In the Loop - Afflicting official Washington since 1993

Posted at 03:35 PM ET, 06/04/2012

Missile-defense site: Where to put it? (A Loop contest!)

By Al Kamen

By Al Kamen | 03:35 PM ET, 06/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: John McCain, Missile Defense, Loop Contests, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 09:47 AM ET, 05/25/2012

Carney’s insult back to haunt him; GSA conference guy is out; Secret Service (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup: Jay Carney’s ‘sloth’ accusation comes back to haunt him; the GSA conference planner makes an exit; why Secret Service workers won’t speak up.

By Emily Heil | 09:47 AM ET, 05/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:58 PM ET, 05/24/2012

Missile Defense! Where should they put the East Coast missile defense site? (A Loop Contest.)

By Al Kamen

By Al Kamen | 03:58 PM ET, 05/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Missile Defense, East Coast, Contest, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 02:46 PM ET, 05/24/2012

Gary Locke: the people’s ambassador?

By Al Kamen

When the Beijing Daily tweeted that Locke should reveal his personal assets, the suggestion backfired.

By Al Kamen | 02:46 PM ET, 05/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Chen Guangcheng, blind activist, Beijing, human rights, Gary Locke, ambassador to beijing, Beijing Daily, Sina Weibo, Center for Responsive Politics, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 01:56 PM ET, 05/24/2012

Barney Frank marks coming-out anniversary with a DCCC fundraiser

By Emily Heil

The DCCC wants you to get your wallets out — to celebrate Rep. Barney Frank’s coming-out anniversary.

By Emily Heil | 01:56 PM ET, 05/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:16 AM ET, 05/24/2012

BACKGROUND CHECK: Richard Cordray

By Emily Heil

The director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on why he owes rent to his own son and his likeness to Kenneth the NBC Page on “30 Rock.”

By Emily Heil | 11:16 AM ET, 05/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:22 AM ET, 05/24/2012

Secret-service chief denies; Portman’s a vanilla veep choice; and more Edwards trial (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, a Secret Service chief denies; Rob Portman is boring; and the John Edwards trial heats up.

By Emily Heil | 10:22 AM ET, 05/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:59 PM ET, 05/23/2012

White House logs only show some visits: Hillary really does show up more often

By Emily Heil

White House visitor logs don’t reflect all its guests.

By Emily Heil | 05:59 PM ET, 05/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:27 PM ET, 05/23/2012

Alan Simpson shows retirement hasn’t softened his tongue much

By Al Kamen

Protesters’ fliers after his speech touting the Simpson-Bowles budget-cutting plan draw a sharp retort from the still-acerbic former senator.

By Al Kamen | 04:27 PM ET, 05/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:26 PM ET, 05/23/2012

Bain debated; Secret Service secrets spilling; and Reagan’s blood (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, Bain is debated; Secret Service isn’t so secret; and Reagan’s blood is for sale.

By Emily Heil | 02:26 PM ET, 05/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:33 PM ET, 05/22/2012

Romney’s dog, Seamus, inspires book

By Emily Heil

The Romney’s dog inspires a book of verse.

By Emily Heil | 02:33 PM ET, 05/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:21 PM ET, 05/22/2012

9/11 Memorial still short of funds

By Al Kamen

The Shanksville, Pa., memorial to those on Flight 93 whose bravery saved the Capitol on 9/11 is still looking to raise $8 million from private donors.

By Al Kamen | 01:21 PM ET, 05/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: World Trade Center, memorial, 9/11, Pentagon, Shanksville, Flight 93, funding, fundraiser, Clinton, Bush, Boehner, Newseum, National Park Foundation, National Park Service, contributions, Congress, Capitol, Alamo, Thermopylae, Al Qaeda, Capitol visitors center, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 11:53 AM ET, 05/22/2012

White House logs: Which Cabinet secretary visits least?

By Emily Heil

Which Cabinet secretary visits the White House the least?

