Elections

All Elections

Why Obama is pulling ahead in the battleground state of Wisconsin

This summer, Mitt Romney and President Obama appeared to be neck and neck in Wisconsin. But now in polls, the president seems to be gaining independents at his opponent’s expense.
Elizabeth Warren vs. Scott Brown in first debate: what they need to do

Challenger Elizabeth Warren will debate Sen. Scott Brown of Massachusetts Thursday. The race, one of the nation's most closely watched, is seen as a tossup.
Obama on 'Letterman': What were the funniest bits?

What's the difference between running for office the first time and as an incumbent? 'The plane is nicer now,' the president said. And, at least on 'Letterman,' the questions are easy flying, too.
Is Mitt Romney right about a 'good jobs' dearth in US? (+video)

Under fire for writing off 47 percent of Americans as government dependents who will never vote for him, Mitt Romney clarifies that what he wants is for more people to have jobs good enough that they do pay taxes. Many agree about slippage in 'good jobs.'
Pennsylvania Supreme Court orders second look at voter ID law

The state's Supreme Court asks whether the rush to implement the voter ID law in time for November's election might end up disenfranchising some Pennsylvanians. It wants the lower court judge to take a second look at that issue.
Can Los Angeles ban medical marijuana shops? Voters set to decide.

An initiative to override Los Angeles's ban on medical marijuana dispensaries has qualified for the ballot. Currently, federal, state, and city laws have created a confusing tangle.
Mitt Romney speaks like a neocon, but is he one?

In his response to the anti-US violence in the Muslim world, and in comments on the Mideast and China, Mitt Romney sounds like a neocon. But some analysts say his policies would be more centrist.
Elizabeth Warren takes slim lead in Massachusetts Senate race

Polls show that Elizabeth Warren has overturned a small deficit and now has a small lead over Sen. Scott Brown. But with both candidates' favorability ratings rising, the race remains tight.
Obama in Ohio: Why is he swiping at Mitt Romney over ... China? (+video)

Bashing China plays big in this crucial battleground state. Obama claims that Mitt Romney, as a businessman, sent US jobs to China. Romney counters that Obama, as president, waited until the election to stand up to China on unfair trade practices.
Obama inches ahead in key voter polls (+video)

As the clock ticks down to Election Day and the number of undecided voters shrinks, President Obama is gaining over Mitt Romney in key polls. But overall, the race remains way too close to call.
Asian carp policy: Is it keeping Obama and Romney up at night?

Nah. But the issue resonates in (battleground) states around the Great Lakes, so the Romney and Obama camps outlined their approaches to dealing with a prospective Asian carp invasion.
Paul Ryan to 'values voters': If Obama wins, there's no going back

In a well-received speech to social conservatives – a key element of the GOP base – Paul Ryan slams President Obama and the Democrats for putting too much emphasis on government.
Early voting: Why Justice dropped its challenge of Florida plan

Florida's plan to bar voting the Sunday before Election Day, when some churches mount a 'souls to polls' initiative, was approved, provided 5 counties allow early voting for 96 hours over 8 days.
Focus
Obama or Romney? Why 5 undecided voters are still on the fence.

The presidential election will be decided by a tiny fraction of American voters – those in swing states who have not made up their minds. What are these 1 million people waiting for? The Monitor talked to five undecided voters to find out.
With early voting, Election Day is around the corner, even if Nov. 6 isn't

With 32 states plus the District of Columbia allowing in-person early voting, the Obama and Romney campaigns are deep into their early-voting strategies.
Mitt Romney: 'My heritage and my faith have made me the person I am'

On 'Meet the Press,' Mitt and Ann Romney opened up about their religion. Mrs. Romney likens the possibility that her husband could be the first Mormon president to Barack Obama’s election as the first African-American to hold the position, an event that 'made us proud as Americans.'
Obama slips ahead of Romney in key polls. More than a bounce? (+video)

President Obama's post-convention poll bounce appears to be real. Some Romney supporters are worried, but he has two major advantages: an economy that continues to falter under Obama's watch and the ability to raise and spend money on campaign ads.
Democrats basking in post-DNC glow. How long will that last?

If conventions preach to the choir, candidates always hope the choir will be mobilized. On the fringes of an Obama-Biden appearance in New Hampshire Friday, the DNC fires were still burning.
Climate change: why it could be a hot topic on the campaign trail

Climate change had been virtually absent from the campaign until Mitt Romney and President Obama traded jabs at their conventions. Some polls say it could be a vote-getter for Democrats.
Women for Mitt: why they say it's Obama waging a 'war on women'

Women voters who back Mitt Romney are ratcheting up grass-roots efforts to persuade other women that the economy is a women's issue. Polls show Romney trails Obama among women.