washingtonpost.com - Politics

The Silver Bullet

Lois Romano — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Steve Schmidt will not budge, and Mark Salter is begging.

Ohio Congresswoman Tubbs Jones Dies at 58

Ben Pershing — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, a key figure in Ohio Democratic politics and the chairman of the House ethics committee, died yesterday at a Cleveland hospital after suffering a brain hemorrhage.

Giuliani, Lieberman Will Speak at GOP Convention

Robert Barnes — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Socially moderate former New York mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and former Democratic vice presidential nominee Joseph I. Lieberman will have featured speaking roles at next month's Republican National Convention, party officials announced yesterday.

The Trail

Post — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

John McCain filed campaign finance reports Wednesday that provide details about the $27 million his campaign raised in July.

Obama Team Seeks Changes in Primaries

Dan Balz — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign will call next week for the creation of a commission to revise the rules for selecting a presidential nominee in 2012, with a goal of reducing the power of superdelegates, whose role became a major point of contention during the long battle for the...

Judge Won't Move Trial For Stevens To Alaska

Del Quentin Wilber — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

A federal judge ruled yesterday that Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) will face trial in Washington next month, denying the senator's request to have the case transferred to his home state.

U.S. Push to Expand India's Nuclear Trade Draws Skepticism

Glenn Kessler — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

A Bush administration proposal to exempt India from restriction on nuclear trade has aroused skepticism from several members of the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group, diplomats said yesterday, making it increasingly unlikely that a deal will be reached in two-day meetings that begin today in Vienna.

Plugged In Nationally, Tuned Out Of the District

David Nakamura — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Harold Ickes is the prototypical insider, a career political operative who knows as much about how Washington works as anyone.

Obama Courts Southside Virginia

Anita Kumar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

MARTINSVILLE, Va., Aug. 20 -- Sen. Barack Obama lamented the loss of U.S. jobs Wednesday as he campaigned in a region of southern Virginia that in recent elections has spurned Democratic presidential candidates.

Sen. John McCain Addresses a Town Hall Meeting in New Mexico

washingtonpost.com — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:01:31 EDT

(JOINED IN PROGRESS) MCCAIN: ... immigrants won a gold medal in wrestling from right here in Las Cruces, Henry Cejudo, I believe is the proper pronunciation. (APPLAUSE) And I would point out that he grew up in Arizona, also, but as a mediocre high school and wrestler and at the Naval Academy, I...

Sen. Barack Obama Delivers Remarks in Martinsville, Va.

washingtonpost.com — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:51:57 EDT

(JOINED IN PROGRESS) OBAMA: ... not only are you feeling more insecure with your job, you can't get rising wages or rising incomes, and the cost of everything from gas to food to health care to trying to send your children to college keep on skyrocketing. And so what people were doing was for ...

Candidates' Abortion Views Not So Simple

Jonathan Weisman — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

The narrative of the presidential campaign appeared to be set on the issue of abortion: Sen. Barack Obama was the abortion-rights candidate who was reaching out to foes, seeking common ground and making inroads. Sen. John McCain was the abortion opponent whose reticence about faith and whose batt...

Citizens' U.S. Border Crossings Tracked

Ellen Nakashima — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

The federal government has been using its system of border checkpoints to greatly expand a database on travelers entering the country by collecting information on all U.S. citizens crossing by land, compiling data that will be stored for 15 years and may be used in criminal and intelligence...

The Trail

Post — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Sen. John W. Warner (R-Va.) said Tuesday that Barack Obama may be aided in carrying Virginia if he selects Gov. Timothy M. Kaine as his running mate, but he predicted that adding Kaine to the ticket would hurt the Democrat's chances in other states.

Obama Fires Back At McCain on Iraq

Shailagh Murray — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

ORLANDO, Aug. 19 -- Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain escalated their debate over foreign policy Tuesday, as the Democrat struck back forcefully against charges that his views on the situation in Iraq are based on political calculation.

This Time, McCain Knows the Drill

Perry Bacon Jr. and Michael D. Shear — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

IN THE GULF OF MEXICO, Aug. 19 -- Last month, a hurricane and an oil spill derailed Sen. John McCain's visit to an oil rig to tout his support for offshore drilling as a solution to the nation's energy woes.

Agreement on Drilling Doesn't Yet Mean Action

Ben Pershing — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Republicans are in their third week of House floor protests on the energy issue, and the political terrain appears to have shifted significantly since they launched their efforts Aug. 1.

In Primary, Bowser Asserts Independence

Nikita Stewart — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

D.C. Council member Muriel Bowser, trying to position herself for a four-year term, is eager to get a point across before the Sept. 9 primary: She's no Adrian M. Fenty.

If I Were the Boss . . .

Joe Davidson — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

When Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) or Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) starts work as president next year, he'll automatically get lots of perks without even passing a probationary period. He'll be able to fly without paying extra for baggage, food or decent leg room. He'll ride in a luxury car, but he wo...

Capturing The Bush Legacy Online

Christopher Lee — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

The Bush administration will soon be packed and gone, but part of its legacy will live on in cyberspace.

