Photos

For Obama acquaintance, ‘change’ was not enough

(Heather Stone / For The Washington Post)

Some community activists on Chicago’s South Side, such as Mark Allen of the group Black Wall Street Chicago, have been left disillusioned by the president who once made their acquaintance.

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Article

Relatives of Va. Tech shooting victims press presidential candidates on gun background checks

RICHMOND, Va. — Dozens of relatives of people killed or wounded in the 2007 Virginia Tech shootings sent a letter to the presidential candidates Thursday asking how they would improve a background check system designed to prevent dangerous people from buying guns.

Article

Colo. shooting prompts large states to push gun control bills, fill void left by Congress

(Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Democratic leaders in three big states have used this summer’s mass shooting in Colorado to push bills that would crack down on assault weapons and ammunition sales, rekindling a debate that has not gained much traction in Congress or on the presidential campaign.

Happy Hour Roundup

Our nightly wrap-up of news and opinion.

Article

Old Obama acquaintance voices South Side’s disillusionment with his former ally

(Jean-Marc Giboux / Getty Images)

“Things haven’t gone the way we’d hoped,” says activist and former Obama aquaintance Mark Allen.

Article

Romney: Always paid at least 13 percent of my income in taxes; Obama campaign says ‘prove it’

(Evan Vucci / Associated Press)

GREER, S.C. — Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney declared Thursday he has paid at least 13 percent of his income in federal taxes every year for the past decade, offering that new detail while still decrying a “small-minded” fascination over returns he will not release. President Barack Obama’s campaign shot back in doubt: “Prove it.”

Article

Obama and Romney agree there has to be a limit on Medicare; worlds apart on how to do that

(Charles Rex Arbogast / Associated Press)

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama and Republican rival Mitt Romney agree there has to be a limit to how much seniors pay for Medicare, but they’re worlds apart on how to make that happen.

Paul Ryan explains his opposition to auto bailout, revealing inner wonk

(Steve Pope / Getty Images)

Romney running mate explains — in detail — why he opposed the auto bailout

Column

Five myths about political conventions

(JIM WATSON / AFP/GETTY IMAGES)

Are they even important anymore?

Article

Biden vs Ryan: No. 2s with similar roots, vastly different political views

(Uncredited / Associated Press)

DENVER — Paul Ryan likes exercise, budget charts and the Green Bay Packers. Joe Biden likes train rides, foreign policy and talking — a lot.