In the Loop - Afflicting official Washington since 1993

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 11/01/2012

Axelrod’s ‘stache wager an anomaly in political bets

By Emily Heil

Unlike David Axelrod’s offer to shave his mustache, most political wagers are low-stakes affairs.

By Emily Heil | 07:00 AM ET, 11/01/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:22 PM ET, 10/31/2012

Afghanistan watchdog saves pal with CPR, vows to spread the word about getting certified

By Emily Heil

A government official administers CPR to a pal, and vows to spread the word about getting certified.

By Emily Heil | 01:22 PM ET, 10/31/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 10/31/2012

Fred, the Ex-Im Bank’s pickle pro

By Al Kamen

Advising Miss Jenny on selling pickles in China.

By Al Kamen | 12:00 PM ET, 10/31/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Ex-Im Bank, Fred Hochberg, 60 Minutes, Scott Pelley, Miss Jenny, Miss Jenny's Piickles, China, Mongolia, Canda

Posted at 10:51 AM ET, 10/31/2012

Axe bets his ‘stache on Obama win; a former intern’s rise; and why Nate Silver drives the chattering class nuts (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

Axe bets his ‘stache on Obama wins; a former intern’s rise; and why Nate Silver drives the chattering class nuts.

By Emily Heil | 10:51 AM ET, 10/31/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:14 PM ET, 10/30/2012

Rep. Scott DesJarlais: doing the impossible

By Al Kamen

A detractor says DesJarlais has embarrassed Congress.

By Al Kamen | 04:14 PM ET, 10/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: smoking dope, resignation, Tennessee Conservative Union, Lloyd Daugherty, Congress: Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 03:22 PM ET, 10/30/2012

Romney’s can-do strategy mixes food drive, politics

By Emily Heil

Romney temporarily turns his campaign into a massive food drive — and mixing politics and charity can be awkward.

By Emily Heil | 03:22 PM ET, 10/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:06 PM ET, 10/30/2012

Romney’s and Obama’s agency creation, elimination bluster

By Al Kamen

Romney suggests trimming FEMA, Obama wants a business department.

By Al Kamen | 03:06 PM ET, 10/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Hurricane Sandy, Obama, Romney, FEMA, Rick Perry, Oops, cabinet agencies, department of education, HUD, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 10:55 AM ET, 10/29/2012

A boost for DesJarlais?

By Emily Heil

The scandal-plagued Tennessee Republican gets two endorsements: one from the NRA, the other from a second mistress.

By Emily Heil | 10:55 AM ET, 10/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:08 PM ET, 10/26/2012

Hurricane Sandy’s first effects felt in Washington

By Al Kamen

Disaster conference postponed.

By Al Kamen | 02:08 PM ET, 10/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Sandy, conference, canceled, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 12:50 PM ET, 10/26/2012

State Department bands rock the free world

By Emily Heil

Several ensembles, including the Backsheesh Boys, liven up a stressful post.

By Emily Heil | 12:50 PM ET, 10/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:41 AM ET, 10/26/2012

Campaigns reach billion-dollar mark; the magical congressional district; and China’s great (fire) wall (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s morning roundup, campaigns reach billion-dollar mark; the magical congressional district; and China’s great (fire) wall.

By Emily Heil | 10:41 AM ET, 10/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:20 AM ET, 10/26/2012

Election-watchers warned: don’t mess with Texas

By Emily Heil

European election watchers aren’t welcome in the Lone Star State, the state AG makes clear — but they promise to behave.

By Emily Heil | 06:20 AM ET, 10/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:26 PM ET, 10/25/2012

Romney attorney general list shrinks by one?

By Al Kamen

Former deputy attorney general George Terwilliger looks to be unavailable.

By Al Kamen | 03:26 PM ET, 10/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: George Terwilliger, Romney administration, attorney general, White & Case, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the loop

Posted at 02:29 PM ET, 10/25/2012

Look-alike Cato report on climate misleads, scientists say

By Emily Heil

Scientists of a landmark report say the Cato Institute’s new study looks a little too similar.

