44 - Politics and policy in Obama's Washington.

Posted at 09:05 AM ET, 03/03/2011

Real Rahm meets fake Twitter Rahm

By Emi Kolawole

Newly-elected Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel (D) met his Twitter alter ego Wednesday, and fulfilled a promise to donate $5,000 to a charity of the account holder's choice from his and his wife's trust fund.

By Emi Kolawole | 09:05 AM ET, 03/03/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 03:50 PM ET, 03/02/2011

Obama becomes more involved in budget negotiations

By Perry Bacon Jr.

Updated, 3:50 p.m. The White House is trying to more directly engage in budget talks...

By Perry Bacon Jr. | 03:50 PM ET, 03/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 05:17 PM ET, 03/01/2011

Huckabee claims inaccurately that Obama was raised in Kenya

By Emi Kolawole

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee is not a birther but he got his facts wrong when he claimed president Obama was born in Kenya during an interview Monday.

By Emi Kolawole | 05:17 PM ET, 03/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, Eye on 2012

Posted at 01:15 PM ET, 03/01/2011

Obama to join Jeb Bush at Miami education event

By Perry Bacon Jr.

Former Florida governor Jeb Bush will join President Obama at an event to promote education...

By Perry Bacon Jr. | 01:15 PM ET, 03/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 05:59 PM ET, 02/28/2011

Wisconsin Gov. Walker pushes back against Obama criticism

By Perry Bacon Jr.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker criticized President Obama on Monday after the president made a reference...

By Perry Bacon Jr. | 05:59 PM ET, 02/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 11:58 AM ET, 02/28/2011

Hal Rogers's Continuing Resolution to continue government operations

By Matt DeLong

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers (R-Ky.) on Monday unveiled a continuing resolution to continue government operations and cut federal spending. The resolution eliminates earmarked funding and some federal programs for a total savings of about $4 billion. Below are summaries of the cuts provided by Rogers and the full text of the resolution.

By Matt DeLong | 11:58 AM ET, 02/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, Capitol Briefing, Earmarks, Economy

Posted at 10:46 AM ET, 02/28/2011

White House warns of relying on stopgap measures

By Perry Bacon Jr.

White House officials warned Monday against dragging out the budget fight into a series of...

By Perry Bacon Jr. | 10:46 AM ET, 02/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:20 PM ET, 02/27/2011

Keith Olbermann launches new nonprofit news Web site

By Emi Kolawole

Former MSNBC prime-time host Keith Olbermann has launched a new Web site Friday night, giving new life to his "Worst Person In the World" feature and going after FOX News.

By Emi Kolawole | 12:20 PM ET, 02/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 11:40 AM ET, 02/27/2011

Gingrich to announce 2012 intentions within two weeks

By Emi Kolawole

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich says he will form an exploratory committee for a potential 2012 bid and could make his intentions known in as few as two weeks, according to reports.

By Emi Kolawole | 11:40 AM ET, 02/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, Eye on 2012

Posted at 10:15 AM ET, 02/27/2011

Senators Lieberman and McCain discuss potential military option in Libya

By Felicia Sonmez & Emi Kolawole

Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) joined CNN "State of the Union" host Candy Crowley in a pre-taped interview from Cairo to discuss the uprising in Libya.

By Felicia Sonmez & Emi Kolawole | 10:15 AM ET, 02/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 02/03/2011

Health care 1099 repeal amendment a gift to Stabenow

By Felicia Sonmez

Michigan Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow's re-election bid may have just gotten a little bit easier.

By Felicia Sonmez | 06:00 AM ET, 02/03/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 06:25 PM ET, 02/02/2011

Senate defeats Republican-led health-care repeal effort

By Felicia Sonmez

The Senate on Wednesday night defeated a Republican-led effort aimed at repealing the entire national health care overhaul, with lawmakers voting strictly along party lines.

By Felicia Sonmez | 06:25 PM ET, 02/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 02:40 PM ET, 02/01/2011

Senate Republicans plan to force vote this week on health-care repeal

By Felicia Sonmez

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Tuesday introduced a measure aimed at repealing the national health care overhaul as an amendment to the first Senate bill of the new Congress.

By Felicia Sonmez | 02:40 PM ET, 02/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 08:53 AM ET, 01/31/2011

Palin is not walking back 'retreat, reload' catchphrase, says aide

By Emi Kolawole

Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin's aide Rebecca Mansour is firing back after the Reno Gazette-Journal reported that, instead of her usual catchphrase "don't retreat, reload" Palin said to an audience "don't retreat, stand tall."

By Emi Kolawole | 08:53 AM ET, 01/31/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 02:45 PM ET, 01/30/2011

Tea party leader: Tea party the result of Republican failures under Bush

By Emi Kolawole

Virginia Tea Party Patriots leader Jamie Radtke went after the Republican establishment Thursday during an address to the Senate Tea Party caucus.

By Emi Kolawole | 02:45 PM ET, 01/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 01:48 PM ET, 01/30/2011

William Daley gives first televised interview, addresses health-care law critique (video)

By Emi Kolawole

White House chief of staff William Daley gave his first televised interview on CBS's "Face the Nation" Sunday addressing his past statements criticizing the president's health-care push and the administration's call for increased infrastructure spending.

By Emi Kolawole | 01:48 PM ET, 01/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 04:39 PM ET, 01/28/2011

Senate Republicans renew balanced-budget push

By Felicia Sonmez

The push for a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution gained support this week as two groups of Republicans introduced proposed amendments in the Senate, with at least one senator tying a balanced budget to a vote on raising the debt ceiling.

By Felicia Sonmez | 04:39 PM ET, 01/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 03:59 PM ET, 01/28/2011

Joe Biden: Onion spoof is 'hilarious'

By Matt DeLong

Vice President Joe Biden addressed the wildly popular spoofs of him in the faux-newspaper The Onion during an interview with Anna Robertson of Yahoo! News released Friday.

By Matt DeLong | 03:59 PM ET, 01/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:54 PM ET, 01/28/2011

Heritage Foundation: Gay group is a factor in CPAC pullout

By Rachel Weiner

When the Heritage Foundation first announced that it was pulling out of this year's Conservative Political Action Conference, the conservative institution was quick to say that the controversy over the inclusion of gay Republican group GOProud had nothing to do with it.

By Rachel Weiner | 12:54 PM ET, 01/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:43 PM ET, 01/28/2011

Eric Cantor's trip to Davos canceled by snow

By Felicia Sonmez

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) got his share of snow this week -- but maybe not the kind he had been expecting.

By Felicia Sonmez | 12:43 PM ET, 01/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 09:35 AM ET, 01/28/2011

Michelle Obama: 'I'll be right there' on 2012 campaign trail

By Nia-Malika Henderson

First lady Michelle Obama, who dusted off her campaign playbook in 2010 to help Democrats...

By Nia-Malika Henderson | 09:35 AM ET, 01/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 02:51 PM ET, 01/27/2011

Six GOP freshmen to sit on Senate Appropriations; Dems also announce committee lineups

By Felicia Sonmez

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's (R-Ky.) announced Thursday that six newly-elected Republican senators have won seats on the Senate Appropriations Committee, a sign that GOP leaders are seeking to bring fresh voices to the spending panel as part of their party's push for greater fiscal responsibility.

By Felicia Sonmez | 02:51 PM ET, 01/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 01:15 PM ET, 01/27/2011

At first Senate Tea Party Caucus meeting, lawmakers take jabs at Obama

By Felicia Sonmez

Three Republican lawmakers kicked off the first meeting of the Senate Tea Party Caucus Thursday morning, vowing to about 150 supporters in a campaign-style event to stage a showdown on the debt ceiling and remain true to the movement's values - and landing some sharp blows against President Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.).

By Felicia Sonmez | 01:15 PM ET, 01/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 06:56 AM ET, 01/27/2011

Harry Reid tells Obama he's 'wrong' on earmarks and should 'back off' (video)

By Emi Kolawole

Senate majority leader Harry Reid (Nev.) has a message for the president when it comes to his call for earmark elimination: "Back off."

By Emi Kolawole | 06:56 AM ET, 01/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 06:40 AM ET, 01/27/2011

Sarah Palin turns Obama's 'Win the future' into 'WTF' (video)

By Emi Kolawole

Former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin responded to the president's State of the Union address during an appearance on Fox News' "On the Record," turning the president's "Win the future" catchphrase into the acronym "WTF."

By Emi Kolawole | 06:40 AM ET, 01/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 04:00 PM ET, 01/26/2011

Senate Democrats: House GOP budget plan would cost 1 million jobs

By Felicia Sonmez

Senate Democrats Wednesday seized on a proposal by a group of conservative Republicans that would cut spending by as much as $2.5 trillion over ten years, arguing that the plan would cost one million jobs.