By Emily Heil | 11:53 AM ET, 05/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:26 AM ET, 05/22/2012

Congress totally dumbs down; Capitol Dome comes up short; and Bain’s here to stay (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, Congress dumbs down; the Capitol Dome comes up short; and Bain is here to stay.

By Emily Heil | 10:26 AM ET, 05/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:10 PM ET, 05/21/2012

CATCHING UP WITH... Katherine Harris

By Emily Heil

The Loop catches up with former Rep. Katherine Harris and her behemoth Sarasota mansion.

By Emily Heil | 02:10 PM ET, 05/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Catching up with

Posted at 10:35 AM ET, 05/21/2012

White House visitors (Hiya, Oprah!); Norquist v. Cher; a Mormon memory (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, celebs at the White House, Norquist v. Cher and long Mormon memories.

By Emily Heil | 10:35 AM ET, 05/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:42 PM ET, 05/18/2012

Missile-defense site: Where to put it?
(A Loop contest!)

By Emily Heil

Don’t miss the chance to enter the Loop’s contest to figure out where to put that missile-defense site.

By Emily Heil | 12:42 PM ET, 05/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:17 AM ET, 05/18/2012

National Get Outdoors Day slims down

By Al Kamen

An event to get kids out to enjoy the great outdoors seems to have shrunk a lot this year.

By Al Kamen | 11:17 AM ET, 05/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Get Outdoors Day, Bush administration, Anacostia Park, Maryland's Eastern Shore, Michelle Obama, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 10:05 AM ET, 05/18/2012

Franks is D.C.’s new guy; breast cancer survivor blogs on ; and Barry’s ISO flack (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, Rep. Trent Franks is D.C.’s new guy; a breast cancer survivor blogs on; and Marion Barry’s ISO flack .

By Emily Heil | 10:05 AM ET, 05/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:25 PM ET, 05/17/2012

Super Pac ad idea: easy as pie

By Al Kamen

Now we find out how the political admen always find the perfect people who happen to say the perfect things in those ads.

By Al Kamen | 04:25 PM ET, 05/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Fred Davis, ad campaign, Jeremiah Wright, Joe Ricketts, Mitt Romney, Obama, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, Inthe Loop

Posted at 03:01 PM ET, 05/17/2012

Derek Mitchell picked for ambassador to Burma

By Al Kamen

Asia expert Derek Mitchell, now special representative for Burma, is the administration’s nominee for ambassador.

By Al Kamen | 03:01 PM ET, 05/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma, sanctions, Nobel Peace Prize, Derek Mitchell, ambassador, restrictions, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 02:50 PM ET, 05/17/2012

Mitt Romney on George W. Bush: Who? (Loop’s quote of the week)

By Emily Heil

Did Mitt Romney forget how to pronounce “Bush”?

By Emily Heil | 02:50 PM ET, 05/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:13 PM ET, 05/17/2012

House Armed Services panel prods military on body armor for women

By Emily Heil

A House committee looks at protective gear for female soldiers.

By Emily Heil | 01:13 PM ET, 05/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:10 AM ET, 05/17/2012

Andy Harris high-seas fundraiser: open waters, open wallets?

By Emily Heil

Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.) is hoping that open seas will mean open wallets.

By Emily Heil | 11:10 AM ET, 05/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:16 AM ET, 05/17/2012

Dennis Kucinich’s final stand; a lucrative foreign spat; and no arugula for Obama (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, Kucinich’s last stand; a lucrative foreign spat; and no arugula for President Obama.

By Emily Heil | 10:16 AM ET, 05/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:12 PM ET, 05/16/2012

Oliver North, video-game pitchman

By Emily Heil

The Iran-Contra figure is shilling for ‘Call of Duty’ video games.

By Emily Heil | 02:12 PM ET, 05/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Catching up with

Posted at 01:18 PM ET, 05/16/2012

Missile Defense: Where to put the interceptors? (A Loop Contest)

By Al Kamen

A House bill scheduled for this week calls for a missile defense site to be built on the East Coast.