By Emily Heil | 02:29 PM ET, 10/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:18 AM ET, 10/25/2012

Are political ads doing it wrong?; parsing Clinton’s departure from State; the return of Alan Grayson (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, are political ads doing it wrong?; parsing Clinton’s departure from State; and 50 shades of Alan Grayson.

By Emily Heil | 10:18 AM ET, 10/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 10/25/2012

13 Italians die, 33 wounded during hunting season

By Al Kamen

Activists call for hunting ban.

By Al Kamen | 07:00 AM ET, 10/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Italy, Italians, hunting, hunting season, hunters, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 06:22 PM ET, 10/24/2012

Pelosi looks more likely to stay on as Dem. leader

By Al Kamen

New leadership vote date still leaves some time for a challenger to organize.

By Al Kamen | 06:22 PM ET, 10/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer, leadership, vote, House, Democrats, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 04:35 PM ET, 10/24/2012

“October surprise” is feared, but has it lost its teeth?

By Emily Heil

Most such developments in recent elections haven’t changed the outcome — but they’re still feared.

By Emily Heil | 04:35 PM ET, 10/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:10 AM ET, 10/24/2012

Debate viewership down; the Middle East yawned, Chinese and Gitmo detainees were all ears

By Emily Heil

Presidential debate garners fewer viewers, but the Chinese — and a few Gitmo detainees — were all ears.

By Emily Heil | 11:10 AM ET, 10/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:17 AM ET, 10/24/2012

In Florida race, bygones are anything but; Eastwood’s Romney redux; and TSA’s image problem (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s morning roundup, a Florida race where bygones are anything but; Eastwood’s Romney redux; and TSA’s image problem.

By Emily Heil | 10:17 AM ET, 10/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 10/24/2012

Is Eric Holder staying or going at Justice Dept.?

By Al Kamen

The attorney general might want to stick around a while longer in a possible second Obama term.

By Al Kamen | 07:00 AM ET, 10/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:35 PM ET, 10/23/2012

Bush fades back to obscurity in third debate

By Al Kamen

After a dozen mentions of the former president in debate #2, Bush comes up only twice in last debate.

By Al Kamen | 01:35 PM ET, 10/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, George Bush, Dick Cheney, debate, no-mention agreement, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 12:13 PM ET, 10/23/2012

Romney won’t give on Iran-Syria ‘route to the sea’

By Al Kamen

Iran, of course, has about 1,500 miles of coastline on the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea

By Al Kamen | 12:13 PM ET, 10/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Romney, Obama, debate, Syria, Iran, coastline, "route to the sea, Glenn Kessler, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 11:12 AM ET, 10/23/2012

In debate, Obama, Romney use euphemisms for ‘liar’

By Emily Heil

In debate, both candidates accuse one another of untruths, but the language is mild.

By Emily Heil | 11:12 AM ET, 10/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:20 AM ET, 10/23/2012

Candidates are more simpatico than you’d think; the wackiest candidate of 2012; Eleanor Holmes Norton stays feisty (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s morning roundup, the candidates are more simpatico than you’d think; the wackiest candidate of 2012; Eleanor Holmes Norton stays feisty.

By Emily Heil | 10:20 AM ET, 10/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 10/23/2012

Filibuster or bust? Reformers see a (small) window

By Emily Heil

Reformers who want to tweak the procedure see a window — but it’s a small one.

By Emily Heil | 07:00 AM ET, 10/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:54 PM ET, 10/22/2012

Pelosi wants no distractions

By Al Kamen

A possible delay in votes for new House Democratic leadership after election prompts speculation on Rep. Pelosi’s future.

By Al Kamen | 04:54 PM ET, 10/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Nancy Pelosi, House Democratiic leader, Steny Hoyer, leadship elections, Peter Defazio, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 10:04 AM ET, 10/22/2012

The view from abroad on the presidential race; Dole pays tribute to McGovern; a high-stakes debate (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s morning roundup, the view from abroad on the presidential race; Dole pays tribute to McGovern; and a high-stakes debate.

By Emily Heil | 10:04 AM ET, 10/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:42 AM ET, 10/22/2012

New pact with Netherlands means Aruba jaunts

By Emily Heil

A just-inked agreement may mean more jaunts to scenic Aruba.