By Felicia Sonmez | 04:00 PM ET, 01/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 03:41 PM ET, 01/26/2011

House votes to do away with public financing of presidential campaigns

By Felicia Sonmez

The House on Wednesday passed a measure that would put an end to public financing of presidential campaigns and national political conventions, the latest Republican-led effort to bring down the deficit by reining in government spending.

By Felicia Sonmez | 03:41 PM ET, 01/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 11:53 AM ET, 01/26/2011

State of the Union: Top five reactions from inside Statuary Hall

By Felicia Sonmez

There was plenty of reaction to be had on the airwaves and online following President Obama's State of the Union address last night. But some of the most intriguing responses came from inside Statuary Hall, which sits just outside the House chamber and has traditionally served as the post-State of the Union "spin room." Here's a little of what we learned inside the hall last night:

By Felicia Sonmez | 11:53 AM ET, 01/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 10:58 PM ET, 01/25/2011

State of the Union 2011: Grousing from oil, enviro lobbyists suggests Obama found center

By Peter Wallsten

If President Obama was looking for the political (or policy) center in his State of the Union address, there was an early sign that he may have succeeded - with rumblings of dissatisfaction coming quickly Tuesday night from environmentalists and oil lobbyists alike.

By Peter Wallsten | 10:58 PM ET, 01/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 10:35 PM ET, 01/25/2011

State of the Union 2011: reactions

By Rachel Weiner

We're gathering reactions to President Obama's State of the Union from across the political spectrum.

By Rachel Weiner | 10:35 PM ET, 01/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 07:30 PM ET, 01/25/2011

State of the Union 2011: Obama address takes a page -- the title page -- from Gingrich

By Peter Wallsten

This could be a big night for Newt Gingrich, or at least for his book sales. White House officials have been titling President Obama's State of the Union speech "Winning the Future" - precisely the name of a 2005 book by Gingrich.

By Peter Wallsten | 07:30 PM ET, 01/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 07:15 PM ET, 01/25/2011

What's a 'Sputnik moment'?

By Scott Wilson

President Obama will call this tenuous time in America "our generation's Sputnik moment" in his State of the Union address Tuesday night. So what is that suppose to mean?

By Scott Wilson | 07:15 PM ET, 01/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 06:25 PM ET, 01/25/2011

House votes to cut spending to 2008 levels

By Felicia Sonmez and Paul Kane

Hours before President Obama's State of the Union address, the House on Tuesday approved a resolution that would cut federal spending to 2008 levels for the rest of the fiscal year, a largely symbolic move aimed at underscoring Republicans' commitment to fiscal responsibility.

By Felicia Sonmez and Paul Kane | 06:25 PM ET, 01/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 01:39 PM ET, 01/25/2011

Nancy Pelosi declines Eric Cantor's State of the Union invitation -- via Twitter

By Felicia Sonmez

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Tuesday rebuffed Majority Leader Eric Cantor's (R-Va.) invitation to sit together at the State of the Union address, informing the Republican lawmaker -- via Twitter -- that she had already accepted an invitation from another colleague from across the aisle, Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-Md.).

By Felicia Sonmez | 01:39 PM ET, 01/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 10:34 AM ET, 01/25/2011

Six members of the Supreme Court to attend SOTU

By Robert Barnes

Six of the nine Supreme Court justices will attend President Obama's State of the Union address Tuesday night, the court confirmed Tuesday.

By Robert Barnes | 10:34 AM ET, 01/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 08:26 AM ET, 01/25/2011

Ed Rendell joins NBC News as political analyst

By Emi Kolawole

NBC News has announced that former Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell will be the network's newest political analyst, following the departure of prime-time MSNBC host Keith Olbermann.

By Emi Kolawole | 08:26 AM ET, 01/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 08:22 AM ET, 01/25/2011

White House: Obama believes Rahm Emanuel can run for mayor

By Emi Kolawole

White House senior adviser Valerie Jarret appeared on ABC's "Good Morning America" Tuesday with some insight as to where the President stands regarding his former chief of staff Rahm Emanuel's having been booted from the Chicago mayoral ticket by an appellate court ruling.

By Emi Kolawole | 08:22 AM ET, 01/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 09:39 PM ET, 01/24/2011

Scalia's closed-door session with lawmakers proves light on politics, attendees say

By Felicia Sonmez

When Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) announced that Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia would visit the Capitol to discuss the Constitution at a closed-door meeting sponsored by the House Tea Party Caucus, some argued that the conservative justice had crossed too far into the world of politics and had abandoned his neutrality by aligning himself with a group of right-leaning lawmakers.

By Felicia Sonmez | 09:39 PM ET, 01/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 09:07 PM ET, 01/24/2011

Carol Browner to quit Obama administration

By Anne E. Kornblut and Steven Mufson

Carol Browner, an adviser to President Obama on environmental issues, plans to leave the White House, an administration official said Monday night.

By Anne E. Kornblut and Steven Mufson | 09:07 PM ET, 01/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 08:03 PM ET, 01/24/2011

State of the Union: First lady Michelle Obama's guests

By Matt DeLong

The White House released Monday the guest list for the first lady's box at Tuesday's State of the Union address. As expected, it includes a number of people connected to the Jan. 8 shootings in Tucson.

By Matt DeLong | 08:03 PM ET, 01/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 04:47 PM ET, 01/24/2011

Eric Cantor: Paul Ryan, not Michele Bachmann, delivering official GOP State of the Union response

By Felicia Sonmez

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) on Monday emphasized that the official Republican response to President Obama's State of the Union address Tuesday will be delivered by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), not Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.).

By Felicia Sonmez | 04:47 PM ET, 01/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 03:58 PM ET, 01/24/2011

Verrilli to be nominated as Solicitor General

By Jerry Markon

President Obama intends to nominate White House official Donald B. Verrilli, Jr. as Solicitor...

By Jerry Markon | 03:58 PM ET, 01/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 02:10 PM ET, 01/24/2011

State of the Union: President Wilson leaves 'official Washington agape' in 1913

By Matt DeLong

From deep within the Washington Post archives, here's an article dated April 7, 1913 describing President Woodrow Wilson's decision to bring back the "long-abandoned custom" of personally presenting his ideas to Congress in the form of a State of the Union address.

By Matt DeLong | 02:10 PM ET, 01/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 10:23 AM ET, 01/24/2011

State of the Union 2011 -- Live coverage Tuesday night

By Emi Kolawole

We'll have all hands on deck Tuesday night before and during President Obama's second State of the Union. Here's what we'll be offering live Tuesday night.

By Emi Kolawole | 10:23 AM ET, 01/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 07:49 AM ET, 01/24/2011

Billy Graham regrets getting into politics

By Emi Kolawole

Billy Graham, perhaps the world's best-known evangelist, says that he regrets having gotten involved in politics.

By Emi Kolawole | 07:49 AM ET, 01/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 02:13 PM ET, 01/23/2011

Eric Cantor: President Obama was born in the United States

By Emi Kolawole

House majority leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) insisted that he believes President Obama was born in the United States, but refused to call birthers' disproved claims "crazy talk."

By Emi Kolawole | 02:13 PM ET, 01/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 11:01 AM ET, 01/23/2011

Senate Republican leader vows to push for health care repeal vote

By Felicia Sonmez

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) pledged Sunday that the Senate would vote on a repeal of the national health care overhaul following the House's passage of repeal legislation last week.

By Felicia Sonmez | 11:01 AM ET, 01/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 09:44 AM ET, 01/23/2011

Colin Powell: No guarantee I'll back Obama in 2012

By Emi Kolawole

Former secretary of state Collin Powell steered clear of endorsing any of the Republican party's 2012 presidential hopefuls, but also said he was not committed to President Obama either.

By Emi Kolawole | 09:44 AM ET, 01/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 09:56 PM ET, 01/21/2011

Obama pays short visit to House Democratic retreat

By Felicia Sonmez

CAMBRIDGE, Md. -- Lawmakers who gathered here for the annual House Democratic retreat may have been disappointed to get no preview of the State of the Union address from President Obama when he paid a quick visit tonight. They were, however, treated to a display of the president's dance moves.

By Felicia Sonmez | 09:56 PM ET, 01/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 03:25 PM ET, 01/21/2011

Biden to House Democrats: 'Words matter'

By Felicia Sonmez

CAMBRIDGE, Md. - Addressing the more than 130 House Democrats gathered at a resort here for their annual issues retreat, Vice President Joe Biden urged lawmakers to treat each other with civility in the wake of the mass shooting in Tucson that killed six and wounded 13, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.).

By Felicia Sonmez | 03:25 PM ET, 01/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 11:45 AM ET, 01/21/2011

Paul Ryan to deliver State of the Union response

By Felicia Sonmez and Amy Goldstein

Wisconsin Republican Rep. Paul Ryan will deliver the Republican response to President Obama's State of the Union address next week, congressional GOP leaders announced Friday.