By Al Kamen | 01:18 PM ET, 05/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Missile Defense, interceptors, North Korea, Iran, House of Representatives, Defense Department, Iran, North Korea, Hollywood, Epcot, Basball Hall of Fame, Wall Street, Joint Chiefs, Al Kamen, In the Loop, Emily Heil, contest, Pick the Site, Fleetwood Mac

Posted at 10:07 AM ET, 05/16/2012

W on the trail; no one’s on third; and rare bipartisanship (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, W on the trail; no one’s on third; and rare bipartisanship.

By Emily Heil | 10:07 AM ET, 05/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:24 PM ET, 05/15/2012

Codels to Asia, anyone?

By Al Kamen

Two groups of House members are off to Asia during next week’s recess.

By Al Kamen | 06:24 PM ET, 05/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Congress, travel, recess, codel, congressional trips, China, India, Korea, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, John Kline, Ma Ying-jeou, Lee Myung-bak, North Korea, DMZ, Al Kamen, In the Loop, Emily Heil

Posted at 04:30 PM ET, 05/15/2012

Joe Lieberman, travelin’ man

By Al Kamen

Outgoing Sen Joe Lieberman is still on the road in his final months in office, taking a couple of fact-finding jaunts to the Mideast in recent months.

By Al Kamen | 04:30 PM ET, 05/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Joe Lieberman, Holy Land, trips, Israel, Tunisia, Libya, Lebanon, codel, military jet, costs, travel, Pentagon, Al Kamen, In the Loop, Emily Heil

Posted at 01:45 PM ET, 05/15/2012

Gene Sperling’s first job: handling dirty undies, socks

By Emily Heil

The top White House advisor got his start handling used underwear.

By Emily Heil | 01:45 PM ET, 05/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:16 AM ET, 05/15/2012

Branding the elections; Bain as ‘vampire;’ and a history of the filibuster (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

Tuesday’s roundup: branding the elections; Bain Capital as ‘vampire;’ a history of the filibuster.

By Emily Heil | 10:16 AM ET, 05/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:25 PM ET, 05/14/2012

GSA conferences: the thrill is gone?

By Al Kamen

Acting GSA director Dan Tangherlini has killed 35 agency gatherings that had been scheduled for the rest of this year and cut agency attendance at its yearly expo from 940 last year to 357 this year.

By Al Kamen | 08:25 PM ET, 05/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: GSA, General Services Administration, Las Vegas, GSA conference, Obama, Obama administration, San Antonio, GSA expo, Al Kamen, In the Loop, Emily Heil

Posted at 02:19 PM ET, 05/14/2012

Obama campaign fires up coal industry

By Al Kamen

The 2012 campaign Web site had neglected to give include coal as part of Obama’s “All of the above” energy policy. Now it does.

By Al Kamen | 02:19 PM ET, 05/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: President Obama, Obama website, Clean coal, coal industry, coal, felon, West Virgiinia, West Virginia primary, energy, fuel efficiency, campaign, Obama re-election 2012, Ben LaBolt, Al Kamen, In the Loop, Emily Heil

Posted at 01:56 PM ET, 05/14/2012

Henry Kissinger gets TSA pat-down

By Emily Heil

Even former secretaries of state get the beady eye.

By Emily Heil | 01:56 PM ET, 05/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 05/14/2012

Peter King turns down meeting with prostitute

By Emily Heil

The Homeland Security Committee Chairman turned down a face-to-face with a Colombian escort.

By Emily Heil | 01:00 PM ET, 05/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:14 AM ET, 05/14/2012

New spending rules for conferences; a pardon that wasn’t; and adieu to Carla Bruni (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, new spending rules for conferences; a pardon that wasn’t; and an adieu to Carla Bruni.