By Emily Heil | 09:42 AM ET, 10/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:28 AM ET, 10/19/2012

FTC offers $50K prize for stopping telemarketers; candidates trade barbs for jokes; the Chamber of Commerce has a chamber of secrets (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s news roundup: FTC’s bounty for stopping telemarketers; candidates trade barbs for jokes; the Chamber of Commerce’s chamber of secrets.

By Emily Heil | 10:28 AM ET, 10/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 10/19/2012

How safe is our man in Beijing?

By Al Kamen

Confusion reigned when protesters surrounded Ambassador Gary Locke’s car

By Al Kamen | 07:00 AM ET, 10/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: U.S. embassy, Japan, China, disputed island, protestors, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 03:11 PM ET, 10/18/2012

Army Sec. McHugh back in the office after fall

By Al Kamen

John McHugh spent three weeks in rehab at Walter Reed for a pelvic fracture.

By Al Kamen | 03:11 PM ET, 10/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Army Secretary, John McHugh, Walter Reed, bike accident, pelvis, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 12:42 PM ET, 10/18/2012

Does Rand Paul anti-Manchin ad blitz have connection to football rivalry?

By Emily Heil

Sen. Rand Paul’s ads against Sen. Joe Manchin aligns both Kentucky senators against the West Virginian.

By Emily Heil | 12:42 PM ET, 10/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:13 AM ET, 10/18/2012

At Gitmo hearing, do clothes make the man?

By Emily Heil

Sartorial matters take over the pre-trial hearing of accused 9/11 terrorists.

By Emily Heil | 10:13 AM ET, 10/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:04 AM ET, 10/18/2012

Gaddafi’s final moments; Allen’s ‘macaca’ mulligan; political photo ops unmasked (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s morning news roundup: Gaddafi’s final moments; Allen’s ‘macaca’ mulligan; and political photo ops unmasked.

By Emily Heil | 10:04 AM ET, 10/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:55 PM ET, 10/17/2012

FEMA ‘shakeout’ has nothing to do with rock-and-roll

By Al Kamen

It’s nothing to do with rock-and-roll.

By Al Kamen | 02:55 PM ET, 10/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: FEMA, Jerry Lee Lewis, earthquake drill, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 02:55 PM ET, 10/17/2012

Big Bird foe Romney low-balls number of dead birds

By Emily Heil

After taking aim at Big Bird, the GOP candidate downplays number of feathered friends killed in an oil field.

By Emily Heil | 02:55 PM ET, 10/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:12 AM ET, 10/17/2012

George W. Bush’s return to the debate: formerly invisible, the 43rd president suddenly appears

By Al Kamen

The 43rd president had been the campaign’s invisible man — until last night.

By Al Kamen | 11:12 AM ET, 10/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:29 AM ET, 10/17/2012

Dissecting the debate; Bill Clinton, A-list guest; and an embassy evacuated (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, dissecting the debate; Bill Clinton as the perfect guest; and an embassy evacuated.

By Emily Heil | 10:29 AM ET, 10/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 10/17/2012

Pentagon Channel: Emmys and then pink slips

By Al Kamen

Defense contractors won five Emmys for their work on the Pentagon Channel, and then got squeezed out in budget cuts.

By Al Kamen | 07:00 AM ET, 10/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Defense Department, The Pentagon Channel, Emmy Awards, budget cuts, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 12:13 PM ET, 10/16/2012

Henry Kissinger once called Brzezinski ‘a total whore’

By Al Kamen

The State Department Historian’s office publishes a series which, subject to security concerns, aims to give readers ”a comprehensive record of the major foreign policy decisions of the United States.”

By Al Kamen | 12:13 PM ET, 10/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Henry Kissinger, Zbigniew Brzezinski, whore, State Department, Brent Scrowcroft, Shah of Iran, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, David rockefeller, Trilateral Commission, Bilderburg Group, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 11:20 AM ET, 10/16/2012

During Gitmo hearings, a bit of escapee humor

By Emily Heil

A detainee cracks a joke about escape during the pre-trial hearing for five accused terrorists.