By Felicia Sonmez and Amy Goldstein | 11:45 AM ET, 01/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 04:12 AM ET, 01/21/2011

Sixty lawmakers back bipartisan State of the Union seating plan

By Felicia Sonmez

A plan for bipartisan seating at President Obama's State of the Union address is gaining traction among lawmakers, with 60 members of Congress officially declaring their support.

By Felicia Sonmez | 04:12 AM ET, 01/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 08:00 PM ET, 01/20/2011

Top House Democrats bullish on 2012 outlook

By Felicia Sonmez

CAMBRIDGE, Md. - As they kicked off their party's annual issues conference Thursday evening here on the Eastern Shore, House Democratic leaders were optimistic that their party would rebound quickly from the shellacking it took at the polls two-and-a-half months ago.

By Felicia Sonmez | 08:00 PM ET, 01/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 05:06 PM ET, 01/20/2011

Boehner gets emotional at JFK tribute

By Matt DeLong

Members of Congress recognized the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's inauguration during an event at the Capitol on Thursday, and House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) once again found himself getting a little misty-eyed.

By Matt DeLong | 05:06 PM ET, 01/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:33 PM ET, 01/20/2011

Democratic Rep. Cohen 'regrets' Nazi comments were 'taken out of context'

By Matt DeLong

Just one day after standing firm on his remarks comparing Republican rhetoric against the health-care overhaul to "blood libel" and the work of Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels, Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) now says he regrets "that anyone in the Jewish Community, my Republican colleagues or anyone else was offended by the portrayal of my comments."

By Matt DeLong | 12:33 PM ET, 01/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:13 PM ET, 01/20/2011

Three Democratic senators push for 1099 reform

By Felicia Sonmez

A trio of Democratic senators has penned a letter to House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) pushing for a vote on repealing an unpopular provision of the national health care overhaul regarding tax-reporting requirements for businesses.

By Felicia Sonmez | 12:13 PM ET, 01/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 11:16 AM ET, 01/20/2011

Michelle Obama, Bo surprise White House visitors

By Matt DeLong

Visitors touring the White House at got more than they bargained for Thursday when first lady Michelle Obama and the family dog, Bo, dropped in to welcome them on the second anniversary of President Obama's inauguration.

By Matt DeLong | 11:16 AM ET, 01/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 01:04 PM ET, 01/19/2011

Sheriff Dupnik: Rush Limbaugh call-out nearly crashed our system (video)

By David Nakamura

Among the breakout figures - astronaut Mark Kelly, intern Daniel Hernandez, doctor Peter Rhee -- to gain national acclaim in the wake of the Tucson shooting tragedy, none has developed the controversial, love-hate appeal of Pima County Sheriff Clarence W. Dupnik.

By David Nakamura | 01:04 PM ET, 01/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:30 PM ET, 01/19/2011

Campaign committees return to fundraising ahead of health care repeal vote

By Felicia Sonmez and Paul Kane

After a week of holding off on politics in the wake of the shooting in Tucson, the national campaign committees are back in full swing, with both the Republican and Democratic House campaign arms sending out fundraising emails Tuesday and Wednesday tied to the debate over repealing the national health care overhaul.

By Felicia Sonmez and Paul Kane | 12:30 PM ET, 01/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:18 PM ET, 01/19/2011

At Howard U., Michelle Obama urges students to study abroad, form bonds outside U.S.

By Nia-Malika Henderson

While President Obama met with Chinese leader Hu Jintao at the White House, first lady Michelle Obama took America's efforts to strengthen ties to the country to students at Howard University for a forum on studying abroad, urging students to get out of their comfort zones, and help to "develop that habit of cooperation."

By Nia-Malika Henderson | 12:18 PM ET, 01/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 11:08 AM ET, 01/19/2011

Hillary Clinton reaffirms: I won't commit to a second term (video)

By Emi Kolawole

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appeared NBC's The Today Show Wednesday morning to discuss Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit -- and her future.

By Emi Kolawole | 11:08 AM ET, 01/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 10:43 AM ET, 01/19/2011

Sen. Harry Reid calls Hu Jintao a 'dictator'

By Rachel Weiner

In an interview in Nevada Tuesday night, Senate Majority Leader waded into dicey diplomatic territory by referring to Chinese President Hu Jintao as a "dictator." Asked about the tax-cut compromise at the end of last year, Reid said our system requires compromise. "I am going to go back to Washington tomorrow and meet with the President of China," Reid told reporter Jon Ralston. "He is a dictator. He can do a lot of things through the form of government they have."

By Rachel Weiner | 10:43 AM ET, 01/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 10:12 AM ET, 01/19/2011

House Democrats try to strike positive tone ahead of health care repeal vote

By Felicia Sonmez

Hours ahead of a planned vote on a bill that would repeal the national health care overhaul, House Democratic leaders and administration officials struck a positive tone, seeking to depict health care reform as a nonpartisan issue and largely avoiding the heated rhetoric that has animated the debate thus far.

By Felicia Sonmez | 10:12 AM ET, 01/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 07:50 AM ET, 01/19/2011

Liberal groups start attacks on expected deficit-reduction focus in State of Union (West Wing Breifing)

By Perry Bacon Jr.

Call it the pre-prebuttal.Anticipating a heavy focus on reducing the deficit in President Obama's State of the Union address next week, liberal groups are already attacking the idea, arguing that deficit reduction should not come before further stimulus to help the economy.

By Perry Bacon Jr. | 07:50 AM ET, 01/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 05:44 PM ET, 01/18/2011

Some House rivals spar -- cautiously -- on eve of health care repeal vote

By Felicia Sonmez

As House members took to the floor Tuesday to begin debate on a bill that would repeal the national health care overhaul, the tenor of several repeal-oriented events throughout the Capitol suggested that lawmakers are treading somewhat more carefully in the wake of the shooting in Tucson.

By Felicia Sonmez | 05:44 PM ET, 01/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 02:50 PM ET, 01/18/2011

House kicks off debate over health-care repeal

By Felicia Sonmez

The House meets Tuesday for its first day of debate on a measure that would repeal the national health care overhaul, following a week during which legislative action came to a standstill in the wake of the Tucson shooting tragedy.

By Felicia Sonmez | 02:50 PM ET, 01/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 02:32 PM ET, 01/18/2011

White House: House health-care law repeal attempt not 'serious'

By Perry Bacon Jr.

The Obama administration Tuesday dismissed the House's plans to vote on a repeal of the new health care law, with White House press secretary Robert Gibbs saying, "It isn't a serious legislative effort."

By Perry Bacon Jr. | 02:32 PM ET, 01/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:52 PM ET, 01/18/2011

Hoyer: Democrats didn't "do a good enough job" in selling health care overhaul

By Felicia Sonmez

House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) acknowledged Tuesday that his party has not succeeded in selling the public on the benefits of the national health care overhaul, noting that polls indicate that public opinion remains divided on the law.

By Felicia Sonmez | 12:52 PM ET, 01/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:09 PM ET, 01/18/2011

Anonymous Obama novel about 'immediate future'

By Rachel Weiner

In a press release, Simon & Schuster's Jonathan Karp offered a few more hints about their forthcoming anonymous Obama novel.

By Rachel Weiner | 12:09 PM ET, 01/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 10:14 AM ET, 01/18/2011

Dick Cheney on 'Today': I may need a heart transplant (VIDEO)

By Matt DeLong

During a wide-ranging interview that aired Tuesday on NBC's "Today", former Vice President Dick Cheney said he may need to make a decision on whether to undergo a heart a transplant.

By Matt DeLong | 10:14 AM ET, 01/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 11:33 AM ET, 01/16/2011

Rep. Napolitano: 'If you're scared then you shouldn't be in politics' (Sunday talk shows)

By Aaron Blake and Emi Kolawole

Lawmakers discussed the shooting in Tucson, Arizona and the 2012 presidential election, while Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius discussed the implementation of the health care law.

By Aaron Blake and Emi Kolawole | 11:33 AM ET, 01/16/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 10:19 AM ET, 01/16/2011

Secretary Kathleen Sebelius: Health care law implementation 'is absolutely on schedule'

By Emi Kolawole

"Implementation [of the health care law] is absolutely on schedule," said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, calling the effort "a daunting task."

By Emi Kolawole | 10:19 AM ET, 01/16/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 01/15/2011

Obama calls for spirit of bipartisanship to continue

By Scott Wilson

A week after the mass shooting in Arizona, President Obama called Saturday for members of...

By Scott Wilson | 06:00 AM ET, 01/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 06:47 PM ET, 01/14/2011

Rand Paul announces Senate Tea Party Caucus

By Felicia Sonmez

Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul on Friday announced the formation of a new Senate Tea Party Caucus, taking a formal step toward uniting members of the movement in the 112th Congress.

By Felicia Sonmez | 06:47 PM ET, 01/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 02:50 PM ET, 01/14/2011

Governor declines MLK day event invite, tells critics: 'Kiss my butt' (updated)

By Emi Kolawole

Governor Paul LePage (R-Maine) is telling critics to "kiss my butt" over his decision not to attend the state NAACP's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations this weekend.