Obama Delivers Remarks at the VFW Convention

washingtonpost.com — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:04:24 EDT

OBAMA: Thank you, Commander Lisicki, for your leadership.

Who's No. 2? Obama Keeps Everybody Guessing.

Dan Balz — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

This is Veep Week. That, in reality, is about all that anyone outside Sen. Barack Obama's inner, inner circle knows -- that sometime before next week the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee will announce his running mate. Beyond that, the political world is in a zone of fevered speculation.

Anti-Regulation Aide to Cheney Is Up for Energy Post

Juliet Eilperin — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

A senior aide to Vice President Cheney is the leading contender to become a top official at the Energy Department, according to several current and former administration officials, a promotion that would put one of the administration's most ardent opponents of environmental regulation in charge of...

Obama Tells Allies He Is Ready to Hit Back

Shailagh Murray and Jonathan Weisman — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

ALBUQUERQUE, Aug. 18 -- Sen. Barack Obama returned to the presidential campaign trail on Monday after a week-long Hawaiian vacation and tried to assure anxious Democrats that he is ready to fight back against Republican character attacks that grew sharper in his absence.

Obama Suggests $2 Billion In New Funding for NASA

Marc Kaufman — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Sen. Barack Obama has detailed a comprehensive space plan that includes $2 billion in new funding to reinvigorate NASA and a promise to make space exploration and science a significantly higher priority if he is elected president.

As Musharraf Faltered, U.S. Stayed at a Distance

Michael Abramowitz and Glenn Kessler — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

For years, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf had no stronger supporter than President Bush, who valued his assistance in fighting al-Qaeda in the years after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. But as Musharraf's political standing crumbled over the past several months, the White House refused to throw...

McCain Remarks at the VFW Convention

washingtonpost.com — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:28:42 EDT

MCCAIN: Thank you all very much. National Commander George Lisicki, thank you for the kind introduction. Ladies Auxiliary President Virginia Carmen, Incoming National Commander Glen Gardner, Incoming Ladies Auxiliary President Dixie Hild, Adjutant General Gunner Kent, Executive Director Bob Walla...

Senate Ethical Minefield Remains Despite Finding

Helen Dewar — Fri, 01 Mar 1991 09:14:46 EST

The Senate ethics committee's ruling in the Keating Five case, once awaited as a landmark in Congress's efforts to clean house, turns out to have raised as many questions as it answered.

Senate Seeks to Avoid Election-Year Showdown Over Contra Aid

Helen Dewar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:08:50 EDT

In jockeying for position in the election-year conflict over military aid to the Nicaraguan contras, the Senate may have found the best vantage point: a safe foxhole.

Ortega Suspends Cease-Fire Says U.S. Caused Rebel Attacks

John M. Goshko and Ann Devroy — Tue, 07 Nov 1989 09:02:19 EST

The Bush administration yesterday condemned Nicaragua's renunciation of the cease-fire with the contra rebels as "an affront to the hemisphere," but it sought to avoid possible pressure from Republican conservatives to seek renewed military aid for the contras.

Campaign Finance Bill Seen Gaining in Senate

Helen Dewar — Sun, 30 May 1993 08:54:39 EDT

With a conversation here and an amendment there, Senate Democrats have narrowed the gap separating them from five Republicans whose votes are needed to pass President Clinton's embattled bill to overhaul Congress's loophole-ridden campaign finance laws.

Panel Finds 'Credible Evidence' Cranston Violated Ethics Rules

Helen Dewar — Fri, 08 Feb 1991 08:47:06 EST

The Senate Select Committee on Ethics yesterday found "substantial credible evidence" of ethics violations by Sen. Alan Cranston (D-Calif.) but concluded that four other senators broke no specific rules in their dealings with savings and loan executive Charles H. Keating Jr.

Republican Senators Offer Alternative Campaign Bill

washingtonpost.com — Wed, 03 Jun 1987 08:36:43 EDT

Three Republican senators unveiled a campaign finance bill yesterday that would prohibit political action committee contributions in Senate races and curb the advantage of millionaire candidates.

Navy Cheers Appointment of McCain

John Maffre — Thu, 11 Apr 1968 08:08:16 EST

President Johnson's decision to name Adm. John S. McCain Jr. to be his top Pacific commander ended three weeks of Navy fear that this biggest tri-service post might go to a non-sailor for the first time.

Renewable Power's Growth in Colorado Presages National Debate

Peter Slevin — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

DENVER -- When Colorado voters were deciding whether to require that 10 percent of the state's electricity come from renewable fuels, the state's largest utility fought the proposal, warning that any shift from coal and natural gas would be costly, uncertain and unwise.

Across the Northeast, GOP's Hold Lessens

Ben Pershing — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- When Dan Maffei tells how he decided to run for office, the former congressional press secretary recounts a casual conversation he had in 2005 with a reporter, who pointed out that New York's 25th District was the only seat in the country where Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) won in...

