http://topics.cnn.com/topics/feeds/rss/U_S_PoliticsFind stories, videos, and photos about U.S. Politics from CNN.com.en-usCable News Network LP, LLLP.Tue, 21 May 2013 09:32:05 GMT5http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/120829050217-unconventional-rnc-0829-3-wall-4-tease.jpghttp://topics.cnn.com/topics/feeds/rss/U_S_Politics14433Find stories, videos, and photos about U.S. Politics from CNN.com.http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/29/opinion/obeidallah-gop-muslim-problem/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/08/29/opinion/obeidallah-gop-muslim-problem/index.htmlA Catholic priest, a rabbi, an evangelical minister, a Sikh, a Greek Orthodox archbishop and two Mormon leaders walk into the Republican National Convention.Wed, 29 Aug 2012 20:35:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/08/29/politics/pol-fact-check-gop-governors/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/08/29/politics/pol-fact-check-gop-governors/index.htmlVirginia Gov. Bob McDonnell on Tuesday night tried to sell the American public on the virtues of having the GOP in charge of states.Wed, 29 Aug 2012 20:15:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/08/29/opinion/louis-christie-tough-truths/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/08/29/opinion/louis-christie-tough-truths/index.htmlNew Jersey Gov. Chris Christie built his keynote address to the Republican National Convention on the theme of telling tough truths to the nation. "We have become paralyzed by our desire to be loved," announced Christie, showing off the gruff, no-nonsense style that catapulted him into the governor's mansion.Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:49:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/08/28/politics/texas-redistricting/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/08/28/politics/texas-redistricting/index.htmlFederal judges struck down Texas lawmakers' plans for new congressional and state legislative districts Tuesday, finding the maps were designed to discriminate against minorities.Tue, 28 Aug 2012 22:14:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/08/28/opinion/bennett-diverse-convention/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/08/28/opinion/bennett-diverse-convention/index.htmlWhen the Republican National Convention kicks off this week in Tampa, Florida, the nation will notice one thing before anything else: This is not your father's or grandfather's Republican Party. Rather, it's a party with leaders as diverse as the country it intends to represent.Tue, 28 Aug 2012 18:53:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/08/24/us/fbi-aircraft-response/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/08/24/us/fbi-aircraft-response/index.htmlThe FBI said Friday it will respond to questions from Congress on the use of FBI aircraft amid allegations that Attorney General Eric Holder is among officials who "may have used FBI planes for his own travel when aircraft were needed for FBI operations."Fri, 24 Aug 2012 22:11:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/08/22/politics/gop-akin-controversy/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/08/22/politics/gop-akin-controversy/index.htmlIf there is any silver lining for Republicans from the Todd Akin imbroglio, no one seems to have found it yet.Wed, 22 Aug 2012 19:23:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/08/09/politics/romney-conservatives/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/08/09/politics/romney-conservatives/index.htmlLike a lion trained on its prey, conservatives are tracking certain Republican nominee Mitt Romney for any gaffe, policy shift or other signal that shows he is really the moderate they fear instead of the right-wing ideologue they want.Thu, 09 Aug 2012 15:56:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/08/02/politics/stock-act-loophole/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/08/02/politics/stock-act-loophole/index.htmlHouse Republicans have been forced to close a potential loophole on their much-touted insider trading law -- a loophole CNN uncovered and reported about last month.Fri, 03 Aug 2012 23:57:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/08/01/politics/congressional-compromise/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/08/01/politics/congressional-compromise/index.htmlA congressional deal announced this week by House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid would extend current government spending levels for six months, putting off threats of a government shutdown until after the November election decides the makeup of a new House and Senate.Thu, 02 Aug 2012 01:11:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/07/31/politics/congress-funding-deal/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/07/31/politics/congress-funding-deal/index.htmlCongressional leaders announced a deal Tuesday on a six-month bill to fund the federal government, thereby removing the possibility of a government shutdown -- and the political spectacle that would go with it -- before the election.Tue, 31 Jul 2012 19:13:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/07/30/politics/gop-filibusters/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/07/30/politics/gop-filibusters/index.htmlIn keeping with their vow to prevent any more of President Barack Obama's appeals court nominees from being confirmed until after the election, Senate Republicans successfully upheld Monday their filibuster of Judge Robert Bacharach's nomination to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which is based in Denver.Tue, 31 Jul 2012 00:59:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/07/27/politics/house-tax-fight/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/07/27/politics/house-tax-fight/index.htmlRepublicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill are gearing up for a vote this week on a House Republican bill to extend all the current tax cuts, but the debate is really aimed at the vote that comes less than 100 days from now.Mon, 30 Jul 2012 12:20:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/07/19/politics/stock-act-loophole/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/07/19/politics/stock-act-loophole/index.htmlIt was a