By Emi Kolawole | 02:50 PM ET, 01/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 02:45 PM ET, 01/14/2011

Sens. McCain, Kyl propose bill to name courthouse after slain Judge Roll

By Ben Pershing

Sens. John McCain (R) and Jon Kyl (R) announced Friday that they would introduce legislation to name the name the soon-to-be constructed federal courthouse in Yuma the "John M. Roll United States Courthouse."

By Ben Pershing | 02:45 PM ET, 01/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency | Tags: Judge john roll; john roll; john m roll; district judge john roll; john roll killed; Arizona judge killed; Arizona judge john roll; judge killed Tucson; Arizona shooting victim; Tucson shooting victim

Posted at 01:07 PM ET, 01/14/2011

Nineteen senators back bipartisan State of the Union seating

By Felicia Sonmez

A plan that would have Republicans and Democrats sit side-by-side during this month's State of the Union address has picked up support from nearly one-fifth of the Senate as well as a handful of House members, including a top House Republican.

By Felicia Sonmez | 01:07 PM ET, 01/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 11:40 AM ET, 01/14/2011

Biden taps Bruce Reed as new chief of staff

By Perry Bacon Jr.

Vice President Joe Biden has announced that Bruce Reed will be named his new chief of staff.

By Perry Bacon Jr. | 11:40 AM ET, 01/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 11:05 AM ET, 01/14/2011

Sarah Palin to speak at gun convention

By Emi Kolawole

Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Safari Club International gun convention on Saturday, January 29. According to the organization's website, the event is sold out.

By Emi Kolawole | 11:05 AM ET, 01/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 10:42 AM ET, 01/14/2011

Christie to headline National Republican Congressional dinner

By Paul Kane

BALTIMORE -- House Republicans have tapped New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) to serve as...

By Paul Kane | 10:42 AM ET, 01/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 06:48 AM ET, 01/14/2011

West Wing briefing: Somber end to a sad week

By Perry Bacon Jr.

Friday will complete a week that, for the White House, was almost entirely removed from politics, following last Saturday's shooting rampage in Tucson.

By Perry Bacon Jr. | 06:48 AM ET, 01/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 11:04 PM ET, 01/13/2011

Tavis Smiley's forum provokes a lively discussion about Obama's future

By Hamil R. Harris

A forum gathered Thursday night on the campus of George Washington University by PBS talk-show host Tavis Smiley generated a lively discussion about the trajectory of President Obama's next two years in office.

By Hamil R. Harris | 11:04 PM ET, 01/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 06:19 PM ET, 01/13/2011

Sarah Palin doing interview on 'Hannity' Monday

By Rachel Weiner

After a week in which she was criticized by both liberals and conservatives, Sarah Palin is planning to appear on Fox News' "Hannity" Monday night. It will be her first extended interview since the shootings in Tucson last Saturday.

By Rachel Weiner | 06:19 PM ET, 01/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 02:56 PM ET, 01/13/2011

Gibbs spars with Russian journalist who ties Tucson shootings to U.S. freedoms

By Emi Kolawole

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs and Andrei Sitov of Russia's official news agency ITAR-TASS entered into a somewhat passionate exchange regarding the shooting that took place in Tucson, Arizona Saturday.

By Emi Kolawole | 02:56 PM ET, 01/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 01:48 PM ET, 01/13/2011

House to resume work on health-care repeal next week

By Felicia Sonmez

The House will begin debating the health care repeal bill next week, following a week during which legislative action came to a standstill in the wake of the Tucson shooting tragedy.

By Felicia Sonmez | 01:48 PM ET, 01/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 10:05 AM ET, 01/13/2011

User Poll: What did you think of the atmosphere during Obama's speech in Tucson?

By Washington Post Staff

Washington Post reporter David Nakamura attended President Obama's speech in Tucson Wednesday night. He was able to snap some footage from the rope line as the president and first lady Michelle Obama shook hands with members of the audience.

By Washington Post Staff | 10:05 AM ET, 01/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 05:55 AM ET, 01/13/2011

Watch President Obama's full speech in Tucson, Arizona (video)

By Emi Kolawole

President Obama's remarks in Tucson lasted a little over 30 minutes. During the speech, the president paid tribute to those who had lost their lives in Saturday's shooting, and provided an update as to Rep. Gabrielle Giffords's (D-Ariz.) condition.

By Emi Kolawole | 05:55 AM ET, 01/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 08:30 PM ET, 01/12/2011

Giffords office: "Even during the darkest times, our nation's capacity for kindness and fellowship reminds us of the best in people"

By Felicia Sonmez

Arizona Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords's office released the following statement at the start ofWednesday evening's memorial service in Tucson:

By Felicia Sonmez | 08:30 PM ET, 01/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 07:42 PM ET, 01/12/2011

Senator calls for both parties to sit together during State of the Union

By Felicia Sonmez

As members of the House delivered a long stream of tributes and calls for bipartisanship in the aftermath of the Tucson shooting rampage, over in the Senate, one lawmaker penned a letter to members of both chambers Wednesday urging them to come together at the State of the Union address later this month.

By Felicia Sonmez | 07:42 PM ET, 01/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 07:05 PM ET, 01/12/2011

Memorial for Ashley Turton, former Hill staffer, to be held Friday

By Felicia Sonmez

A memorial service for Ashley Turton, the lobbyist and former congressional staffer who was found dead early Monday morning following a fire in her car, has been scheduled for Friday afternoon.

By Felicia Sonmez | 07:05 PM ET, 01/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 06:20 PM ET, 01/12/2011

House passes resolution honoring victims of Tucson shooting rampage

By Felicia Sonmez

After more than six hours of often-emotional tributes delivered by lawmakers, the House on Wednesday approved a resolution condemning Saturday's shooting rampage in Tucson and honoring the victims of the tragedy, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.).

By Felicia Sonmez | 06:20 PM ET, 01/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 04:41 PM ET, 01/12/2011

Watchdog group files ethics complaint against lawmakers who missed swearing-in

By Felicia Sonmez

A watchdog group has filed a formal complaint against the two lawmakers who missed last week's swearing-in ceremony for the 112th Congress, accusing the congressmen of violating House rules, federal law and the Constitution.

By Felicia Sonmez | 04:41 PM ET, 01/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 01:36 PM ET, 01/12/2011

Boehner: 'Sacred dialogue of democracy' won't be silenced by Tucson attack

By Felicia Sonmez

Addressing a bipartisan prayer service in tribute to the victims of Saturday's shooting rampage in Tucson, House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) vowed that the attack on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) and others at a constituent event would not deter lawmakers from carrying out their civil duties.

By Felicia Sonmez | 01:36 PM ET, 01/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 01:15 PM ET, 01/12/2011

Some Arizona Republican party officials resign after Tucson shooting

By Emi Kolawole

A conflict that has been going on between local Arizona Republicans came to an end in the wake of the shooting in Tucson on Saturday. It ended when Arizona's District 20 Chairman Anthony Miller and several others chose to resign.

By Emi Kolawole | 01:15 PM ET, 01/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:15 PM ET, 01/12/2011

GOP Rep. Burton wants to enclose House Galleries in Plexiglass (again)

By Emi Kolawole

Indiana Republican Rep. Dan Burton, according to an aide, plans to introduce a bill that would encase the House Gallery in "a transparent and substantial material" -- think Plexiglass.

By Emi Kolawole | 12:15 PM ET, 01/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 11:33 AM ET, 01/12/2011

'Blood libel': Reaction to Sarah Palin

By Rachel Weiner

Sarah Palin's video message Wednesday morning, meant to combat accusations that she shared in the blame for the tragic shootings in Tucson last weekend, only sparked new outrage over her assertion that journalists were manufacturing a "blood libel" against her. (The phrase "blood libel" refers to anti-Semitic falsehoods claiming Jews use the blood of Christian children for ritualistic purposes).

By Rachel Weiner | 11:33 AM ET, 01/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 11:31 AM ET, 01/12/2011

Illinois Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin arrives in Lithuania

By Felicia Sonmez

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin arrived in Vilnius, Lithuania, Wednesday morening where he is expected to conduct three days of high-level meetings with Lithuanian officials, the Illinois Democrat's office announced.

By Felicia Sonmez | 11:31 AM ET, 01/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 06:45 AM ET, 01/12/2011

'Together We Thrive' schedule

By Emi Kolawole

President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama will be in Tucson Wednesday to attend the "Together We Thrive: Tucson and America" event at the McKale Memorial Center on the University of Arizona campus.

By Emi Kolawole | 06:45 AM ET, 01/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 06:01 PM ET, 01/11/2011

Jared Loughner's family issues statement: 'We wish we could change the heinous events'

By Krissah Thompson

The family of Tucson shooting suspect Jared Loughner handed out a written statement to reporters...

