Topic: Annenberg Public Policy Center

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From Willie Horton to windsurfing: Five top political attack ads

Political attacks ads: love 'em or hate 'em, but they’re here to stay, and this election year stands to be a watershed moment in their use. Here's a look at what are considered to be some of the most memorable and effective attack ads utilized over the years.

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Obama vs. Romney: 'World War III" for attack ads. But is that bad?

With five months to go until Election Day, the Romney and Obama campaigns are already slinging negative ads. But analysts suggest they're an essential part of voters' decision-making process.
From Willie Horton to windsurfing: Five top political attack ads

Political attacks ads: love 'em or hate 'em, but they’re here to stay, and this election year stands to be a watershed moment in their use. Here's a look at what are considered to be some of the most memorable and effective attack ads utilized over the years.
Utah Republican convention: How Orrin Hatch (almost) beat back a tea party revolt

As Republicans in Utah have turned more moderate since 2010, veteran US Sen. Orrin Hatch has turned more conservative. Taken together, this nearly helped Hatch survive a tea party challenge at Saturday's Republican nominating convention. Instead, he faces a primary election in June.
The Vote
Why couldn't Rep. Bobby Rush wear hoodie on House floor?

A hoodie won't fly on the House floor, where dress code mandates no hats – and a hoodie counts as a hat, even when its used to bring attention to Trayvon Martin.
Scott Brown pulls ahead of Elizabeth Warren in Mass. Senate race

Sen. Scott Brown, the Republican who famously won the seat held by Edward Kennedy, has built an early lead against Elizabeth Warren in what will be a closely watched race nationally.
In GOP race, Iowa and New Hampshire aren't what they used to be

Iowa still goes first in the presidential nominating contests, followed by New Hampshire. But voters there have lost their outsized influence in personally sizing up nominees, as televised debates and social media take precedence.
Boom in Internet gambling ahead? US policy reversal clears the way.

The Justice Department has reversed a longtime view that online poker and lottery wagering are illegal. With the move, states are expected to engage in a high-stakes pursuit of new gambling-related tax revenues.
The Vote
Did Sarah Palin just join Donald Trump as a ‘birther’?

Sarah Palin says she believes President Obama was born in the US. But she's cheering on Donald Trump for 'getting to the bottom' of allegations by 'birthers' that Obama is hiding something.
After the Arizona shooting, the civility movement sees tipping point

Calls for unity in response to the Arizona shooting are seen as an opportunity for the civility movement to tackle partisan rancor.
Pollster: voters still can't figure out Obama, but tax deal could help

The American people were expecting a JFK for the 21st century in Obama, but they aren't yet sure who they got, says Peter Hart, an influential Democratic pollster.
The Vote
Attack ad over the top? Alan Grayson compares opponent to Taliban.

Rep. Alan Grayson, the liberal firebrand who once said the GOP's health-care plan was for the sick to 'die quickly,' is now calling his conservative opponent 'Taliban Dan.'
Obama to appear on Fox News, with healthcare reform down to the wire

Obama will sit for an interview with Fox News anchor Bret Baier, to be broadcast Wednesday at 6 p.m., Eastern time.
Healthcare reform backlash: Americans angry over earmarks

Healthcare reform legislation often means cutting 'deals,' but public anger over earmarks may further gridlock healthcare reform.
Lou Dobbs resignation: What next for controversial CNN anchor?

For Lou Dobbs, resignation isn't the end. He says he won’t leave the public arena. Like Glenn Beck, will he jump from CNN to Fox News? Maybe run for public office? Stay tuned.
Lou Dobbs out - what next for CNN's controversial anchor?

Lou Dobbs says he won’t leave the public arena. Like Glenn Beck, will he jump from CNN to Fox News? Maybe run for public office? Stay tuned.
The Fox News war: What's the upside for Obama?

Critics call the Obama administration's criticism of Fox News petty. But if it discredits the network in the eyes of moderates, the strategy might work.
Town-hall meetings: facing voter wrath on healthcare

Healthcare forums evoked anger, but there was constructive dialogue, too.
Should CNN attack its own anchor over 'birther' flap?

A media watchdog group releases an ad criticizing CNN anchor Lou Dobbs for stoking the 'birther' controversy.
Defining the (carefully crafted) terms of healthcare reform

There’s no reform bill to debate yet, but both sides know that shaping the debate early is crucial to victory.
Swing voters give Obama flexibility to solve US economic crisis
Media truth squads and the ’08 campaign: Any impact?

Reporters aim to check facts behind candidates’ claims, but effect on voters is unclear.
Bright Green
Palin says she would helm energy policy as VP

At a rally in Vienna, Ohio, Tuesday, Alaska governor and Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin said that, if elected, she would lead the nation's energy efforts.
Palin effect: Obama camp thrown off stride

The week has shown perils for Obama in running against the new GOP ticket.
Hillary Clinton shattered a political glass ceiling

Despite some sexism on the campaign trail and in the media, her gender won many votes, too.
Colleges take more notice of gambling problems

Innovative efforts, like those in Missouri, address the problems of widespread student gambling.