By Emily Heil | 09:14 AM ET, 05/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:25 PM ET, 05/11/2012

Durbin definitely representing for moms

By Emily Heil

Sen. Dick Durbin says the word “mother” and “mom” more often than anyone else in Congress.

By Emily Heil | 12:25 PM ET, 05/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:40 AM ET, 05/11/2012

Pelosi does mom’s day with mothers in the military

By Al Kamen

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi landed Friday in Qatar to spend Mother’s Day with mothers serving in the U.S. Armed Forces

By Al Kamen | 11:40 AM ET, 05/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Nancy Pelosi, Mother's Day, Qatar, Carolyn Maloney, Jean Schmidt, Anna Eshoo, Terry Sewell, Al Kamen, In the Loop, Emily Heil

Posted at 09:08 AM ET, 05/11/2012

Hanging with Clooney; Kaine’s forced hand; and Justice Edwards? (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, Obama’s gay-marriage stance helps at Clooney funder; Kaine’s awkward spot; and Justice Edwards?

By Emily Heil | 09:08 AM ET, 05/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:34 PM ET, 05/10/2012

Memorial Bridge? Where’s that?

By Al Kamen

If you “see something, say something.” But be precise.

By Al Kamen | 06:34 PM ET, 05/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Arlington Memorial Bridge, Memorial Bridge, 14th St. Bridge, Arland Williams Jr. Memorial Bridge, Air Florida, D.C. Office of Unified Communications, Al Kamen, In the Loop, Emily Heil

Posted at 12:23 PM ET, 05/10/2012

Davitt McAteer on the hot seat again?

By Al Kamen

Federal investigator believes the former federal mine safety chief mishandled federal grant money.

By Al Kamen | 12:23 PM ET, 05/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Mine Safety and Health Administration, J. Davitt McAteer, Clinton administration, mine safety, Wheeling Jesuit University, NASA, search warrant, Stephen Jory, Al Kamen, In the Loop, Emily Heil

Posted at 11:12 AM ET, 05/10/2012

Moynihan alums throw fundraiser/reunion

By Emily Heil

Former Moynihan staffers raise money for some of their own.

By Emily Heil | 11:12 AM ET, 05/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:20 AM ET, 05/10/2012

Tears at the Edwards trial, Bachmann’s Swiss stakes, and Obama’s gay money (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup: Tears at the Edwards trial, Bachmann’s Swiss stakes, and Obama’s gay money.

By Emily Heil | 08:20 AM ET, 05/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:47 PM ET, 05/09/2012

Richard Lugar’s loss is Orrin Hatch’s win

By Al Kamen

Sen. Richard Lugar’s loss in the Indiana GOP primary — and Utah Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch’s likely win in November — would end a longstanding seniority spat.

By Al Kamen | 06:47 PM ET, 05/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:06 PM ET, 05/09/2012

Obama DOE undersecretary nominee Arun Majumdar steps down

By Emily Heil

Arum Majumdar is leaving the Energy Department, Secretary Chu tells employees.

By Emily Heil | 04:06 PM ET, 05/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:28 PM ET, 05/09/2012

CIA denied Sen. Bill Nelson his right to be waterboarded

By Al Kamen

IN THE LOOP | The agency was worried that Sen. Bill Nelson might die during the procedure.

By Al Kamen | 02:28 PM ET, 05/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: CIA, Waterboarding, Bill Nelson, Jose Rodriguez, torture, Hard Measures, Bill Harlow, conspiracy, Al Kamen, In the Loop, Emily Heil

Posted at 09:27 AM ET, 05/09/2012

Dick Lugar farewell; pop quiz for candidates; and another TV prez (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, a farewell to a senator; pop quizzes for candidates; and another TV prez.

By Emily Heil | 09:27 AM ET, 05/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:27 PM ET, 05/08/2012

Even senators get airport pat-downs

By Al Kamen

The chair of the Senate intelligence committee was patted down in by airport security in Dubai.