By Emily Heil | 11:20 AM ET, 10/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:59 AM ET, 10/16/2012

Clinton on Benghazi: I’m responsible; Candy Crowley isn’t backing down; and a soup kitchen complains about Ryan (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s morning roundup, Clinton on Benghazi: I’m responsible; Candy Crowley isn’t backing down; and a soup kitchen complains about Paul Ryan.

By Emily Heil | 09:59 AM ET, 10/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:49 AM ET, 10/16/2012

Grassley kicks tires at HUD, wants answers on agency-owned vehicles

By Emily Heil

Sen. Chuck Grassley questions agency-owned vehicles.

By Emily Heil | 09:49 AM ET, 10/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:10 PM ET, 10/15/2012

State Department spokeswoman: paid to be dumb?

By Al Kamen

A jocular defense to media attacks on the administration’s shifting takes on the killings in Benghazi.

By Al Kamen | 03:10 PM ET, 10/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: State Department, Libya, Christopher Stevens, ambassador, killing, Obama, Victoria Nuland, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 02:43 PM ET, 10/15/2012

Pentagon spends $90,000 on makeover to honor its message massagers — and journalists, too

By Greg Jaffe

A hallway honoring journalists (and PR folks) gets a $90,000 makeover.

By Greg Jaffe | 02:43 PM ET, 10/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:58 AM ET, 10/15/2012

Remembering Specter; J. Lo as a weapon against Iran; and a teenage Obama’s debate (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s morning roundup, remembering Specter; J. Lo as a weapon against Iran; and a teenage Obama’s debate.

By Emily Heil | 09:58 AM ET, 10/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 10/15/2012

Tommy Thompson, forgetful homeowner, was a house flipper in Washington

By Emily Heil

The former property flipper should be forgiven for forgetting how many homes he owns.

By Emily Heil | 07:00 AM ET, 10/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:49 AM ET, 10/12/2012

Clintons are the surprise stars of 2012 political ads

By Emily Heil

A surprising number of the top advertisements from both presidential candidates feature a Clinton.

By Emily Heil | 10:49 AM ET, 10/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:13 AM ET, 10/12/2012

Everyone’s a winner in the veep debate; DOJ mum on pot; and the CIA goes Hollywood (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, everyone’s a winner (or no one’s a loser) in the veep debate; DOJ mum on pot; and the CIA goes Hollywood.

By Emily Heil | 10:13 AM ET, 10/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:00 PM ET, 10/11/2012

Pew poll: Obama has commanding lead among Latinos

By Al Kamen

The president has a 3-1 edge, but will enough of those voters turn out?

By Al Kamen | 02:00 PM ET, 10/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Pew poll, Latinos, Obama, Romney, Hispanics, Dream Act, immigration, voterID, photo ID, Pew Hispanic, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 12:20 PM ET, 10/11/2012

DesJarlais cites pro-forma duty...but there’s no session today

By Emily Heil

The scandal-struck congressman says he can’t debate challenger because he has to preside over pro-forma session.

By Emily Heil | 12:20 PM ET, 10/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:29 AM ET, 10/11/2012

Gore finds it’s easy being green; will women change the debate dynamics?; and new whistleblower rules (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, Gore finds it’s easy being green; will women change the debate dynamics?; and new whistleblower rules.

By Emily Heil | 10:29 AM ET, 10/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:58 PM ET, 10/10/2012

Libya hearing lures Congress back from the trail

By Emily Heil

Members of a House panel take time off the trail to flog the White House over the bombings in Libya.

By Emily Heil | 04:58 PM ET, 10/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:27 PM ET, 10/10/2012

Obama, Romney to hold international fundraisers

By Emily Heil

Both campaigns are holding overseas fundraisers as the money race continues.

By Emily Heil | 12:27 PM ET, 10/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:31 AM ET, 10/10/2012

Attacks a black mark on Clinton legacy?; Dr. B steps out; and Beyonce disses Eastwood (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, attacks a black mark on Clinton legacy?; Dr. B steps out; and Beyonce disses Eastwood.

