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Off to the Races_Barack Obama

Play of the Day: Obama’s Face and Race

Fast forward to 2:50 to see why Rush Limbaugh thinks Barack Obama's race has really benefitted him.
Obama talks about Oklahoma tornado

Don't Hold Your Breath Waiting for Public Opinion to Turn Against Obama

The president has a base of loyalists that won't quit and, at least for now, there's no evidence he was involved in any scandals.
irs

How Republicans Will Try to Pin the IRS Scandal on Obama

They plan to connect the dots between the agency's chief counsel and the White House.
afghan

NATO’s Plan for Afghanistan Post-2014: A ‘Stable Instability’

U.S., allies are talking about commitments through 2018 and beyond, says top commander.
Mall of America

'Soft Targets' Remain Vulnerable to Terrorist Attacks

While authorities continue to focus on finding one of the suspects sought in the deadly Boston bombings, attention will soon turn to how to prevent another terrorist attack on an event with limited security.
Boston suspect

The Psychology of a Boston Marathon Terrorist: 10 Questions for a Retired Marine

“Terrorists are not psychotics or mentally disordered,” retired Marine Corps Reserve officer and criminal behavior expert G.I. Wilson said.
Boston suspect search

1 Boston Marathon Bombing Suspect Is Dead, 1 On the Loose in Watertown

Following a chaotic night of mayhem and a police shootout, one of the two suspects in the Boston Marathon bombings was shot and killed by police. The second suspect is on the loose and police are actively searching the area of Watertown, Mass.
Amy Smith

Saved From Boston's Bombs by a Text Message

Veteran Capitol Hill staffer Amy Smith starts a new job on Friday, feeling lucky to be alive after narrowly escaping Monday's devastation near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.
Obama

Newly Engaged Obama Makes Slow, Uncertain Progress on Agenda

Deals are within reach on guns, immigration, and even deficit reduction.
first days iraq

A Decade of War: What the U.S. Military Learned

The 10-year anniversary of the Iraq war has rightfully prompted extended soul-searching about a conflict that cost the nation dearly in blood, treasure, and international prestige. 
Temporary Office

Budget Cuts Keep Freshman Senators in the 'Swing Suites'

The across-the-board cuts to the federal government’s budget are exacerbating an already convoluted process for new senators moving from cramped temporary digs to their permanent offices. 
Army Suicide

325 Members of the Army Killed Themselves Last Year. Sorting Out Why Is No Easy Task.

Combat experience is not strongly associated with suicide. So how can we account for the Army's "epidemic"?
Chuck Hagel

The Rehabilitation of Chuck Hagel

Looking beyond the sequester, the new Pentagon chief plans a fast trip, and a focus on veterans.
Chuck Hagel

At Defense, Hagel Will Face a Tough Task on Day 1: Handling Massive Spending Cuts

Chuck Hagel was confirmed as secretary of Defense on Tuesday, with deep cuts to the Pentagon’s budget set to hit three days later.
Governors Bob McDonnell, R-Va., and Martin O'Malley, D-Md.

Bob McDonnell and Martin O'Malley Are Becoming Fast Frenemies

Two potential 2016 presidential candidates are forming a mutually beneficial alliance.
Hostage

'Argo' Is Great, but 52 Former American Hostages Are Still Looking for Justice

33 years ago, 52 Americans went through hell in Iran. Now they and their survivors are pushing Congress for action. 
Obama

Is Obama Being Too Mean to the White House Press Corps?

It's fine to push for access, but no reason to be a drama queen about it. Especially when the real victims are the investigative reporters.
Walmart

Why Walmart Moms Are Skeptical About Obama's Agenda

Sorry, Washington, the Walmart moms aren't buying what you're selling.

Full Text: President Obama's 2013 State of the Union Speech

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, fellow citizens:
skutniks

What's a Skutnik and Why Is One Sitting Next to Michelle Obama at the State of the Union?

To the cynical, they’re stagecraft. To presidents, they’re the State of the Union Incarnate.
Obama SOTU

Stung By Media's Focus on Liberal Agenda, Obama Pivots Back to Economy

Job One for President Obama in his State of the Union address will be to convince Americans that his top priority is their jobs.
Barack Obama

The 4 Political Realities Over the Budget-Cut Debate

The president wants to replace the automatic cuts, but he may not get what he wants.
Chuck Hagel

Does Chuck Hagel Have Enough Support to Clear the Senate? The White House Thinks So

The White House still thinks it has the Senate votes to put Chuck Hagel in the top job at the Pentagon, but concedes it would be a narrowly won victory.
Barack Obama and Denis McDonough

5 Things to Know About Denis McDonough, Obama's New Chief of Staff

President Obama announced a reshuffling of his staff on Friday, picking Denis McDonough as his new chief of staff.
Denis McDonough Profile Photo

Denis McDonough and the 6 Habits of Highly Effective Chiefs of Staff

Rahm Emanuel, Dick Cheney and what it takes to do Washington's second-most-powerful job.
Inauguration day at the Capitol

Politics Doesn't Stop on Inauguration Day

It's tradition for officials to put politics aside. Tradition, but not reality.
Obama Lincoln

Obama's Inaugural: With Malice or None?

Understandable as it may be for Obama to govern with a chip on his shoulder, it's not his path to greatness.
Obama signs Affordable Care Act

Obama Has Already Cemented His Legacy, Like It or Not

Love it or hate it, the president has already made his mark on health care, gay rights, and the economy.
Obama Signs

Forget the Veto: How Obama Objects to Parts of a Law

President Obama signed a defense bill into law this week, but not without a few objections.
D_Sebelius

Will 'Obamacare' Fill the Gaps in Our Mental Health System?

Tragedies like the recent school shooting in Newtown, Conn., initiate conversations about access to mental health services nearly as consistently as they do discussions of gun control. And though it is not known whether the shooter, Adam Lanza, was mentally ill, public officials jumped on the opportunity to promote better and increased access to behavioral care as one effort to address the massacre.

Hawaii's New Senator Steps Up to the Cliff

Hawaii’s Senator-to-be Brian Schatz arrived in Washington prepared. Wearing a brand new overcoat shortly after stepping off of Air Force One, Schatz said he’s ready and eager to work toward preventing a year-end austerity crisis.
Sandy Hook Memorial

Newtown Rampage Proves a Turning Point for Obama

The latest slaughter of innocents and those who tried to protect them may not turn out to be a tipping point for the country. But President Obama has left no doubt that it was a tipping point for him.
Female Marine Corps recruits

The Enemy Within

The military-justice system has failed to check the epidemic of rape and sexual assault in the armed forces.

Hot Ticket

Who turns down a free lunch? The Pulmonary Hypertension Association is hoping that members of Congress just can’t say no to its Congressional Luncheon on Wednesday.
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