rare show of bipartisanship -- President Barack Obama, flanked by Democrats and Republicans in April, signing into law a bill that would ban insider trading on Capitol Hill. The measure, known as the STOCK Act, had passed the House and Senate at warp speed.Fri, 20 Jul 2012 02:06:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/07/18/politics/campaign-wrap/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/07/18/politics/campaign-wrap/index.htmlNew ads from the presidential campaigns encapsulate where the race stands, with President Barack Obama's camp continuing its assault on his challenger over his business record and refusal to share tax records and Mitt Romney trying to make allegations of cronyism knock the incumbent off the assault.Wed, 18 Jul 2012 17:58:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/07/11/politics/congress-jackson-absence/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/07/11/politics/congress-jackson-absence/index.htmlRep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is "receiving intensive medical treatment at a residential treatment facility for a mood disorder," according to a statement released by the congressman's office, which attributed the quote to an unidentified doctor.Fri, 13 Jul 2012 01:05:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/07/10/politics/campaign-wrap/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/07/10/politics/campaign-wrap/index.htmlPresident Barack Obama, fresh from his renewed pitch to cut taxes for the middle class, takes his message to Iowa Tuesday -- a trip shadowed by Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus as part of a GOP strategy of "bracketing" the president's public appearances in battleground states.Tue, 10 Jul 2012 16:58:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/07/09/politics/house-ethics-berkley/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/07/09/politics/house-ethics-berkley/index.htmlThe House Ethics Committee announced Monday that it is launching a formal investigation of Nevada Democratic Rep. Shelley Berkley, a seven-term House member who is running for a U.S. Senate seat.Tue, 10 Jul 2012 01:58:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/07/06/politics/campaign-wrap/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/07/06/politics/campaign-wrap/index.htmlPresident Barack Obama downplayed a weak jobs report Friday as he wrapped up a two-day bus tour to critical states in the November election, while Republicans pounced on the news to declare the president's policies have failed.Fri, 06 Jul 2012 17:45:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/07/02/politics/congress-gop-obamacare/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/07/02/politics/congress-gop-obamacare/index.htmlWhile conservatives are still seething over last week's Supreme Court ruling saving President Barack Obama's health care overhaul, top Capitol Hill Republicans are gleefully using the decision to fire up their base with promises of a repeal in 2013.Tue, 03 Jul 2012 13:22:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/29/politics/obamacare-tea-party-reaction/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/29/politics/obamacare-tea-party-reaction/index.htmlBefore the ink completely dried on the Supreme Court's landmark decision on the nation's health care law, pundits summed up its political impact: It handed President Barack Obama a huge policy win -- but gave Mitt Romney a political battle cry.Fri, 29 Jun 2012 23:00:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/28/politics/holder-contempt/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/28/politics/holder-contempt/index.htmlThe House of Representatives voted Thursday to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in criminal contempt for refusing to turn over documents tied to the botched Fast and Furious gun-running sting -- a discredited operation that has become a sharp point of contention between Democrats and Republicans in Washington.Thu, 28 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/28/politics/supreme-court-health-timeline/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/28/politics/supreme-court-health-timeline/index.htmlThe U.S. Supreme Court Thursday upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, the health care law that President Obama signed in March 2010. Here's a look at key moments in the law's history:Thu, 28 Jun 2012 14:42:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/27/politics/holder-contempt/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/27/politics/holder-contempt/index.htmlThe U.S. House will vote Thursday on holding Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress for withholding documents involving the failed Fast and Furious weapons crackdown, Speaker John Boehner said Wednesday.Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:49:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/27/politics/senate-student-loans/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/27/politics/senate-student-loans/index.htmlHouse GOP leaders are expected to discuss whether or not to extend a rate cut on student loans at a meeting Wednesday morning.Wed, 27 Jun 2012 06:31:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/26/politics/senate-student-loans/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/26/politics/senate-student-loans/index.htmlThe top Senate leaders from each party Tuesday indicated they had reached an agreement to extend a rate cut on student loans but were waiting to hear whether House Republicans would accept the deal.Wed, 27 Jun 2012 02:10:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/25/politics/holder-contempt/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/25/politics/holder-contempt/index.htmlThe U.S. House could, for the first time in history, vote this week to cite a sitting U.S. attorney general for contempt of Congress.Mon, 25 Jun 2012 05:44:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/24/politics/congress-health-care/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/24/politics/congress-health-care/index.htmlNo matter how the Supreme Court rules on the challenge to the health care law, it will only be a matter of minutes after that ruling is announced before attention shifts back across the