All Politics
Supporters, opponents gear up for Obamacare election fight in 2014More than 1 million Americans have signed up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. But problems could lie ahead, and that鈥檚 likely to feature in the midterm congressional elections.
2013 not a great year for Washington politicians. 2014 any better?In generic congressional races, Republicans seem to have an edge over Democrats. But voters proclaim this a 鈥榙o-nothing鈥� Congress, and they blame both parties.
Unemployment benefits expiring: Should special help continue beyond 26 weeks?Although unemployment has fallen substantially from its post-recession peak, a historically high number of Americans 鈥� 4.1 million as of November 鈥� have been out of work for more than 26 weeks.
Unemployment benefits 101: What's happening Saturday?The emergency unemployment benefits that have been in place for America's jobless since the recession will end Saturday. Here's a primer on what that means.
Shifting Obamacare deadlines are giving insurance industry fitsThe Obamacare enrollment deadline to have coverage by Jan. 1 was Dec. 15 ... then Dec. 23 ... then Dec. 24. Insurance industry workers charged with making it all work are not amused.
GOP theme for 2014: bashing Obamacare, againRepublicans meet next month to craft strategy for 2014, and attacks on 'Obamacare' are likely to top the list of many GOP lawmakers, especially with control of the Senate up for grabs in midterm elections.
A polling puzzle: Obama's popularity at low ebb, even as economy improvesObama is finishing 2013 with his approval ratings at an all time low, despite encouraging news on unemployment and GDP. Obamacare is one reason, but so, it appears, is the economy.
Obamacare enrollment: President Obama signs up, although not personallyPresident Obama 鈥� or, rather, the staff who worked out the details on his behalf 鈥� signed up for the 'bronze' plan. House Speaker John Boehner signed up, too, and said his premiums doubled.
Yes, it's the 'least productive Congress' ever, but what does that mean?Members of Congress head home for a break with a slim record of legislation. To some, it's a sign of polarization so extreme that normal functioning is no longer possible. To others, it's an achievement.
Obama faces the press: So, Mr. President, how bad was your year?President Obama, at a year-end news conference, danced around the question of whether the rough Obamacare roll-out and his sinking poll ratings made this the worst year of his presidency.
Is Obamacare individual mandate cracking?The White House loosened the rules for Obamacare on Thursday, telling people whose health insurance plans got canceled that they won't have to comply with the law's individual mandate in 2014. How is that fair? critics ask. Many foresee more changes ahead.
Max Baucus exit to China could help Democrats keep SenateA Max Baucus nomination to be US ambassador to China would set up a chain of events that could give Democrats an unexpected boost in two states they risk losing: Montana and Louisiana.
Who'll be the Democrats' 'anti-Hillary' in 2016?While Hillary Clinton is heavily favored to win the Democratic nomination in 2016 鈥� not that she's declared yet 鈥� there's reason to believe an 'anti-Hillary' challenger will emerge, probably from the left.
Budget deal cuts benefits to some vets: Heartless or painless?Some Republicans criticized the budget deal passed by the Senate Wednesday because it cuts retirement benefits to some veterans. Military cuts are often tough for Congress to stomach.
'Pajama Boy' on Obamacare: Will Millennials hear a grownup in a onesie?'Pajama boy' is going viral, but perhaps not the way its creators, a political nonprofit with ties to President Obama, intended. Millennials may not be as ironic as the ad meisters think they are.
How budget deal might signal new normal in Congress 鈥� and how it might notThe Senate passed the budget deal Wednesday, but the House and Senate seemed to switch identities during the budget episode. Some of those shifts might endure, others might be the politics of the moment.- How budget deal might signal new normal in Congress 鈥� and how it might notThe Senate passed the budget deal Wednesday, but the House and Senate seemed to switch identities during the budget episode. Some of those shifts might endure, others might be the politics of the moment.
Obamas rally moms to boost Obamacare. Will that work?Barack and Michelle Obamas want moms to convince their kids to sign up for Obamacare. That's because 'young invincibles' aren't yet getting into health care at the rates needed to make the system work.
Obama meets with tech executives. How were they picked?The agenda for Obama and the tech execs included obvious issues, and some guests were no-brainers. But some may have had better political connections than industry bonafides.
Budget deal: Senate Republicans vote to advance bill they hateOK, most Democrats hate the budget deal, too, but more is at stake for Republicans. Thankfully for them, Senate rules will allow a vote for and, then, against the bill. Huh?