Politics

With Entitlements on the Table, Obama Plans to Go Big on a Budget Deal With Entitlements on the Table, Obama Plans to Go Big on a Budget Deal

The president is ready to support changes to Social Security and Medicare to get a deal on the debt ceiling. If the past is any indication, this was the plan.

Jul 7, 2011 / Jamelle Bouie

McCain Wanted to Give Obama Greater War Powers, but Democratic Senators Appear to Have Rejected the Folly McCain Wanted to Give Obama Greater War Powers, but Democratic Senators Appear to Have Rejected the Folly

Defenders of the Constitution should thank antiwar activists who succeeded in getting the Senate to drop language that would have dramatically extended the warmaking powers of pres...

Jul 7, 2011 / John Nichols

Republican Presidential Field Off to Slow Fundraising Start Republican Presidential Field Off to Slow Fundraising Start

Weak Republican fundraising shows they are still unexcited by their presidential candidates.

Jul 6, 2011 / Ben Adler

Invoke the 14th—and End the Debt Standoff

Invoke the 14th—and End the Debt Standoff Invoke the 14th—and End the Debt Standoff

In four weeks’ time, America could default on its debt for the first time in history. Might President Obama invoke the Fourteenth Amendment and order the Treasury to continue...

Jul 6, 2011 / Katrina vanden Heuvel

What Happened at Obama’s First Twitter Town Hall? What Happened at Obama’s First Twitter Town Hall?

In an unusual new media event, the president served up some long answers to short questions. Is this an improvement on traditional town halls?

Jul 6, 2011 / Ari Melber

The Risks—and Potential Rewards—of Pre-K ‘Testing’ The Risks—and Potential Rewards—of Pre-K ‘Testing’

The Obama administration wants states to develop assessments for pre-schoolers. Here’s how it would work in the classroom.

Jul 6, 2011 / Dana Goldstein

The Paradoxical, Dangerous Balanced Budget Amendment The Paradoxical, Dangerous Balanced Budget Amendment

Talk of a “balanced budget amendment” abounds in Washington—but few realize what it would actually entail. 

Jul 6, 2011 / George Zornick

Wisconsin Women’s Groups, Elected Leaders Ask Accused Justice to Step Aside During Violence Inquiry Wisconsin Women’s Groups, Elected Leaders Ask Accused Justice to Step Aside During Violence Inquiry

Justice David Prosser, an ally of Governor Walker, has admitted to shouting obscenities at and threatening one Supreme Court Justice. Now, he is accused of physically attacking ano...

Jul 5, 2011 / John Nichols

The Beltway Begins to Wake Up to GOP Extremism The Beltway Begins to Wake Up to GOP Extremism

Establishment pundits have finally figured out that the Republican Party has been completely consumed by right-wing extremism.

Jul 5, 2011 / Jamelle Bouie

What Michele Bachmann and Her Teapot ‘Patriots’ Do Not Know About America

What Michele Bachmann and Her Teapot ‘Patriots’ Do Not Know About America What Michele Bachmann and Her Teapot ‘Patriots’ Do Not Know About America

The Republican presidential contender needs to learn a lot more about the radicals who made the America revolution -- especially Tom Paine.

Jul 2, 2011 / John Nichols

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