly, despite what you hear from the pundits.

Boehner's Big Gift to Obama

The House GOP's misplay on the payroll tax may cost Speaker John Boehner his job -- and help preserve the president's.

Tea Party Roils Republican Bid to Control Senate

Some mainstream GOP candidates might sit out 2012 races, much to the delight of incumbent Democrats.

Can Gingrich Derail Romney?

He’ll make it interesting, but GOP voters will find Romney the better bet to beat President Obama.

Romney: The Luckiest White House Contender Ever?

Though many Republicans don't like him, one by one his opponents are self-destructing.

Where the Wall Street Protests Might Matter

By tapping into discontent, the new movement might lift Obama, Democrats, in 2012 races. But the road is long and obstacles abound.

Laura Tyson Pushes a Corporate Tax Break

How one former official with a vested interest is pressing fellow Democrats to help corporations.

President Romney?

The GOP nomination is his to lose. The sluggish economy might make the general election his to win. Then what?

Who Will Win in 2012?

Unlocking six secrets of predicting the race for president from a close reading of campaign history.

More Band-Aids for the Federal Budget

Congress will avert a government shutdown, but the budget process remains gummed-up.

The Mythical Social Security Crisis of 2011

Even without congressional action, the retirement system won’t go broke for decades, so why all the fuss? It’s all about scaring voters.

Obama Fights to Save a Job -- His Own

Republicans, sensing a chance to oust a weakened incumbent, will block key parts of the president’s jobs plan.

Republican Battle Is Helping Obama

The GOP has a chance to topple the incumbent, but presidential candidates might squander it.

In 2012 Race, What You See Is What You Get

It’s too late for any new candidate to make a serious White House bid.

Why Republicans Will Budge on Taxes

The debt deal will require the GOP to choose between small tax changes and massive military cuts. In the end, the defense hawks will rule.

The Silent Majority Lives

The Internet amplifies and exaggerates the political fringe -- on both sides. But in the end, the quiet ones will make the most noise.

Why Focusing on Iowa Hurts the GOP

The upcoming straw poll and next year’s caucuses give the state an outsize role in presidential politics.

So Long, Speaker Boehner?

With tea partyers reluctant to negotiate, he has only bad choices as the default deadline looms.

Is Obama Learning from Bill Clinton?

Apparently so. The similarities are striking.

Employers Taking the Heat on Immigration

The feds are stepping up audits and fines while states are imposing even harsher penalties on employers who hire illegal immigrants.

Republicans Have Deep Bench for 2016 Presidential Race

That's right, we're taking a look way into the future -- when the GOP will have better odds .

Lawmakers, Obama Will Reach Debt Ceiling Agreement

Both parties in Congress will give ground to avoid default, but it's not going to be pretty.

Obama Extends Helping Hand to Businesses

As the 2012 election looms, the White House tries to mend fences by delaying government rules that might lead to layoffs and cut investment.

Bachmann's Rise Is Bad News for Pawlenty

Her strength in Iowa threatens the former Minnesota governor’s bid to become the Republican alternative to Mitt Romney.

States See Red as Help from Washington Dries Up

Cuts in stimulus money and rising Medicaid costs add up to big budget problems.

Obama Gets Personal With Finance

At a first-ever White House summit of its kind, the President shares a few life lessons on saving, investing in yourself, and managing debt.

The Vexing Dilemma of the Housing Market

It will be years before most of America sees gains in home prices again that match historic norms. There are too many problems to resolve.

Finally, Some Clarity in GOP White House Field

Many questions remain, but some big dropouts help frame the 2012 Republican presidential primary battle.

Mayors Latest Target for Angry Voter Recalls

Deep cuts put local officials on the defensive as recall efforts mount.

Mitch Daniels Could Be Obama’s Nightmare

The Indiana governor’s candidacy would force a serious discussion of budget cuts and the economy.

Obama's Next Moves on Afghanistan, Pakistan

Confirmation hearings will give congressional critics a public stage to challenge the president on security issues.

The Impact of Bin Laden's Death

Obama’s political stock will rise, but for how long?

Obama's Prized "Green Tech" on the Chopping Block

Fixing the economy by greening the earth? That concept will be put on hold.

The Race to Define Barack Obama

If Obama is so far left, why are liberals so unhappy?

Is Congress Opening the Door on Class Warfare?

The stage is set for the real fight over spending. It’ll make the shutdown spat look tame.

Why Next Year's Elections Ride on This Week's Budget Action

GOP gamble on Medicare, possible shutdown will shape outcome for Obama, lawmakers.