By Al Kamen | 05:27 PM ET, 05/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: CIA, Al Qaeda, airlne bomb, TSA, airports, screening, John Tyner, pat downs, Dianne Feinstein, Senate, intelligence committee, Dubai, Afghanistan, Al Kamen, In the Loop, Emily Heil

Posted at 02:01 PM ET, 05/08/2012

NASA official’s kid’s band booked for conference

By Emily Heil

An aerospace company gives a gig to a NASA administrator’s son’s band.

By Emily Heil | 02:01 PM ET, 05/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:05 AM ET, 05/08/2012

Sacha Baron Cohen tries to punk Washington

By Emily Heil

An invite landing in mailboxes around town to a screening of “The Dictator” seems to be another of the actor’s stunts.

By Emily Heil | 11:05 AM ET, 05/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:02 AM ET, 05/08/2012

Biden’s not-so-straight talk; a McCain flashback; and a Sebelius spat (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, Biden’s not-so-straight talk; a McCain flashback; and a Sebelius spat.

By Emily Heil | 10:02 AM ET, 05/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:58 PM ET, 05/07/2012

Ambassador to Pakistan set to leave post

By Al Kamen

Cameron Munter said Monday that he’ll be leaving Islamabad this summer after having served less than two years of the usual three-year ambassadorial tour of duty.

By Al Kamen | 05:58 PM ET, 05/07/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Cameron Munter, Pakistan, ambassador, Raymond Davis, CIA, Washington, Islamabad, drone strike, North Waziristan, Al Kamen, In the Loop, Emily Heil

Posted at 04:05 PM ET, 05/07/2012

Gary Condit, scandal-scarred, returns to campaign trail (Catching up with ...)

By Emily Heil

Former representative Gary Condit is back in politics — campaigning for his son, Chad.

By Emily Heil | 04:05 PM ET, 05/07/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Catching up with

Posted at 01:04 PM ET, 05/07/2012

Senate confirms three more judges

By Al Kamen

The Senate confirms three more judges under a March deal between Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell.

By Al Kamen | 01:04 PM ET, 05/07/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Judges, Senate, Judicial: Confirmations, Harry Reid, Mitch McConnell, Thurmond rule, Al Kamen, In the Loop, Emily Heil

Posted at 10:19 AM ET, 05/07/2012

Julia ‘misleads;’ spy stories; and chasing Arizona (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup: Julia gets fact-checked; a spy tale; and presidential candidates chasing Arizona.

By Emily Heil | 10:19 AM ET, 05/07/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 05/04/2012

The Bush 2003 “Jobs Tour”: the “real” story?

By Al Kamen

The Wikipedia bio entry for former Treasury Secretary John W. Snow contains a truly strange citation.

By Al Kamen | 12:00 PM ET, 05/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: President Bush, Wikipedia, The Daily Show, John Stewart, Elaine Chao, John Snow, Donald Evans, Sacha Baron Cohen, Al Kamen, In the Loop, Emily Heil

Posted at 10:38 AM ET, 05/04/2012

A disappearing magician; lobbyists get satirized; and feds aren’t funny (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, a disappearing magician; lobbyists get satirized; and feds aren’t funny.

By Emily Heil | 10:38 AM ET, 05/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 05/04/2012

Senator or representative absent? Look abroad

By Al Kamen

Could be you elected lawmakers have left the country over the recent recess, looking for those elusive facts overseas.

By Al Kamen | 07:00 AM ET, 05/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: congressional travel, Nancy Pelosi, Jim McDermott, Tom Harkin, Mike Enzi, Roger Wicker, Kent Conrad, Dianne Feinstein, Saxby Chambliss, Mike Rogers, Dutch Ruppersberger, John McCain, Joe Lieberman, John Kerry, In the Loop, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, Namibia, Malawi, South Africa, Botswana, Morocco, Cote D’Ivoire, Afghanistan, Lithuania, Syria, Israel, Lebanon, Qatar, Al Kamen, In the Loop, Emily Heil

Posted at 01:38 PM ET, 05/03/2012

Jack Abramoff, an American in Paris?