By Krissah Thompson | 06:01 PM ET, 01/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 05:05 PM ET, 01/11/2011

Gabrielle Giffords staffers, volunteers carry on in face of tragedy

By Felicia Sonmez

As the House reconvened for the first time since Saturday's rampage in Tucson, staffers and volunteers in Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' (D-Ariz.) Washington office did what they have done since the shooting -- persevere in the face of tragedy.

By Felicia Sonmez | 05:05 PM ET, 01/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 01:34 PM ET, 01/11/2011

Condition of Gabrielle Giffords and other Arizona shooting victims updated

By Dana Hedgpeth

Doctors at University Medical Center said Tuesday that the condition of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.)...

By Dana Hedgpeth | 01:34 PM ET, 01/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 06:47 PM ET, 01/10/2011

Have you changed your tone because of the Arizona shootings?

By Ryan Kellett

We asked readers to submit brief answers to whether they have seen changes in conversations...

By Ryan Kellett | 06:47 PM ET, 01/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 04:56 PM ET, 01/10/2011

Jared Loughner's behavior never reported to mental health authorities: official

By Brigid Schulte

Despite mounting concerns about his bizarre and disturbing behavior, local mental health authorities in Pima...

By Brigid Schulte | 04:56 PM ET, 01/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 01:39 PM ET, 01/10/2011

Sarah Palin responds to Arizona shooting: 'I hate violence'

By Rachel Weiner

Rightly or wrongly, Sarah Palin has been thrust into the debate over political rhetoric and its possible role in the tragic shooting in Tucson on Saturday. Now, she's weighed in briefly through an email to Fox News personality Glenn Beck.

By Rachel Weiner | 01:39 PM ET, 01/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 01/10/2011

Tributes mark Congress' week ahead

By Felicia Sonmez

Legislative action in the House will come to a standstill this week following Saturday's shooting of 20 people, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.), at a "Congress on Your Corner" event in Tucson.

By Felicia Sonmez | 05:00 AM ET, 01/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 06:03 PM ET, 01/09/2011

'Congress on Your Corner' events began after Democratic victories in 2006

By Paul Kane

On Saturday morning, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) did something she had done dozens of times...

By Paul Kane | 06:03 PM ET, 01/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 03:08 PM ET, 01/09/2011

Congressional leaders urge unity in call to members on Gabrielle Giffords shooting

By Lois Romano

Updated: 8:30 p.m. Some 800 Republican and Democratic Congress members and spouses took part in...

By Lois Romano | 03:08 PM ET, 01/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 01:14 PM ET, 01/09/2011

Tucson shooting, economy, health care top Sunday shows

By Felicia Sonmez and Emi Kolawole

Lawmakers weighed in on the economy, the postponed health-care repeal vote and the shooting in Tucson, Arizona.

By Felicia Sonmez and Emi Kolawole | 01:14 PM ET, 01/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:58 PM ET, 01/09/2011

Neighbors: Jared Loughner and family quiet, kept to themselves

By Amy Gardner

Accused gunman Jared Loughner grew up in a modest neighborhood of one-storey ranches and split-level...

By Amy Gardner | 12:58 PM ET, 01/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:37 PM ET, 01/09/2011

Jared Loughner's college instructor: I was worried he might have a gun in class

By David A. Fahrenthold

A community college instructor who taught Tucson shooting suspect Jared Loughner was so disturbed by...

By David A. Fahrenthold | 12:37 PM ET, 01/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 01/09/2011

Gabrielle Giffords sedated, has responded to simple commands

By Rachel Weiner

Doctors say they are "cautiously optimistic" about the recovery of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) after Saturday's tragic shootings. Michael LeMole Jr., chief of neurosurgery at the University of Arizona and Peter Rhee, the university's trauma director, told reporters early Sunday afternoon that Giffords was responding to simple commands.

By Rachel Weiner | 12:00 PM ET, 01/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 10:55 AM ET, 01/09/2011

Durbin, Alexander comment on Tucson shooting

By Emi Kolawole

Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) were asked to comment on Saturday's shooting, which left Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) critically wounded and a 9-year-old girl and a federal judge dead. Both senators appeared on CNN's "State of the Union with Candy Crowley."

By Emi Kolawole | 10:55 AM ET, 01/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 10:15 AM ET, 01/09/2011

Giffords's synagogue holds vigil; tributes unfold online

By Emi Kolawole and James Buck

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords's (D-Ariz.) synagogue has scheduled a vigil at 9 a.m. local time. Giffords belongs to the reform synagogue Congregation Chaverim.

By Emi Kolawole and James Buck | 10:15 AM ET, 01/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 11:57 PM ET, 01/08/2011

Gabrielle Giffords's last tweet before shooting

By Emi Kolawole

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords posted a message to Twitter promoting the "Congress on Your Corner" eventmoments before she was shot and critically wounded in Tucson, Arizona.

By Emi Kolawole | 06:58 PM ET, 01/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 05:18 PM ET, 01/08/2011

Slain federal judge John Roll was at the center of Arizona's immigration debate

By Jerry Markon

John. M. Roll, the federal judge killed Saturday in the Tucson shooting that critically wounded Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.), has been at the center of the state's complicated political battle over immigration.

By Jerry Markon | 05:18 PM ET, 01/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 05:03 PM ET, 01/08/2011

White House, lawmakers react to attack on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords

By Felicia Sonmez and Aaron Blake

The White House, lawmakers and others react to the news of Saturday's attack on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.):

By Felicia Sonmez and Aaron Blake | 05:03 PM ET, 01/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 04:48 PM ET, 01/08/2011

Witness: 'He was just firing'

By David A. Fahrenthold

A moment later, Rayle said, he saw a young man wearing sneakers and what appeared to be navy blue sweats approach Gifford with a semi-automatic handgun raised. The man shot Giffords once in the face, he said.

By David A. Fahrenthold | 04:48 PM ET, 01/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:03 PM ET, 01/07/2011

House clears way for health-care repeal vote

By Felicia Sonmez

On a largely party-line vote, the House on Friday cleared the way for debate on legislation that would repeal the national health care overhaul, setting up a repeal vote next week.

By Felicia Sonmez | 12:03 PM ET, 01/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 09:58 AM ET, 01/07/2011

Tim Pawlenty's new book cover looks familiar

By Karen Tumulty and Matt DeLong

Outgoing Minnesota governor and potential 2012 presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty (R) is releasing the obligatory pre-campaign book. But something about it looks awfully familiar.

By Karen Tumulty and Matt DeLong | 09:58 AM ET, 01/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 05:14 PM ET, 01/06/2011

Votes of GOP lawmakers who missed swearing-in ruled invalid

By Felicia Sonmez

House Rules Committee Chairman David Dreier (R-Calif.) said Thursday that the votes cast by two Republican lawmakers who skipped Wednesday's swearing-in ceremony will be invalidated.

By Felicia Sonmez | 05:14 PM ET, 01/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 05:05 PM ET, 01/06/2011

William Daley: Positive and negative reaction

By Rachel Weiner

President Obama's announcement that William Daley will be his new chief of staff got mixed reviews that cut across party lines. Some praised the former commerce secretary and current Midwest chairman of J.P. Morgan Chase as an experienced and skillful public servant. Others argued that Daley is too beholden to big business and that his Wall Street ties are a conflict of interest.

By Rachel Weiner | 05:05 PM ET, 01/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 04:38 PM ET, 01/06/2011

Reid: Democrats prepared to go it alone on filibuster reform

By Felicia Sonmez

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Thursday said that Democrats will push ahead with a plan to reform the Senate rules, with or without Republican support.

By Felicia Sonmez | 04:38 PM ET, 01/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 02:26 PM ET, 01/06/2011

House passes budget cut for committees and legislative offices

By Felicia Sonmez

The House on Thursday passed a measure that would cut committee and legislative office budgets by five percent or more, making good on a pledge by House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) to cut as much as $35 million from Congress' total operating budget.

By Felicia Sonmez | 02:26 PM ET, 01/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 01:46 PM ET, 01/06/2011

Senate Democrats contend Republicans adding $1 trillion to deficit

By Felicia Sonmez

A trio of Senate Democrats on Thursday argued that House Republicans are piling more than $1 trillion onto the federal deficit through a new rules package approved on the first day of the new Congress.

By Felicia Sonmez | 01:46 PM ET, 01/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:59 PM ET, 01/06/2011

Boehner: Budget office "entitled to their opinion" on health care repeal's deficit impact

By Felicia Sonmez

House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) on Thursday defended House Republicans' efforts to repeal the national health care law, disputing the accuracy of a preliminary Congressional Budget Office estimate that a repeal of the law would add $230 billion to the national debt through 2021.