Rise in Hispanic Voters May Boost Obama

The GOP might counter with a Hispanic vice presidential candidate.

Decision Time Nears for GOP White House Hopefuls

The Republican race to face Obama is wide open.

Echoes of Iraq as U.S. Bombs Libya

Obama borrows a page from George H.W. Bush’s playbook to deal with a loony leader.

David Broder: A Legend and a Gentleman

Remembering a reporter who made Washington -- and journalism -- better.

Obama Will Have Big Boots to Fill at Pentagon

The next defense chief must deal with war, budget cuts and the 2012 elections.

Budget Battle Leaves Congress in a Bind

Are lawmakers in the cut-spending camp misreading public sentiment?

Public Worker Protests Won't Halt Benefit Cuts

Unions will be forced to yield on money issues if they want to hang onto any influence at all.

Questions About Obama’s Citizenship and Religion Hurt GOP Chances

'Birthers' may please some in the vocal Republican base, but at what cost at the polls?

Ignore Obama's Budget

Presidents' budgets have little resemblance to the final product. That’s truer than ever this year.

White House Out of Touch on Egypt

U.S. influence and intelligence in the region are proving to be rather limited.

In White House Race, Huntsman Would Crowd Romney

Both have similar backgrounds, and face similar hurdles.

A Uniform Standard for Financial Professionals

Securities regulators have a chance to stand for average investors.

Congress Eyes Health Law Alternatives

Congress will need a Plan B if the Supreme Court strikes down the individual mandate.

Obama, U.S. Will Feel Fallout from Egypt

After Mubarak, oil prices and tensions will rise.

Beyond the State of the Union, Battles Loom

Readying a re-election campaign, the president will largely stay above the fray.

A State of the Union Thaw in Washington

Parties make nice as Obama’s speech nears. But can it last?

The Debate Ahead: Republican vs. Republican

Forget fighting with the Democrats. Soon, Republicans will be fighting with themselves.

A Time for Leadership

The Arizona shootings give lawmakers a chance to tone down the rhetoric.

Barbour's Path Won't Lead to the White House

What helps the Mississippi governor in the South hurts him elsewhere.

When It Comes to the Penny, Washington Makes No Sense

It costs more to make pennies than they're worth, so why bother?

"The Blade" Takes a Stab at the White House

Without Palin, a wide-open GOP race could play to Mitch Daniels' strengths.

Sending a Message to Obama

The president has a problem -- with his own party. Will liberals test him?

Drawing the Line on Redistricting

Compromise and cooperation have to begin at the beginning -- with the way congressional districts are drawn.

Sarah Palin's Big Tease

Her book and cable show keep interest and dollars swelling. That’s all she wants. For now.

Can Obama Survive Health Care Shock?

Other presidents have attempted to tackle health care, faced midterm losses, but prevailed.

Obama, GOP Will Find Common Ground

Even in this toxic political atmosphere, Democrats and Republicans will work out at least some legislative deals,

Why Not a Ban on Tax Earmarks, Too?

The good, the bad and the ugly about the GOP’s temporary, nonbinding and limited earmark ban.

How Dems Can Win Back the House

It's far from impossible, but it will take some luck as well as an Obama recovery and a smarter strategy in 2012.

Obama's Chance To Be a Real Leader

The deficit debate may represent the best opportunity for Obama to rescue his presidency.

Food Labels To Carry More Info

The FDA won't be deterred from requring that food producers tell consumers more about what they are eating.

Making Veterans Day Count

Honoring and caring for veterans will soon grow much more costly, forcing Congress to struggle to find funds.

John Boehner's Private Rolodex

His staff calls it the "golden Rolo" because it contains the names of the next Speaker's closest confidants.

Both Sides Misread Election Message

Voters aren’t about to get what they really want from policymakers -- a cooperative effort to help the economy grow.

GOP Chairmen-in-Waiting Poised to Act

The Republican team that will soon be running the House is primed for action on everything from taxes to health care.

Election Sets Stage for Brinksmanship

Finding common ground will prove hard, if not impossible.

What the Election Results Mean for You -- and Your Pocketbook

GOP gains in Tuesday’s congressional elections will bring big change. Or will they?

GOP Win Sets Up Struggle With Obama

Republicans seize control of the House and come close to parity in the Senate as voters send Obama a blunt message.

Internet Becoming Tool of Choice for Negative Politics

Social networking sites are giving opposition researchers a whole new field to play in.

How the Tea Party May Hurt Business

They are working for a common goal now, but their interests will likely diverge after Nov. 3.

Election Disputes Sure to Tie Up Results

Don't expect to know all the results on election night.