By Emily Heil | 10:31 AM ET, 10/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 10/10/2012

Smithsonian’s exploding trinkets

By Al Kamen

A suspicious package near L’Enfant Plaza that led to evacuations turned out to be tied to a museum’s upcoming exhibit.

By Al Kamen | 07:00 AM ET, 10/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Smithsonian, bomb scare, trinkets, bomb squad, suspcious package, Saudi Arabia, Saudi, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 03:56 PM ET, 10/09/2012

Lame-duck lawmakers: The travel window is closing!

By Emily Heil

Even retiring and defeated members of Congress have time for one last taxpayer-funded jaunt.

By Emily Heil | 03:56 PM ET, 10/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:57 PM ET, 10/09/2012

Dutch and Danish, punching above their weight: a Loop correction

By Al Kamen

A Loop Correction

By Al Kamen | 01:57 PM ET, 10/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Obama, Danish, Dutch, punch, weight, correctiion, Glenn Kessler, Washington Post, fact checker, Pinocchio, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 10:20 AM ET, 10/09/2012

Pondering Sandra Fluke’s future; who’ll be the next Fed; and bling in the Virginia debate (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s morning roundup, pondering Sandra Fluke’s future; who’ll be the next Fed; and bling in the Virginia debate.

By Emily Heil | 10:20 AM ET, 10/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 10/09/2012

Star Wars robot joins the Navy?

By Al Kamen

The Naval Research Laboratory is working with Virginia Tech to develop a fire-fighting robot.

By Al Kamen | 07:00 AM ET, 10/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Navy, Star Wars, robots, 3-CPO, Virginia Tech, Dennis Hong, RoboCup, firefighting robot, ASH, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 12:54 PM ET, 10/08/2012

Mitt Romney as National Lampoon’s Clark Griswold?

By Emily Heil

The ‘National Lampoon’ character had a knack for insulting allies, too.

By Emily Heil | 12:54 PM ET, 10/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:16 PM ET, 10/08/2012

Romney casts wide fundraising net

By Al Kamen

Occasionally the requests for help go to the wrong people.

By Al Kamen | 12:16 PM ET, 10/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Romney, fundraising, letter, Obama, Tom Kahn, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 11:03 AM ET, 10/08/2012

World’s most obvious bill signed into law

By Emily Heil

President Obama signs into law a bill that enables electronic records concerning hazardous waste.

By Emily Heil | 11:03 AM ET, 10/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:18 AM ET, 10/08/2012

An O’Reilly/Stewart recap; who’s playing whom in debate prep; and are lawmakers acting in the public interest or their own? (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop roundup: O’Reilly/Stewart zingers; debate prep; whom do lawmakers really serve?

By Emily Heil | 10:18 AM ET, 10/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:54 AM ET, 10/05/2012

New rules for Secret Service; what’s up with flag pins?; Santorum on killing; another debate (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup: New rules for the Secret Service; what’s up with flag pins?; Santorum on killing; and another debate already.

By Emily Heil | 09:54 AM ET, 10/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 10/05/2012

Obama’s debate silver lining: At least he used ‘irony’ properly

By Emily Heil

Why, yes, it is. Obama at least gets use of the word ‘ironic’ right.

By Emily Heil | 07:00 AM ET, 10/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:07 PM ET, 10/04/2012

Gitmo plagued by rats, mold, lawyer for 9/11 terrorist suspect says

By Emily Heil

An attorney for 9/11 terrorist suspect Khalid Sheik Mohammed says mold and rats are hampering the defense.

By Emily Heil | 04:07 PM ET, 10/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:19 PM ET, 10/04/2012

Pentagon delays McChrystal memoir

By Al Kamen

Pentagon security checking to ensure no secrets revealed.

By Al Kamen | 01:19 PM ET, 10/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Stanley McChrystal, Gen. McChrystal, book, Mark Bissonnette, Navy Seal, Tom Ricks, NATO, Afghanistan, secret, Rolling Stone, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 10:25 AM ET, 10/04/2012

Romney and Obama’s ‘Freaky Friday’ moment; Romney’s economic team; and an understatement on Libya (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, Romney and Obama’s ‘Freaky Friday’ moment; Romney’s economic team; and an understatement on Libya.

