All Politics
'Fiscal cliff' road trip: Is Obama trying to paint GOP as Scrooge?President Obama travels Friday to a toy factory in suburban Philadelphia, where he will say early agreement on keeping middle-class tax cuts would provide certainty for holiday shoppers. But after Thursday's blowup with the GOP on Capitol Hill, a deal seems far away.
'Fiscal cliff' talks turn sour: Are prospects for deal vanishing?House Speaker John Boehner charges that 'no substantive progress has been made' to avoid the Dec. 31 fiscal cliff, but such comments are a part of negotiating, an expert says.
'Fiscal cliff' reality check: Are US taxes low or high?As Washington confronts the 'fiscal cliff' and seeks a deal to reduce the deficit, one key issue is the tax rate. Comparatively, US taxes are low, but politically, a big hike is a nonstarter.- 'Fiscal cliff' reality check: Are US taxes low or high?As Washington confronts the 'fiscal cliff' and seeks a deal to reduce the deficit, one key issue is the tax rate. Comparatively, US taxes are low, but politically, a big hike is a nonstarter.
Joe Biden goes shopping at Costco. Why there?Vice President Joe Biden went to a new Costco Thursday morning. There are several reasons a man who's a heartbeat away from the most powerful job in the world might spend a few minutes there.
Sandy recovery claims mount. How much will a divided Congress pay?Congress may be wrangling over the 'fiscal cliff,' but budget experts are confident that both parties will agree to provide billions in Sandy recovery aid sought by Northeastern governors.
Is the California economy finally turning a corner?In California, the deficit for the current fiscal year is projected to be $1.9 billion, down from $25 billion in recent years. The unemployment rate and some home sales are also improving.
Monitor BreakfastFalling off 'fiscal cliff' is 'insane' but likely, say Simpson and BowlesDebt-fighting duo Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson, who led Obama's bipartisan debt-reduction panel, speaking at a Monitor breakfast Wednesday warn partisans in Congress against going over the fiscal cliff in a bid to gain a political advantage.
Amid GOP rage against Susan Rice, how Hillary Clinton has remained unscathedUnlike Ambassador Rice, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has not come under fire for Benghazi 鈥� a reflection of strong relationships she built in the Senate, and the broad popularity she currently enjoys.
Monitor BreakfastUS plunge off 'fiscal cliff' is likely, say debt gurus Simpson and BowlesFormer chairs of Obama's debt commission, Alan Simpson (R) and Erskine Bowles (D), said at the Monitor breakfast Wednesday they see just a one-third likelihood that the White House and congressional Republicans will reach a deal by year's end to avert the fiscal cliff.
Mitt Romney to lunch with President Obama in White House. Why?The White House announced Wednesday that Mitt Romney will drop by for lunch Thursday. It helps President Obama look gracious and bipartisan while helping Romney rebuild his status.
What 'fiscal cliff' fixes does US public really want?Data within recent polls shed some light on why it鈥檚 so hard for the two parties to agree on solutions to the 'fiscal cliff' problem now facing Uncle Sam.
FocusObamacare countdown: States all over the map on insurance marketsStates have until Dec. 14 to decide whether they will implement their own insurance exchanges under 'Obamacare' or have the federal government do it. Many governors have already refused to set up exchanges.- FocusObamacare countdown: How will reform affect the economy?The health-care law could strain household budgets, but drastic impacts on the US economy over the coming decade are unlikely, experts say.
FocusObamacare countdown: What is slated to happen over next year?The health-care reform law, aka Obamacare, is poised to enter a crucial 12 months that includes setting up state exchanges, levying taxes on the wealthy, and preparing for the individual mandate.
'Fiscal cliff': Obama, Republicans revert to campaign modePresident Obama met with small-business owners Tuesday, meets with middle-class Americans and business leaders Wednesday. Republicans, too, are orchestrating meetings, as both sides vie to win public's support for their approach to resolving the fiscal cliff crisis.
'Fiscal cliff': Can a liberal senator sell entitlement reform to Democrats?Sen. Dick Durbin, in a speech Tuesday, said progressives cannot stay on the sidelines of the 'fiscal cliff' debate and must be ready to make changes to treasured programs like Medicare.
What might Democrats give up in 'fiscal cliff' talks?OK, Republicans have ceded ground on tax revenues. Now, under Obama's 'balanced' approach to averting the fiscal cliff, Democrats presumably would consent to spending cuts on entitlement programs or Obamacare. But what Dems would accept may not be what GOP has in mind.
Chris Christie's star is shining bright. How long can it last?Polls show Gov. Chris Christie 鈥� who is seeking reelection 鈥� with sky-high approval ratings, thanks to his handling of hurricane Sandy. Whether that lasts long enough for a presidential bid remains to be seen.
New Jersey Mayor Cory Booker will try living on food stampsCory Booker has committed to living on the equivalent of food stamps for at least a week to spur a discussion on the role government plays in providing food for the poor.