By Felicia Sonmez | 12:59 PM ET, 01/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 08:29 PM ET, 01/05/2011

House passes new rules package

By Felicia Sonmez

The House wrapped up the first day of the 112th Congress on Wednesday by approving a new rules package that will enact some significant changes to matters ranging from the debt ceiling to members' voting rights.

By Felicia Sonmez | 08:29 PM ET, 01/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 02:15 PM ET, 01/05/2011

Obama: Gibbs has been making 'relatively modest pay'

By Matt DeLong

President Obama spoke to The New York Times on Wednesday about White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs' impending departure. In the interview, while he said Gibbs will remain a close adviser, Obama suggested money was a factor in Gibbs' decision to leave the administration.

By Matt DeLong | 02:15 PM ET, 01/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 01:22 PM ET, 01/05/2011

Sworn in, members join the club they love to hate

By David A. Fahrenthold

For some Republican freshmen in the House, Wednesday's swearing-in was a bit of an odd moment: After winning elections by calling Washington a cesspool, they brought spouses, children, aunts and uncles to watch them officially dive in.

By David A. Fahrenthold | 01:22 PM ET, 01/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:22 PM ET, 01/05/2011

Tina Tchen announced as Michelle Obama's new chief of staff

By Nia-Malika Henderson

It's official --first lady Michelle Obama has a new chief of staff, the White House...

By Nia-Malika Henderson | 12:22 PM ET, 01/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 11:47 AM ET, 01/05/2011

Allen West becomes first Republican since 1990s to join Congressional Black Caucus

By Felicia Sonmez

Florida Republican Rep. Allen West on Wednesday officially joined the Congressional Black Caucus, becoming the first Republican to join the group since Rep. Gary Franks (R-Conn.) was defeated in 1996.

By Felicia Sonmez | 11:47 AM ET, 01/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 10:51 AM ET, 01/05/2011

Prayer service opens day for new Congress

By Philip Rucker

Before the day's swearings-in, gavel-passing and speech-making, lawmakers gathered Wednesday morning for a bipartisan prayer service that some described as an emotional prelude to the opening of the 112th Congress.

By Philip Rucker | 10:51 AM ET, 01/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 10:03 AM ET, 01/05/2011

John Boehner's speech: Advance excerpts

By Emi Kolawole

Excerpts from the opening speech by Speaker-designate John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) during the first day of the 112th Congress

By Emi Kolawole | 10:03 AM ET, 01/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 09:58 AM ET, 01/05/2011

Robert Gibbs leaving the White House

By Rachel Weiner

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs has just told staffers he is moving on.

By Rachel Weiner | 09:58 AM ET, 01/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 09:52 AM ET, 01/05/2011

Busy first day ahead for 112th Congress

By Felicia Sonmez

The 112th Congress has a busy first day ahead, including some time-honored traditions as well as some new milestones.

By Felicia Sonmez | 09:52 AM ET, 01/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 09:48 AM ET, 01/05/2011

A preview of the first day of the 112th Congress

By Felicia Sonmez

Wednesday marks the first day of the 112th Congress. Here's a rough sketch of what the new members have in store.

By Felicia Sonmez | 09:48 AM ET, 01/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 04:08 PM ET, 01/04/2011

Lawrence Summers to return to Harvard in January

By Felicia Sonmez

Lawrence Summers, President Obama's former top economic adviser, is returning to Harvard University this month to resume his teaching and academic research, the university announced Tuesday.

By Felicia Sonmez | 04:08 PM ET, 01/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 03:43 PM ET, 01/04/2011

Cantor defends House Republicans' effort to repeal health-care law

By Felicia Sonmez

Incoming House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) on Tuesday defended House Republicans' plans to hold a vote next week repealing the national health care overhaul amid criticism from Democrats that the GOP is pressing forward with a repeal vote without opening up the process to the minority party.

By Felicia Sonmez | 03:43 PM ET, 01/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 09:54 AM ET, 01/04/2011

William Daley passes out (video)

By Emi Kolawole

William Daley, the former commerce secretary and brother of outgoing Chicago mayor Richard Daley, passed out -- literally fainted -- during his last personnel announcement in 1996.

By Emi Kolawole | 09:54 AM ET, 01/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 09:08 AM ET, 01/04/2011

Scalia: Constitution does not protect women against discrimination

By Emi Kolawole

Justice Antonin Scalia has weighed in on the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, leaving women's rights activists seething yet again.

By Emi Kolawole | 09:08 AM ET, 01/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 04:33 PM ET, 01/03/2011

Another top Reid staffer set to depart

By Felicia Sonmez

Another top aide to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) announced Monday that he is leaving Reid's team, marking the latest in a series of departures since Democrats' losses in the November midterms.

By Felicia Sonmez | 04:33 PM ET, 01/03/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 01:15 PM ET, 01/02/2011

Issa: Obama has 'one of the most corrupt administrations'

By Matt DeLong and Felicia Sonmez

Sunday Rundown: A quick wrap-up of the Sunday talk shows.

By Matt DeLong and Felicia Sonmez | 01:15 PM ET, 01/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:36 PM ET, 01/02/2011

Kaine to stay on as Democratic National Committee Chairman

By Felicia Sonmez

Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine said Sunday that he plans to stay at the helm of the national party another two years because that's where President Obama wants him to serve.

By Felicia Sonmez | 12:36 PM ET, 01/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 10:20 AM ET, 01/02/2011

Allen West: 'I didn't learn anything' from aide controversy

By Matt DeLong

During an appearance on "Fox News Sunday," Rep.-elect Allen West (R-Fla.) said he "didn't learn anything" from a firestorm that erupted over his original choice for chief of staff.

By Matt DeLong | 10:20 AM ET, 01/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 06:37 PM ET, 12/29/2010

James Cole appointed to deputy AG job; new ambassador dispatched to Syria

By Perry Bacon Jr. and Karen DeYoung

President Obama appointed Wednesday the first U.S. ambassador to Syria since 2005, using a recess appointment to bypass opposition from Senate Republicans. He also appointed ambassadors to Turkey, the Czech Republic and Azerbaijan, as well as a deputy attorney general.

By Perry Bacon Jr. and Karen DeYoung | 06:37 PM ET, 12/29/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 05:53 PM ET, 12/29/2010

Obama to extend vacation by a day

By Perry Bacon Jr.

President Obama is extending his vacation in Hawaii an extra day, the White House announced Wednesday. He will now depart the evening of Jan. 3, arriving in Washington the afternoon of Jan. 4.

By Perry Bacon Jr. | 05:53 PM ET, 12/29/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 11:45 AM ET, 12/29/2010

Bloomberg vs. Booker: The mayoral dig-out tweets

By Andrea Caumont

Newark Mayor Cory Booker has been battling the snow on his city's streets tweet by...

By Andrea Caumont | 11:45 AM ET, 12/29/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 04:02 PM ET, 12/28/2010

Ed Rendell: We're a 'nation of wusses'

By Post Editor

It's worth noting that while Michael Bloomberg is chastising his constituents for making a big deal out of the Northeast snowstorm, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell (D) has gone a step farther, railing against the whole country over the rescheduling of a football game. From the Early Lead:

By Post Editor | 04:02 PM ET, 12/28/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency | Tags: Ed Rendell

Posted at 03:15 PM ET, 12/28/2010

Sarcastic Michael Bloomberg: 'I regret everything in the world'

By Rachel Weiner

While Newark mayor Cory Booker gets love for personally helping dig people out of the slush, New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg is stuck defending his snow-removal efforts. During a testy news conference in Brooklyn Tuesday morning, asked if he regretted anything about the city's response to the snow, Bloomberg responded "I regret everything in the world."

By Rachel Weiner | 03:15 PM ET, 12/28/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency | Tags: Michael Bloomberg, snow

Posted at 02:38 PM ET, 12/28/2010

Political gaffes of 2010: Vote for the worst

By Post Editor

In a Slate article Monday, David Weigel argued that five of the most infamous "gaffes" of 2010 should be forgiven. But which slip-up is the worst?

By Post Editor | 02:38 PM ET, 12/28/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 10:57 AM ET, 12/28/2010

Chris Christie criticized for blizzard vacations

By Rachel Weiner

As southern New Jersey tries to crawl out from under NUMBER feet of snow (check out this great time-lapse video), they're being helped not by Gov. Chris Christie or Lt. Gov Kim Guadagno but by senate president and acting governor Stephen M. Sweeney, a Democrat. Why? Because both of the state's top executives skipped town before the storm hit. (Christie is at Disney World in Florida; Guadagno is in Mexico.) Guadagno is the state's first lieutenant governor, a position created by a constitutional amendment to fill in for an absent governor. Democrats are now complaining that she isn't pulling her weight.

By Rachel Weiner | 10:57 AM ET, 12/28/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 10:20 AM ET, 12/28/2010

User poll: Should Obama weigh in on divisive issues?

By 44 Editor

President Obama has weighed in on a number of divisive social and cultural topics during his time in office. What do you think of the following statements he has made? Are you glad he spoke up or do you think he shouldn't have commented?