street to the Capitol and to what happens next there.Sun, 24 Jun 2012 22:57:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/22/opinion/martin-romney-naacp/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/22/opinion/martin-romney-naacp/index.htmlIt's a safe bet that Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney will not garner many votes from African-Americans in November.Sat, 23 Jun 2012 03:38:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/22/us/george-washington-constitution/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/22/us/george-washington-constitution/index.htmlGeorge Washington's personal copy of the U.S. Constitution and a draft of the Bill of Rights sold Friday at Christie's for a whopping $9.8 million.Sat, 23 Jun 2012 01:20:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/21/politics/holder-contempt/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/21/politics/holder-contempt/index.htmlA possible U.S. House vote next week on citing Attorney General Eric Holder for contempt of Congress in connection with the botched Fast and Furious gun-running sting evoked bitter political sniping Thursday between Republicans and Democrats.Fri, 22 Jun 2012 02:25:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/19/politics/tea-party-group-building-organization/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/19/politics/tea-party-group-building-organization/index.htmlAs it continues to ramp up its efforts for the 2012 election cycle, a national umbrella organization for the tea party movement readily admits its grassroots organizing strategy is borrowed from the left's political playbook.Tue, 19 Jun 2012 11:30:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/19/politics/congress-productivity/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/19/politics/congress-productivity/index.htmlThe current Congress has worked just as many days as its legislative predecessors. It just has a lot less to show for it.Tue, 19 Jun 2012 04:21:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/17/politics/health-care-timeline/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/17/politics/health-care-timeline/index.htmlThe U.S. Supreme Court will rule this month on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act , the health-care reform law that President Obama had signed in March 2010. Here's a look at key moments in the law's history:Sun, 17 Jun 2012 05:38:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/15/opinion/obeidallah-heckle-obama/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/15/opinion/obeidallah-heckle-obama/index.htmlA reporter from a right-wing media outlet heckled President Obama -- not once, but twice -- on Friday as he was unveiling a new immigration policy. If this shocks you, you haven't been paying attention. This is simply the latest page from the right's playbook to delegitimize Barack Obama's presidency.Sat, 16 Jun 2012 01:54:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/14/opinion/rand-paul-drones/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/14/opinion/rand-paul-drones/index.htmlWhen assuming office, every government official must take an oath to abide by and uphold our Constitution. Since 2010, I have made that my mission in Congress. Unfortunately, the Obama administration is not upholding nor abiding by the Constitution -- in fact, this administration is going to great lengths to continually violate it.Fri, 15 Jun 2012 13:16:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/12/us/washington-constitution/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/12/us/washington-constitution/index.htmlA priceless piece of American presidential history will go on sale next week in New York.Tue, 12 Jun 2012 21:35:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/08/politics/btn-wisconsin-recall/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/08/politics/btn-wisconsin-recall/index.htmlIn a political battle where fiscal conservatives faced off against the labor movement, Wisconsin held a closely watched gubernatorial recall election this week.Fri, 08 Jun 2012 19:59:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/07/politics/white-house-leaks/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/07/politics/white-house-leaks/index.htmlCongressional leaders agreed Thursday on the need for a full investigation of what one called a recent "cascade" of leaked classified information but differed on exactly how the inquiry should be conducted.Thu, 07 Jun 2012 23:52:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/06/politics/wisconsin-recall-unions/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/06/politics/wisconsin-recall-unions/index.htmlWisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's survival in a recall election sparked by steps to weaken public unions could embolden fellow Republicans in other states to seek similar measures.Wed, 06 Jun 2012 20:59:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/06/opinion/hogue-wisconsin-vote/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/06/opinion/hogue-wisconsin-vote/index.htmlIn 2004, when President George W. Bush was re-elected by 3.5 million votes, he had a message to deliver about the mandate he had won. "I earned capital in this campaign, political capital," he said, "and now I intend to spend it."Wed, 06 Jun 2012 16:15:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/05/politics/wisconsin-recall-vote/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/05/politics/wisconsin-recall-vote/index.htmlWisconsin voters inundated by advertising and door-to-door canvassing began delivering their judgment Tuesday on whether to recall Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican hero for pushing austerity measures that stripped collective bargaining rights from most public unions.Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:29:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/05/politics/wisconsin-recall/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/05/politics/wisconsin-recall/index.htmlIn the canon of political cliches, "it all comes down to turnout" is among the most tired.Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:26:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/05/opinion/borsuk-wisconsin-vote/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/05/opinion/borsuk-wisconsin-vote/index.htmlSure, there are things at stake in Tuesday's recall election for governor of Wisconsin. You need to know only a smidgeon about the politics of Republican Gov. Scott Walker and the Democratic challenger Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett to be aware of that. You need to have paid only passing attention to the political battle that has engulfed Wisconsin for 16 months to know that.Tue, 05 Jun 2012 15:41:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/05/politics/recall-history/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/05/politics/recall-history/index.htmlMany have tried, especially in California, but few have managed to successfully oust a U.S. governor through a recall election.Tue, 05 Jun 2012 14:58:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/04/justice/new-york-marijuana/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/04/justice/new-york-marijuana/index.htmlNew York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is asking state legislators to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana that are in public view.Tue, 05 Jun 2012 01:01:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/04/politics/wisconsin-at-stake/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/06/04/politics/wisconsin-at-stake/index.htmlEmbattled Wisconsin Republican Gov. Scott Walker, an anti-union darling of the tea party and other fiscal conservatives, faces off Tuesday against Democratic Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett in a high-stakes recall election that politicos say could foreshadow the contentious November general contest.Mon, 04 Jun 2012 19:17:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/31/politics/house-abortion-gender/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/31/politics/house-abortion-gender/index.htmlCongress took up one of the most divisive issues in politics Thursday as the House of Representatives rejected a controversial measure banning abortions based on the sex of a fetus.Thu, 31 May 2012 18:40:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/29/politics/romney-delegates/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/29/politics/romney-delegates/index.htmlMitt Romney hit his party's "magic number" on Tuesday, unofficially clinching the Republican presidential nomination in a race he entered as the front-runner and has had to himself for weeks.Wed, 30 May 2012 09:34:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/24/politics/senate-student-loans/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/24/politics/senate-student-loans/index.htmlThe Senate, in the latest round of political maneuvering on a popular campaign issue, Thursday rejected competing Democratic and Republican proposals to prevent student loan rates from doubling to 6.8% in July.Thu, 24 May 2012 21:26:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/21/politics/senate-iran/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/21/politics/senate-iran/index.htmlThe U.S. Senate unanimously voted to tighten sanctions on Iran on Monday, three days after a dispute over whether to include the threat of American force stalled the legislation.Tue, 22 May 2012 09:24:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/21/opinion/zelizer-congress-polarization/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/21/opinion/zelizer-congress-polarization/index.htmlCongress is reaching a point where it will no longer be able to function at all. Over the past two years, some members of the Republican Party have ramped up the partisan wars on Capitol Hill. They are threatening to bring the legislative process to a standstill.Mon, 21 May 2012 12:55:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/18/politics/fast-and-furious/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/18/politics/fast-and-furious/index.htmlTop House Republicans attempted to ramp up pressure on Attorney General Eric Holder on Friday with a joint letter demanding the Department of Justice comply with a congressional subpoena for materials on the "Operation Fast and Furious" program.Fri, 18 May 2012 20:46:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/18/politics/house-defense-bill/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/18/politics/house-defense-bill/index.htmlThe GOP-controlled House of Representatives on Friday passed a nearly $643 billion defense bill -- a measure at odds with prior military spending agreements and President Barack Obama's Pentagon plans.Fri, 18 May 2012 20:36:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/18/politics/violence-against-women-act/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/18/politics/violence-against-women-act/index.htmlAfter a high profile political battle this week over legislation to help victims of domestic abuse, its fate appears to be in limbo. And this policy-dispute-turned-election-year-brawl seems to be far from over.Fri, 18 May 2012 12:48:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/17/us/alabama-immigration-law/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/17/us/alabama-immigration-law/index.htmlAlabama's governor on Thursday called in lawmakers for a special session in part to further explore changes to the state's anti-illegal immigration law, considered the country's toughest.Fri, 18 May 2012 01:31:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/16/politics/gop-violence-against-women/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/16/politics/gop-violence-against-women/index.htmlThe House of Representatives passed the Republican version of the Violence Against Women Act on Wednesday, despite strong opposition from Democrats.Thu, 17 May 2012 02:55:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/16/politics/obama-congress/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/16/politics/obama-congress/index.htmlPresident Barack Obama and congressional leaders met Wednesday to discuss upcoming budget deadlines, one day after House Speaker John Boehner drew a line in the sand over what could be another bitter showdown between the White House and Congress later this year.Wed, 16 May 2012 21:20:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/16/politics/primaries/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/16/politics/primaries/index.htmlNebraska