The Trail

Post — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Bob Barr, the Master of a Curious Universe

Libby Copeland — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

ATLANTA "I still plan someday to do a book on Bob Barr's laws of the universe," says Bob Barr, the Libertarian candidate for president. The rules of Bob Barr's universe are many and fascinating. Several have to do with his libertarian principles, like "No matter how much power government has, it ...

Justice Dept. Moves Toward Charges Against Contractors in Iraq Shooting

Del Quentin Wilber and Karen DeYoung — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Federal prosecutors have sent target letters to six Blackwater Worldwide security guards involved in a September shooting that left 17 Iraqi civilians dead, indicating a high likelihood the Justice Department will seek to indict at least some of the men, according to three sources close to the case.

Key Constituency Is at Play At Candidates' Faith Forum

Shailagh Murray and Perry Bacon Jr. — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

LAKE FOREST, Calif., Aug. 16 -- Barack Obama and John McCain made their first joint appearance of the general election Saturday night, breaking away from the debates over national security and the economy that have dominated the campaign in recent weeks to court evangelical voters at an Orange...

The Talk Shows

Post — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Guests to be interviewed today on major television talk shows:

Obama Raised More Than $51 Million Last Month

Matthew Mosk — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Despite leaving the country for more than a week, Sen. Barack Obama raised more than $51 million in July, keeping him in line to collect more than half a billion dollars for his 2008 presidential bid.

Aug. 28 Has Room for Another Milestone

Chris Cillizza and Shaiagh Murray — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Sen. Barack Obama's upcoming acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention will further cement Aug. 28 as one of the most significant dates in the American civil rights movement.

Russia Leaves Troops in Georgia, Despite Conditions of Peace Deal

Holly Watt and Dan Eggen — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

CRAWFORD, Tex., Aug. 16 -- President Bush issued the latest in a series of stern warnings to Moscow on Saturday with little immediate effect, as Russian leaders failed to follow through on a new agreement to withdraw troops from Georgia.

Barack Obama (D)

washingtonpost.com — Thu, 04 Nov 2004 00:00:00 EST

Barack Obama, until recently a little-known state senator from Chicago's South Side, rode a remarkable wave to victory. He swamped a field of six established candidates in the Democratic primary and overwhelmed a Republican conservative, Alan Keyes, imported from Maryland, to become the only Afri...

Mr. Keyes the Carpetbagger

washingtonpost.com — Wed, 08 Sep 2004 00:00:00 EDT

WHEN PRESIDENT Bush went before the National Urban League conference two weeks ago, after blowing off the NAACP convention, he told the largely African American audience: "I know, I know, I know. Listen, the Republican Party has got a lot of work to do. I understand that." The truth of the statem...

Enter and Win: What Makes Alan Run?

Al Kamen — Wed, 11 Aug 2004 00:00:00 EDT

Liberal critics have skewered Illinois Republican Alan Keyes for taking on Democratic megastar Barack Obama in the race for the state's open Senate seat.

Republican Ryan Quits Senate Race in Illinois

washingtonpost.com — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 17:42:21 EDT

McCain and Obama Face Questions About their Faith

RACHEL ZOLL — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:53:24 EDT

-- The Rev. Rick Warren is so prominent and respected that just being seen with him is a boon for any presidential candidate. For Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama, their appearances at a forum Saturday night at Warren's evangelical California megachurch bring risks along with rewa...

U.S. May Ease Police Spy Rules

Spencer S. Hsu and Carrie Johnson — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

The Justice Department has proposed a new domestic spying measure that would make it easier for state and local police to collect intelligence about Americans, share the sensitive data with federal agencies and retain it for at least 10 years.

Fashion Designers Hope to Stitch Up an Obama Win

Robin Givhan — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

It used to be that political campaigns would be satisfied if they managed to settle on an eye-catching font for their T-shirts and trucker caps. The merchandise wasn't so much designed as it was stamped out like a pile of red, white and blue bunting. Political paraphernalia was mostly about the...

Tarred by Scandal, Republicans May Be Losing Alaska

Karl Vick — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

ANCHORAGE -- On the summer morning he would deliver himself to federal marshals to begin a 3 1/2 -year sentence for accepting an oil company's bribes, former state lawmaker Vic Kohring (R) parked along the side of Alaska's busiest highway. While his mother waited in the car, Kohring posted a...

McCain Has Top Fundraising Month

Matthew Mosk — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Republican Sen. John McCain posted the best fundraising month of his presidential campaign in July, bringing in $27 million, but his supporters are bracing for the near-certainty that he will be operating at a severe financial disadvantage in the two-month stretch between the end of the party...

The Trail

Post — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

With the rest of the political universe buzzing about a controversial new book on Sen. Barack Obama, one person is staying quiet: Sen. John McCain.

Clinton to Get Roll-Call Vote at Nominating Convention

Anne E. Kornblut — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

After weeks of maneuvering aimed at producing a display of unity when Democrats gather in Denver later this month, Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign announced yesterday that Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton will be formally nominated and her name included in a roll-call vote at the Democratic...