Democrats in for a Licking

The only question is how painful it will be.

The Mirage of a GOP Mandate

Count on Republicans claiming a mandate that voters won't give them.

GOP Has Commanding Edge in Governor Races

Several Democratic-leaning states will swing Republican at the gubernatorial level.

Three Cheers for Bailouts

Anger is one thing, but emotional judgments made in haste could mean huge problems down the road.

Budget Myths Obscure Hard Choices

It’s time for voters to trade their blindfolds for green eyeshades and think more realistically about budget cutting.

GOP Eyes House Chairmanships

Chairmen would wield enormous power and influence if GOP Rep. John Boehner becomes speaker.

The Small Business Conundrum

Are we in love with the real thing or just the image?

Best Bet on Your Tax Hit Next Year

Here’s what you can expect when Congress takes up several big tax issues in a lame-duck session next month.

What to Expect from a GOP House

Getting anything done will be a tall order in a bitterly divided government.

Should Obama Make Nice to Business?

An accommodation is key to getting the economy moving again.

Obama's Warren Move Muddies Waters

The president’s decision to make Elizabeth Warren a special assistant rather than head of the new consumer bureau skirted a nasty Senate battle, but it means more uncertainty for firms and consumers.

GOP's 'Pledge' Resets Campaign Debate

Its political value is immense, even if little of it actually gets enacted.

Who'll Face Obama in 2012?

Never mind the midterms. The real battle for control is two years away, with no shortage of GOP prospects. Here's our rundown.

Can the Tea Party Balance the Budget?

The simple answer is no. In fact, the Tea Party is sabotaging its own most important goal.

More Tax Breaks, Loans for Small Business

After months of delay, President Obama will soon get to sign legislation he's touted as a big help to small business.

Long-Term Impact of Tea Party Wins

Anger at almost anyone and anything connected to Washington is creating the most volatile election season in decades.

Tests for the Tea Party on Tuesday

Emboldened by its surprise win in Alaska, the Tea Party is looking east as it keeps fighting for control of the GOP.

A Dismal Fall for the Democrats

And until the vote, most legislation -- including Obama’s jobs plan -- will be largely stalled.

Debate on Tax Overhaul
Is Under Way (Really)

But it’s no surprise if you missed the story buried in last week’s newspapers.

Overseas Bases in Budget Crosshairs

The Pentagon wants a smaller foreign footprint, and deficit-weary lawmakers will be only too happy to oblige.

Egg Recall Will Spur Congress to Act

There's nothing like truckloads of germy eggs to grab lawmakers' attention.

Odds Improve for the GOP --
And for Tea Party

Next year's Congress will be a very different breed of animal.

Tax Hikes for Small Business?

Would higher taxes for upper incomers put a damper on small business?

Do Americans Hate Muslims?

America was built on the notion of religious freedom; that’s why it’s such an important part of the Constitution. But that principle faces a huge test today.

Big Tax Changes Loom
For Individuals, Businesses

It’ll take a year or three of intensive debate, but a major tax overhaul is a good bet.

Immigration Brings out Worst in All

Will the shrill campaign rhetoric kill chances for a compromise after the election? The U.S. can’t afford to let that happen.

An Unhappy Birthday for Social Security

Those who insist on blocking change to Social Security aren't doing future retirees any favors.

Democrats Toy with Risky Power Play

Reining in the filibuster will cause a hue and cry, but some Democrats think it may be necessary and overdue.

Pork Still Works for Most Voters

Public anger at government spending and the rising debt still seems to stop when proposed cuts hit close to home.

Ethics Woes for Democrats

Two liberal legends facing ethics troubles add to Democratic angst ahead of the November elections.

Blind Faith in Republicans

Most Americans think a GOP Congress would be better at running the economy, but few can tell you just what that means.

Mortgages Top New Agency's Agenda

The consumer bureau created by the financial regulatory bill will have immense power -- and it won’t be shy about using it.

Europe's Debt Still Cause for Worry

Stress tests on European banks were designed to calm the markets, but don’t count on it.

Castle No Shoo-in
For Delaware Senate Seat

Republicans will be making a mistake if they take Joe Biden's old seat for granted.

Obama's "Failed" Presidency

Eighteen months into his first term, pundits and partisans are engaged in a shallow debate over how the president will be judged. They’re missing the point.

Are Federal Workers Overpaid?

Republicans are building the case for a government pay freeze -- and eventually a cut -- as a way to reduce the deficit.

Tax Hikes on the Rich: Will Dems Blink?

Don't rule out a one-year extension of all the Bush tax cuts -- even those for high incomers.

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