By 44 Editor | 10:20 AM ET, 12/28/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 06:50 PM ET, 12/26/2010

Obamas attend church in Hawaii

By Perry Bacon Jr.

President Obama and his family attended church Sunday in Hawaii, making one of their few public appearances since he arrived here Thursday.

By Perry Bacon Jr. | 06:50 PM ET, 12/26/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 11:01 AM ET, 12/26/2010

Juan Williams: Palin not on same 'intellectual stage' as Obama

By Aaron Blake

Fox News contributor Juan Williams said Sunday that Sarah Palin "can't stand on the intellectual stage" with President Obama.

By Aaron Blake | 11:01 AM ET, 12/26/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency | Tags: Sarah Palin

Posted at 10:39 AM ET, 12/26/2010

Gibbs: Guantanamo not closing any time soon

By Aaron Blake and Rachel Weiner

Sunday Rundown: A quick wrap-up of the Sunday talk shows. CNN: STATE OF THE UNION...

By Aaron Blake and Rachel Weiner | 10:39 AM ET, 12/26/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 02:05 PM ET, 12/24/2010

Bristol Palin buys home in Arizona

By Associated Press

Bristol Palin has purchased a home in Pinal County south of Phoenix. Paperwork shows the daughter of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is the sole purchaser of a home for $172,000, in the Town of Maricopa, in a development called Cobblestone Farms.

By Associated Press | 02:05 PM ET, 12/24/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency | Tags: Sarah Palin

Posted at 06:13 AM ET, 12/23/2010

Obama lands in Hawaii for Christmas holiday

By Perry Bacon Jr.

KAILUA, HAWAII--President Obama arrived in Hawaii early Thursday morning to join his family on their annual holiday vacation, after wrapping up a surprisingly productive lame-duck legislative session.

By Perry Bacon Jr. | 06:13 AM ET, 12/23/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 03:33 PM ET, 12/22/2010

Senate ratifies New START arms pact

By Felicia Sonmez

The Senate on Wednesday overwhelmingly ratified a new U.S.-Russia nuclear treaty, sending the treaty on to President Obama for his signature in the final hours of the 111th Congress' lame-duck session.

By Felicia Sonmez | 03:33 PM ET, 12/22/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 01:42 PM ET, 12/22/2010

Obama 'wrestling' with same-sex marriage

By Matt DeLong

On the eve of signing historic legislation to repeal the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, President Obama sat down in the oval office with Kerry Eleveld of the gay and lesbian magazine The Advocate. During the interview, Obama said his attitudes on same-sex marriage -- which he said he opposed throughout the 2008 presidential campaign -- are "evolving."

By Matt DeLong | 01:42 PM ET, 12/22/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 01:01 PM ET, 12/22/2010

9/11 bill passes Senate, House in final hours of lame-duck session

By Felicia Sonmez

After a years-long battle and a bout of last-minute opposition by Senate Republicans, the House on Wednesday passed a bill that would provide $4.2 billion in compensation and long-term health-care benefits for first responders who became ill from working at Ground Zero in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, sending the measure on to President Obama for his signature.

By Felicia Sonmez | 01:01 PM ET, 12/22/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 11:32 AM ET, 12/22/2010

Republicans propose sweeping changes to House rules

By Felicia Sonmez

House Republicans are planning to enact some far-reaching changes to the way the lower chamber operates in the next Congress, according to a draft of a new rules package circulated by the House GOP transition team on Wednesday.

By Felicia Sonmez | 11:32 AM ET, 12/22/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 07:15 PM ET, 12/21/2010

One-sixth of House skips final lame-duck votes

By Felicia Sonmez

More than 70 House members didn't bother showing up to vote Tuesday, even as the lower chamber wraps up its final priorities of the lame-duck session -- including a bill on funding the federal government through March and a measure on health benefits for 9/11 first responders.

By Felicia Sonmez | 07:15 PM ET, 12/21/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 04:27 PM ET, 12/21/2010

Kerry: START likely to get as many as 70 votes for ratification

By Felicia Sonmez

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.) said on Tuesday that he expects that a new nuclear arms treaty with Russia will likely get 70 votes for ratification, with a final vote slated for Wednesday afternoon.

By Felicia Sonmez | 04:27 PM ET, 12/21/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 02:39 PM ET, 12/21/2010

House passes government funding measure, sends on to President Obama

By Felicia Sonmez

The House on Tuesday night passed a bill that would continue to fund the government through March 4, 2011, sending the measure to President Obama for his signature ahead of a midnight deadline.

By Felicia Sonmez | 02:39 PM ET, 12/21/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 01:30 PM ET, 12/21/2010

Kyl: Senate Democrats "very partisan" on START Treaty

By Felicia Sonmez

Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) and seven other Republican senators on Tuesday held firm in their opposition to ratifying a new U.S.-Russia nuclear arms treaty during Congress' lame-duck session, even as the agreement appears on track to clear a key procedural hurdle and could reach a final vote as early as Wednesday.

By Felicia Sonmez | 01:30 PM ET, 12/21/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 02:59 PM ET, 12/20/2010

Haley Barbour: I don't remember the civil rights era being that bad

By Matt DeLong

The Fix called attention this morning to Haley Barbour's defense of his experience as a GOP lobbyist in the Weekly Standard's new profile of the Mississippi governor and potential 2012 candidate. But buried toward the end of the piece, Barbour makes some more-eyebrow-raising comments in describing his home town of Yazoo City, Miss., during the civil rights era.

By Matt DeLong | 02:59 PM ET, 12/20/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 11:07 AM ET, 12/20/2010

Sen. Kay Hagan's N.C. office vandalized

By Matt DeLong

A vandal spray-painted swastikas on the front door of Sen. Kay Hagan's (D-N.C.) office in Greenville, N.C., early Thursday, WNCT reported.

By Matt DeLong | 11:07 AM ET, 12/20/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:34 PM ET, 12/19/2010

Biden: We'll be out of Afghanistan by 2014 'come hell or high water' (Sunday show roundup)

By Feliciia Sonmez and Emi Kolawole

Vice President Biden re-iterated the United States will be out of Afghanistan by 2014 "come hell or high water," while Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell confirmed that an agreement was in place to fund the government through March

By Feliciia Sonmez and Emi Kolawole | 12:34 PM ET, 12/19/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 11:42 AM ET, 12/19/2010

Sen. Mitch McConnell 'cannot support' START treaty

By Emi Kolawole

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell announces his refusal to support ratification of the new START treaty.

By Emi Kolawole | 11:42 AM ET, 12/19/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency | Tags: Sunday talkies

Posted at 09:02 PM ET, 12/18/2010

Dreams deferred, fulfilled as Senate takes up two historic votes

By Felicia Sonmez

Supporters of the 17-year-long effort to repeal "don't ask, don't tell" were as jubilant as longtime DREAM Act proponents were dejected. And in both cases, the impact was deeply personal -- even among members of the Senate.

By Felicia Sonmez | 09:02 PM ET, 12/18/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 03:11 PM ET, 12/18/2010

Joe Manchin absent for two major Senate votes

By Felicia Sonmez

When the Senate took two of its most highly-anticipated votes of the lame-duck session on Saturday, West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin was nowhere to be found.

By Felicia Sonmez | 03:11 PM ET, 12/18/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:13 PM ET, 12/18/2010

Senate defeats DREAM Act

By Felicia Sonmez

On a 55-to-41 vote, the Senate on Saturday failed to proceed on a bill that would have provided a path to citizenship for young people who were brought to the country illegally as children.

By Felicia Sonmez | 12:13 PM ET, 12/18/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 12/18/2010

Senate's full plate: DADT, START, DREAM Act

By Felicia Sonmez

As the lame-duck session enters its final days, the Senate is convening for the second Saturday this month, with key votes slated on a trio of hotly debated and highly politicized measures.

By Felicia Sonmez | 06:00 AM ET, 12/18/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 01:11 PM ET, 12/17/2010

President Obama: Home alone, while family vacations

By Perry Bacon Jr.

President Obama will be home alone starting Saturday. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Friday...

By Perry Bacon Jr. | 01:11 PM ET, 12/17/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 11:07 AM ET, 12/17/2010

Liberals still seething after passage of tax-cut deal

By Felicia Sonmez

Liberal Democrats were fuming following the House's late Thursday night passage of the sweeping tax-cut package negotiated between President Obama and congressional Republicans, with some still smarting both at the end product and at a process that they said had left House Democrats out of the loop.

By Felicia Sonmez | 11:07 AM ET, 12/17/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency | Tags: Barbara Lee, Congressional Black Caucus, Liberal Democrats, Louise Slaughter, Steny Hoyer

Posted at 07:05 PM ET, 12/16/2010

Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden diagnosed with prostate cancer

By Felicia Sonmez

Sen. Ron Wyden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and will undergo surgery Monday, the Oregon Democrat's office announced Thursday.