By Emily Heil | 10:25 AM ET, 10/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 10/04/2012

Supreme Court reminder: No basketball or weight lifting while the high court’s in session

By Emily Heil

Supreme Court newsletter reminds staff to keep down the gym noise while court’s in session.

By Emily Heil | 07:00 AM ET, 10/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:04 PM ET, 10/03/2012

Ray LaHood might stay for a second term

By Emily Heil

The Transportation secretary walks back an earlier claim that he wouldn’t stick around for a second term.

By Emily Heil | 04:04 PM ET, 10/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:01 PM ET, 10/03/2012

Candidates eat heapings of humble pie

By Emily Heil

The word “humble”might be the hottest buzzword on the 2012 trail.

By Emily Heil | 01:01 PM ET, 10/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:28 AM ET, 10/03/2012

The soundbites you’ll hear tonight; why underdogs run; and what happens to the political losers (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

The lines you’ll hear tonight; why underdogs run; and what happens to the political losers?

By Emily Heil | 10:28 AM ET, 10/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:02 AM ET, 10/03/2012

Capitol Hill crime wave: The case of the missing Scotch!

By Emily Heil

This time, whiskey, cologne and cuff links are among the items missing from a House office.

By Emily Heil | 10:02 AM ET, 10/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 10/03/2012

Buyer lobbies for smokeless tobacco

By Al Kamen

The former Indiana congressman is still battling restrictions on chewing tobacco and snuff

By Al Kamen | 07:00 AM ET, 10/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Steve Buyer, smoking, tobacco, smokeless tobacco, Indiana health commission, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 12:57 PM ET, 10/02/2012

HUD chief Donovan is very, very happy

By Al Kamen

Shaun Donovan says if Obama asks him. . .

By Al Kamen | 12:57 PM ET, 10/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Shaun Donovan, HUD, Housing, Arne Duncan, Obama, C-Span, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 12:46 PM ET, 10/02/2012

Romney’s debate weapon? He once joked about a James-Bond-like teleprompter ...

By Emily Heil

The GOP candidate once joked about having a teleprompter in his watch.

By Emily Heil | 12:46 PM ET, 10/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:05 AM ET, 10/02/2012

Romney v. Obama dance-off?; votes for sale; and new online disclosures for Congress (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, Romney v. Obama dance-off?; votes for sale; and new online disclosures for Congress.

By Emily Heil | 09:05 AM ET, 10/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:43 AM ET, 10/02/2012

BACKGROUND CHECK: Presidential Debate Co-Chairs Mike McCurry and Frank Fahrenkopf

By Emily Heil

The Loop turns the questions on Mike McCurry and Frank Fahrenkopf, co-chairmen of the Commission on Presidential Debates.

By Emily Heil | 08:43 AM ET, 10/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:38 PM ET, 10/01/2012

Romney’s Latino numbers up in the battlegrounds

By Al Kamen

Obama’s overall lead expands but perhaps not in some key states.

By Al Kamen | 04:38 PM ET, 10/01/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Romney, Obama, Latinos, polls, battleground states, Latino decisions, Al Kamen, Emily Heile, In the Loop

Posted at 12:26 PM ET, 10/01/2012

Navy works to resolve toilet problems on new carrier

By Al Kamen

Sailors suffering from ship’s chronic clogging problems.

By Al Kamen | 12:26 PM ET, 10/01/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: toilets, Navy, aircraft carrier, USS George H.W. Bush, clogs, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 11:54 AM ET, 10/01/2012

Iranian news agency says anyone (including despots?) more popular than Obama

By Emily Heil

An Iranian news agency, duped by an Onion story, claims the Iranian president could best POTUS in a popularity contest.

By Emily Heil | 11:54 AM ET, 10/01/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:08 AM ET, 10/01/2012

Ah-nold’s weak memoir; a crucial campaign moment; and whither Jesse Jackson Jr.? (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, Ah-nold’s weak memoir; a crucial campaign moment; and whither Jesse Jackson Jr.?

By Emily Heil | 10:08 AM ET, 10/01/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

In the Loop: November, 2012