By Emily Heil

Disgraced lobbyist Jack Ambramoff asks the court for permission to jaunt to the City of Light on book business.

By Emily Heil | 01:38 PM ET, 05/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:39 AM ET, 05/03/2012

Ken Salazar under fire ... from his bolo tie

By Emily Heil

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is taking heat on Twitter ... from his neglected bolo tie.

By Emily Heil | 11:39 AM ET, 05/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:19 AM ET, 05/03/2012

Newt’s future; the new BlackBerry; and Obama’s college romances (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, Newt Gingrich’s future; the new BlackBerry; and President Obama’s college romances.

By Emily Heil | 10:19 AM ET, 05/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:13 PM ET, 05/02/2012

Vilsack v. Vilsack: Playing chicken

By Al Kamen

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and his wife, Christie, now running for Congress in Iowa, may not be on the same side over his department’s proposal to privatize poultry inspections.

By Al Kamen | 05:13 PM ET, 05/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, privatize, poultry inspection, Christie Vilsack, Steve King, Iowa, Congress, American Federation of Government Employees, Food & Water Watch, Al Kamen, In the Loop, Emily Heil

Posted at 02:16 PM ET, 05/02/2012

Afghanistan on $1,605 a page

By Al Kamen

The Department of Defense’s 129-page, semiannual report on the Afghan war effort cost $207,000 to produce, the Pentagon estimates.

By Al Kamen | 02:16 PM ET, 05/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: President Obama, Afghanistan, partnership agreement, Hamid Karzai, Pentagon report, progress report, Department of Defense, Greg Jaffe, Taliban, Pakistant, India, Bob Gates, Pentagon, Al Kamen, In the Loop, Emily Heil

Posted at 10:01 AM ET, 05/02/2012

A Chinese activist’s call; Ryan Gosling = Paul Ryan, and a Romney aide steps back (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, a Chinese activist’s call; Ryan Gosling = Paul Ryan, and a Romney aide steps back.

By Emily Heil | 10:01 AM ET, 05/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:06 AM ET, 05/02/2012

Zombies meet endangered species in Arlington

By Al Kamen

Fish and Wildlife Service employees can learn how to dance Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” dance.

By Al Kamen | 06:06 AM ET, 05/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:26 PM ET, 05/01/2012

Obama, Romney spar over Osama

By Al Kamen

The political bickering ratchets up over the significance of Obama’s approval of the raid that killed Osama bin-Laden.

By Al Kamen | 05:26 PM ET, 05/01/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Osama bin Laden, Osama, Mitt Romney, Obama, Jimmy Carter, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Bob Gates, Al Kamen, Im the Loop, Emily Heil

Posted at 01:16 PM ET, 05/01/2012

Aaron Schock’s campaign, PAC have champagne taste

By Emily Heil

A peek at the Illinois Republican’s campaign and PAC spending shows lavish hotels, fancy purchases.

By Emily Heil | 01:16 PM ET, 05/01/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:07 PM ET, 05/01/2012

Newt Gingrich’s goodbye video: flouting U.S. flag law

By Al Kamen

Newt Gingrich gave an early farewell to his supporters Tuesday. But our colleague Karen Tumulty noticed something. . . something . . . didn’t seem right about the video.

By Al Kamen | 12:07 PM ET, 05/01/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Newt Gingrich, U.S. Flag, Callista, Sheldon Adelson, Gingrich video, Al Kamen, In the Loop, Emily Heil

Posted at 10:16 AM ET, 05/01/2012

Bo Obama earns his keep, a new LBJ book weighs in, and much ado about bin Laden (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, Bo Obama earns his keep, a new LBJ book weighs in, and much ado about bin Laden.

By Emily Heil | 10:16 AM ET, 05/01/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

In the Loop: June, 2012