By Felicia Sonmez | 07:05 PM ET, 12/16/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 06:53 PM ET, 12/16/2010

House resumes debate on tax-cut bill after liberal uprising

By Felicia Sonmez

Hours after liberal Democrats unexpectedly forced the measure off the floor, the House on Thursday night resumed debate on the tax-cut deal negotiated between President Obama and congressional Republicans, setting the stage for a final vote within hours.

By Felicia Sonmez | 06:53 PM ET, 12/16/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 04:45 PM ET, 12/16/2010

Elijah Cummings wins top Democratic slot on House government oversight committee

By Ben Pershing

Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings has won the race to serve as the top Democrat on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee in the next Congress, a victory that will enable him to be the Obama administration's chief defender against an expected onslaught of Republican-led investigations.

By Ben Pershing | 04:45 PM ET, 12/16/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 01:06 PM ET, 12/16/2010

Gates pushes for omnibus spending bill despite earmarks

By Perry Bacon Jr.

The Obama administration is urging Congress to adopt a $1.2 trillion spending bill that includes more than 6,700 earmarks, despite the president's strong criticism of such projects since Election Day.

By Perry Bacon Jr. | 01:06 PM ET, 12/16/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 07:57 PM ET, 12/15/2010

Bachmann snub angers tea party leader

By Emi Kolawole

Jenny Beth Martin, a co-founder of the Tea Party Patriots, said Wednesday that Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) should have gotten a spot on the House Ways and Means Committee from Speaker-in-waiting John Boehner (Ohio).

By Emi Kolawole | 07:57 PM ET, 12/15/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 04:47 PM ET, 12/15/2010

Senate votes to open debate on New START

By Felicia Sonmez and Mary Beth Sheridan

The Senate on Wednesday voted to proceed on the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, with lawmakers slated to begin debate on the measure Thursday morning.

By Felicia Sonmez and Mary Beth Sheridan | 04:47 PM ET, 12/15/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 01:35 PM ET, 12/15/2010

Anti-'don't ask' activist Dan Choi hospitalized

By Matt DeLong

In a statement to a progressive blog, Lt. Dan Choi -- a gay soldier who was discharged under the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy and a high-profile advocate of repealing the law -- was hospitalized after suffering a "breakdown.

By Matt DeLong | 01:35 PM ET, 12/15/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency | Tags: Gay Lesbian and Bisexual, Pentagon, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network

Posted at 01:22 PM ET, 12/15/2010

Michigan's Mike Rogers to chair House Intelligence Committee

By Felicia Sonmez

House Speaker-designate John Boehner (R-Ohio) has tapped Michigan Republican Rep. Mike Rogers to chair the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Boehner's office announced Wednesday.

By Felicia Sonmez | 01:22 PM ET, 12/15/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:29 PM ET, 12/15/2010

Senate expects Wed. votes on tax cuts, START, spending; House may consider tax cuts, 'don't ask'

By Felicia Sonmez

Senate expects vote on tax cuts, START and spending on Wednsday; House to consider tax cuts, 'don't ask' bill

By Felicia Sonmez | 12:29 PM ET, 12/15/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 10:28 AM ET, 12/15/2010

Bill of Rights Day: Libertarians, National Archives celebrate

By Rachel Weiner

On December 15, 1791, ten amendments to the Constitution known as the Bill of Rights were ratified. In 1941, in honor of the amendments' 150th anniversary, President Franklin D. Roosevelt made the date a holiday: Bill of Rights Day.

By Rachel Weiner | 10:28 AM ET, 12/15/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 02:50 PM ET, 12/14/2010

Reid: Senate could come back after Christmas

By Felicia Sonmez

Members of Congress have a full agenda this week before they take off from Washington this weekend.

By Felicia Sonmez | 02:50 PM ET, 12/14/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:53 PM ET, 12/14/2010

Obama meets with Gates, Buffett

By Perry Bacon Jr.

A day before meeting with a group of chief executives who may not be as friendly, President Obama met Tuesday with two of his favorite U.S. businessmen: Warren Buffett and Bill Gates.

By Perry Bacon Jr. | 12:53 PM ET, 12/14/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:07 PM ET, 12/14/2010

Obama: 'I don't think there's a sense that I've been successful'

By Matt DeLong

Taking his message directly to voters in key battleground states, President Obama on Monday invited reporters from four local news stations in Ohio, Iowa, Florida and Colorado to the White House to talk about the economy and his tax-cut package.

By Matt DeLong | 12:07 PM ET, 12/14/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:20 PM ET, 12/13/2010

Can 'No Labels' change the tone in Washington?

By Matt DeLong

A new organization called "No Labels" is hoping to help tone down the heated rhetoric in Washington. Headed by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a veritable 'who's who' of moderate politicians are participating in the organization's launch in New York City.

By Matt DeLong | 12:20 PM ET, 12/13/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 01:57 PM ET, 12/12/2010

Michael Bloomberg shoots down 2012 buzz: 'No way, no how'

By Matt DeLong and Aaron Blake

Sunday Rundown: A quick wrap-up of the Sunday talk shows.

By Matt DeLong and Aaron Blake | 01:57 PM ET, 12/12/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 11:26 AM ET, 12/12/2010

Justice Breyer: I'll go to State of the Union

By Aaron Blake

Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer said Sunday that he will attend the upcoming State of the Union address, even as more conservative justices have been critical of what happened at the last one.

By Aaron Blake | 11:26 AM ET, 12/12/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 08:02 PM ET, 12/10/2010

Sen. Bernie Sanders takes 8.5-hour stand against Obama's tax-cut package

By Felicia Sonmez

In one of the Senate's rarer spectacles, Vermont's Bernie Sanders (I) delivered Friday delivered a day-long speech from the floor, railing against the tax-cut deal President Obama struck with congressional Republicans.

By Felicia Sonmez | 08:02 PM ET, 12/10/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 06:07 PM ET, 12/10/2010

Bill Clinton, back in the White House briefing room

By Perry Bacon Jr. and Anne E. Kornblut

Former president Bill Clinton came to the White House on Friday afternoon for a meeting with President Obama.

By Perry Bacon Jr. and Anne E. Kornblut | 06:07 PM ET, 12/10/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 03:54 PM ET, 12/10/2010

Earmark opponent Flake gets spot on House Appropriations

By Felicia Sonmez

Arizona Republican Rep. Jeff Flake, a strident foe of Congress' earmarking process, has won a spot on the House Appropriations Committee.

By Felicia Sonmez | 03:54 PM ET, 12/10/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 12:55 PM ET, 12/10/2010

Congressional Black Caucus opposes Obama on tax-cut package

By Felicia Sonmez

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus on Friday announced that they are overwhelmingly opposed to the deal President Obama has struck with Republicans on extending the Bush-era tax cuts and are proposing their own alternative that essentially hews to a plan House Democrats passed earlier this month.

By Felicia Sonmez | 12:55 PM ET, 12/10/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 07:21 PM ET, 12/09/2010

Tax-cuts deal will withstand Democrats' anger, Obama predicts (Updated)

By Emi Kolawole

President Obama made clear Thursday in an interview with NPR that he did not believe disgruntled Democrats would stop a deal on tax cuts from moving forward.

By Emi Kolawole | 07:21 PM ET, 12/09/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 04:34 PM ET, 12/09/2010

Ron Paul to chair monetary policy subcommittee overseeing Fed

By Felicia Sonmez

Texas Republican Rep. Ron Paul is poised to chair the House Domestic Monetary Policy Subcommittee, putting the gavel of the panel overseeing the Federal Reserve into the hands of one of the Fed's most outspoken critics.

By Felicia Sonmez | 04:34 PM ET, 12/09/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 02:10 PM ET, 12/09/2010

House Democrats confirm Levin, reject Neal for House Ways and Means top spot

By Felicia Sonmez

In a generational shift, Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Richard Neal has won the support of House Democrats' Steering and Policy Committee for the coveted ranking member spot on the House Ways and Means Committee.

By Felicia Sonmez | 02:10 PM ET, 12/09/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 06:25 PM ET, 12/08/2010

Palin says Web site and credit card information came under cyberattack by WikiLeaks sympathizers

By Emi Kolawole

Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin's personal information, including credit card information, were cyber attacked today by Wikileaks supporters, according to an e-mail Palin sent to ABC News' Jake Tapper.

By Emi Kolawole | 06:25 PM ET, 12/08/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency, 44 The Obama Presidency

Posted at 04:40 PM ET, 12/08/2010

Senate vote on tax-cut extensions may come by the weekend

By Felicia Sonmez

The Senate may vote on an extension of the Bush-era tax cuts by this weekend, according to top Senate Democrats and Republicans.

By Felicia Sonmez | 04:40 PM ET, 12/08/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: 44 The Obama Presidency

44: 44 The Obama Presidency