state Sen. Deb Fischer won the Republican nomination for an open U.S. Senate seat on Tuesday, official results showed, beating two better-funded candidacies for the opportunity to face off against a former U.S. Senator for the open seat in November.Wed, 16 May 2012 06:45:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/10/politics/house-budget-vote/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/10/politics/house-budget-vote/index.htmlThe Republican-controlled House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday that would replace looming Pentagon spending cuts opposed by the GOP with a series of domestic program reductions opposed by congressional Democrats.Thu, 10 May 2012 18:17:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/09/opinion/hoover-gop-support-gay-marriage/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/09/opinion/hoover-gop-support-gay-marriage/index.htmlJust in case you thought you had time to catch your breath from the culture wars, the issue of marriage for gay couples is back at the ballot box this year. On Tuesday, North Carolinians voted 61% to 39% to ban all forms of relationship recognition for same-sex couples.Wed, 09 May 2012 14:33:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/08/politics/lugar-senate-analysis/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/08/politics/lugar-senate-analysis/index.htmlRichard Lugar had it all -- a sterling global reputation, bipartisan respect, a fat campaign bank account and 36 years of Senate experience.Wed, 09 May 2012 13:35:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/02/opinion/cardona-faux-gop-anger/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/02/opinion/cardona-faux-gop-anger/index.htmlYou would think that President Obama's surprise trip to Afghanistan yesterday and speech to the troops would have quieted -- at least for one night -- the latest installment of the GOP's "Faux Anger Chronicles." While most of the president's critics were silent or praised him for the trip, others didn't disappoint in following along with the fad.Wed, 02 May 2012 22:14:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/01/politics/bachus-cleared/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/01/politics/bachus-cleared/index.htmlThe chairman of the House Financial Services Committee has been cleared of allegations that he used his position to engage in insider trading and improperly profit from the 2008 market meltdown.Tue, 01 May 2012 22:57:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/30/politics/obama-bill-clinton-join-forces/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/30/politics/obama-bill-clinton-join-forces/index.htmlIf case you had any doubts, don't -- Bill Clinton's fully on board President Barack Obama's re-election effort.Tue, 01 May 2012 01:27:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/29/politics/campaign-wrap/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/29/politics/campaign-wrap/index.htmlDays before the one-year anniversary of the raid that killed Osama bin Laden, top surrogates for President Barack Obama and presumptive Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney took to the national stage to argue the politics of the attack.Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:46:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/27/politics/tea-party-upgraded/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/27/politics/tea-party-upgraded/index.htmlWhile loud and raucous rallies are still a part of the tea party toolbox, the movement, which came to life over dissatisfaction with big government and anger over government bailouts and President Barack Obama's health care reform, is evolving.Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:35:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/27/politics/house-student-loans/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/27/politics/house-student-loans/index.htmlThe White House said Friday that President Barack Obama would veto a Republican measure passed by the House to extend lower interest rates on federal student loans because it takes money from a health care fund that benefits women.Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:56:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/25/politics/boehner-student-loans/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/25/politics/boehner-student-loans/index.htmlThe House will vote Friday to extend current rates on federally funded college loans for one year, Speaker John Boehner announced on Wednesday in what is seen as an attempt to blunt President Barack Obama's momentum on an issue popular with young voters.Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:44:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/04/24/pf/college/student_loans/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/04/24/pf/college/student_loans/index.htmOn July 1, the interest rates on student loans subsidized by Uncle Sam will double to 6.8%.Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:35:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/19/politics/house-tax-vote/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/19/politics/house-tax-vote/index.htmlThe GOP-controlled House of Representatives on Thursday passed a $46 billion small business tax cut bill -- an election year measure that has virtually no chance of clearing the Democratic-controlled Senate or surviving a presidential veto.Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:56:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/18/opinion/bayles-romney-center/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/18/opinion/bayles-romney-center/index.htmlWith the inevitability of Mitt Romney's GOP presidential nomination now assured, the next question looming in this long, twisted election cycle is likely to be this: Which Mitt Romney will be running against President Barack Obama?Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:55:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/17/politics/campaign-wrap/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/17/politics/campaign-wrap/index.htmlA new poll Tuesday showed voters are willing to give Mitt Romney a fresh look now that he is the certain Republican presidential nominee, and the former Massachusetts governor picked up public backing from the top GOP leaders in the House and Senate.Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:28:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/11/politics/romney-challenge-right/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/11/politics/romney-challenge-right/index.htmlTypically when a presidential candidate wraps up his party's nomination after months of reaching out to base voters in the primaries, the question becomes whether he can appeal to the political center for the general election.Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:40:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/10/politics/romney-social-conservatives/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/10/politics/romney-social-conservatives/index.htmlSome leading social conservative groups are praising Rick Santorum following his suspension of his Republican presidential campaign. But their reaction Tuesday didn't mention Mitt Romney, the all-but-certain GOP nominee with Santorum out of the race.Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:26:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/04/politics/stock-act-signing/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/04/politics/stock-act-signing/index.htmlPresident Barack Obama signed legislation on Wednesday aimed at restoring Americans' faith in the nation's public institutions at a time they rank at record lows in opinion polls. The act bans insider trading by members of Congress and many executive branch employees.Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:45:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/03/politics/republican-primaries/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/03/politics/republican-primaries/index.htmlMitt Romney won all three of Tuesday's Republican presidential primaries, putting more distance between himself and his closest contender, Rick Santorum, who indicated he plans to fight on to his home state of Pennsylvania and beyond.Wed, 04 Apr 2012 04:47:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/03/opinion/presser-obama-supreme-court/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/03/opinion/presser-obama-supreme-court/index.htmlIn what must be the most extraordinary statement of his presidency, Barack Obama on Monday blasted the possibility that the United States Supreme Court might overturn the Affordable Care Act. Obama said the court would take an "unprecedented, extraordinary step" if it overturns the law, because it was passed by "a strong majority of a democratically elected Congress."Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:02:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/03/opinion/borsuk-wisconsin/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/03/opinion/borsuk-wisconsin/index.htmlMy 91-year-old mother finds a lot of things aggravating. Drugstores that run out of things that are on sale. Typos. And phone calls from Mitt Romney. Quite a few phone calls from Mitt Romney. Also from Rick Santorum. And other people advocating for each of them. She's had enough. Also the television ads. Do they have to run so many?Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:49:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/29/politics/tea-party-election/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/29/politics/tea-party-election/index.htmlAfter six terms in the Senate, Indiana's Richard Lugar finds himself the latest target of the tea party movement's desire both to have more influence over the policy agenda in Congress and to make the Republican Party more conservative.Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:45:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/27/politics/transportation-fight/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/27/politics/transportation-fight/index.htmlWith just four days left before the federal money runs out for highway construction projects across the country, House Republicans abruptly postponed a vote on a two-month extension Tuesday, throwing into question how a standoff between Senate Democrats and House Republicans over the transportation bill will get resolved.Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:15:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/23/politics/campaign-wrap/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/23/politics/campaign-wrap/index.htmlA poll released Friday shows Rick Santorum with a comfortable lead over front-runner Mitt Romney in Saturday's Louisiana Republican primary, but he was in a mess over remarks he made about President Obama, which his rivals seized on.Sat, 24 Mar 2012 17:58:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/20/opinion/avlon-illinois-lincoln/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/20/opinion/avlon-illinois-lincoln/index.htmlThe Illinois primary should be a Republican Party homecoming. After all, this is the Land of Lincoln, home state of the first Republican president.Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:39:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/19/politics/gop-delegate-race/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/19/politics/gop-delegate-race/index.htmlAs the Republican primary reaches its halfway point, the question of inevitability is a main topic of conversation. Is former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who holds a sizable lead in delegates, destined to be the Republican nominee for president in 2012?Mon, 19 Mar 2012 21:36:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/14/us/mississippi-pardons-special-treatment/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/14/us/mississippi-pardons-special-treatment/index.htmlInvestigative documents obtained by CNN show that former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, his wife and his staff may have given preferential treatment to two of the convicted murderers who were among the more than 200 former and current inmates he pardoned in January.Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:50:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/14/politics/senate-transporation-bill/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/14/politics/senate-transporation-bill/index.htmlA $109 billion transportation bill won approval Wednesday from the Senate but still faces likely political wrangling in the House.Wed, 14 Mar 2012 22:37:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/01/us/maryland-same-sex-marriage/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/01/us/maryland-same-sex-marriage/index.htmlMaryland became the eighth U.S. state to allow same-sex marriage Thursday as Gov. Martin O'Malley signed legislation he said secures the "human dignity" of all residents, including gay and lesbian couples.Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:58:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/09/election/2012/obama-gop-campaign/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/09/election/2012/obama-gop-campaign/index.htmlThe campaigns of President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney don't agree on much. But on one subject, officials from both sides are in sync.Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:20:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/05/politics/super-tuesday-mann/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/05/politics/super-tuesday-mann/index.htmlSuper Tuesday is traditionally a turning point in the campaign for the U.S. presidency, but it may pass without having the impact its name implies because the Republican Party has a pesky problem -- it can't decide whom it wants in the White House.Mon, 05 Mar 2012 23:40:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/05/politics/us-election-jargon/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/05/politics/us-election-jargon/index.htmlKnow your caucuses from your primaries? Your superdelegates from your Super PACs? As Republican presidential hopefuls battle to win the right to take on Barack Obama in November, we've defined the array of words and acronyms that will define this year's election.Mon, 05 Mar 2012 22:08:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/05/opinion/amato-super-tuesday-ballot/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/05/opinion/amato-super-tuesday-ballot/index.htmlAmerican voters this presidential election year are still stuck with an archaic electoral process that artificially restricts our ballot choices.Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:57:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/04/politics/gop-nominating-calendar/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/04/politics/gop-nominating-calendar/index.htmlChris Christie called it "the dumbest idea anybody ever had."Sun, 04 Mar 2012 22:22:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/01/politics/obama-energy/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/01/politics/obama-energy/index.htmlA day after Republicans signaled possible compromise with the White House on energy issues, President Barack Obama called Thursday for Congress to vote in the coming weeks on ending billions of dollars in subsidies for the oil industry.Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:01:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/29/politics/obama-congress-detente/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/29/politics/obama-congress-detente/index.htmlRepublican leaders and the White House sent signals Wednesday of possible detente on jobs and energy legislation, but they offered few specifics and congressional Democrats questioned whether any progress would ensue.Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:37:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/28/politics/brokered-convention/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/28/politics/brokered-convention/index.htmlTwo months into the Republican presidential nominating process, many thought that one candidate might have it sewn up by now.Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:27:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/24/politics/day-one-promises/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/24/politics/day-one-promises/index.htmlPromises are an inherent part of campaigning. But in a time where distrust of government is at an all-time high, 2012 Republican candidates are using promises of action on Day 1 of their administrations to convince voters of the seriousness of the problems facing the nation and their seriousness about taking immediate action to fix them.Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:40:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/17/us/new-jersey-same-sex-veto/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/17/us/new-jersey-same-sex-veto/index.htmlNew Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Friday vetoed a bill that would allow same-sex couples to wed, setting up a confrontation with a Democrat-controlled legislature that has vowed to eventually get the bill into law.Sat, 18 Feb 2012 01:01:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/17/election/2012/payroll-tax-deal/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/17/election/2012/payroll-tax-deal/index.htmlThe Senate and the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan deal Friday extending the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits while also avoiding a Medicare fee cut for doctors for the rest of the year.Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:11:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/16/politics/payroll-tax-deal/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/16/politics/payroll-tax-deal/index.htmlA bipartisan group of congressional negotiators signed off on an agreement Thursday to extend the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits while avoiding a fee cut for Medicare doctors for the rest of the year.Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:46:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/15/politics/payroll-tax-deal/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/15/politics/payroll-tax-deal/index.htmlHouse Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, defended Wednesday the decision to move forward with a roughly $100 billion payroll tax cut extension that is not paid for, arguing that it was the only way to prevent a tax hike.Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:52:00 EST