Topic: Barack Obama

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'Nuclear option' 101: Why the big fight over the Senate filibuster? (+video)

The 'nuclear option' involves a rules change involving the Senate filibuster that may look to many Americans like another case of partisan bickering. But it would in fact change how Congress works. Here's what all the fuss is about.
Decoder Wire On immigration reform, more Americans hew to the Democrats' stance

Forty-eight percent of Americans say their views on immigration reform align best with the Democratic Party, compared with 36 percent whose views are closer to the Republican Party, a new poll shows. The gap is much wider for blacks and Hispanics.
President Obama: 'The death of Trayvon Martin was a tragedy for America'

George Zimmerman was found not guilty in the shooting death of black teenager Trayvon Martin. In a statement Sunday, President Obama said, 'I now ask every American to respect the call for calm reflection from two parents who lost their young son.'
Senate leaders at odds over proposed rule changes

On Monday, all 100 senators will meet to seek a compromise that will allow President Barack Obama's nominees for several posts to be confirmed without receiving the required 60 votes.
Food stamps fact check: For now, program will continue as is

Food stamps have historically been linked to farm programs, but on Thursday the House passed the farm bill without addressing food stamps at all, saying the $80 billion program would be addressed in a separate bill. In 2012, one in seven Americans used food stamps.
The Monitor's View As US eyes retreat in Afghanistan, it must listen to Malala

The young Pakistani girl is a model for the global struggle against the anti-women Taliban. With Obama weighing troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, Malala's speech to the UN today gives reasons to finish the job.
USA Update Janet Napolitano steps down at DHS: Who will replace her? (+video)

Janet Napolitano guided DHS through challenging times marked by debates over border security and immigration, airport security policies that critics say were too intrusive, and scrutiny of the federal response to natural disasters.
Opinion For Obama, Bush, Reagan, no vacation from politics

President Obama doesn’t have his own ranch or summer compound as a vacation retreat, so he stays in rental properties, which seem high-end. Obama has also spent much less time on vacation than his predecessor. In truth, presidents don't get a real break from their job – or from politics.
What role will Obama play in immigration reform? It's not clear, yet.

The House and Senate appear to have very different opinions of how to achieve an immigration overhaul, however, President Obama has no plans to tour the country to make a case for immigration reform as he did for healthcare. Instead, he is meeting with various groups in Washington.
Decoder Wire Is Hillary Clinton's new hairstyle a 2016 makeover? Or do we need to chill?

Hillary Clinton has a new hairstyle, which can only mean she is absolutely, definitely, positively running for president. Or maybe not. But the move to push her into the White House is gaining steam.
Energy Voices Climate change threatens nation's energy, DOE report warns

Climate change and extreme weather are disrupting the ways we generate, distribute, and consume energy, according to a report released Thursday by the US Department of Energy. It's part of a growing acknowledgement among officials for a need to adapt to the planet's changing climate.
US lethal aid to Syrian rebels: What's the holdup?

Concern in congressional intelligence committees over the prospects of US small arms falling into the wrong hands has delayed the lethal aid to Syrian rebels. Some say it may arrive too late.
Egypt's new leaders take heat from all sides as they plow ahead (+video)

Even supporters of ex-president Morsi's ouster say the military has too much power – and that leaders are repeating mistakes made after Mubarak's fall.
Terrorism & Security With F-16s, Obama signals no US challenge to Egypt coup (+video)

If Washington deemed Morsi's removal a coup, the US would be legally required to cut its estimated $1.3 billion in military aid.
Immigration reform: How is the House approaching it?

Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives appeared divided on whether to provide immigrants living in the U.S. illegally a path to citizenship following a closed door meeting Wednesday.
Egypt set to receive U.S. jets, despite recent overthrow

The United States will send four jets as scheduled to Egypt, Defense Department officials said Wednesday. The U.S. is reviewing the assistance it provides to Egypt following the recent military ouster of President Mohamed Mursi.
Immigration reform: House GOP consensus is to do something – but later

House Republicans emerged from a strategy session on immigration reform saying something needed to be done but seeming content to shelve the issue until the fall. What to do is still an issue.
Conceal-carry: Heeding court, Illinois becomes 50th state to allow it

Both chambers of the Illinois legislature on Tuesday overrode a veto on the matter by Gov. Pat Quinn. About 300,000 residents could apply for conceal-carry permits, although some details of the law have to be worked out first.
Global News Blog Good Reads: From rules for rebels, to elevator cables, to an enchanting sci-fi world

This week's round-up of Good Reads includes rules for arming rebels, defense contractors may know more than our own government, buildings may get taller thanks to new elevator cables, a profile of a cyberwar general, and sci-fi brings magic back to the mundane.
Obamacare: Smokers to get a break? Glitch may limit penalties.

Obamacare glitch benefits smokers: A computer system problem will limit the penalties that Obamacare allows insurance companies to charge smokers. The fix will take over a year.
FBI nominee James Comey: Did he ace confirmation hearing?

James Comey, a Republican who served under George W. Bush, told the senators he considered waterboarding torture. The FBI nominee sailed through his confirmation hearing with bipartisan support.
Stir It Up! Kids' State Dinner celebrates healthy lunches (+video)

Michelle Obama hosted the second Kids' State Dinner at the White House on July 9. The guests were 54 American children who had submitted winning recipes for a healthy recipe contest sponsored by the White House and Epicurious.
US-China cybersecurity talks: Will Snowden leaks thwart US goals?

Topping the US agenda for strategic and economic talks with China this week is cybersecurity. But since Obama and Xi met in California, Edward Snowden spilled the beans on US spying.
Decoder Wire Michelle Obama hosts Kids' State Dinner: Better than the real thing?

Winners of the first lady's healthy lunch recipe contest attended a Kids' State Dinner at the White House on Tuesday. It was a lot like a real state dinner, except it was lunchtime and Michelle Obama let everyone eat with their fingers.
Guantánamo: US judge condemns force-feeding, but declines detainees' appeal

A US district judge said she lacked the jurisdiction to halt the practice of force-feeding at Guantánamo, but condemned it as 'painful ... and degrading' and said Obama could stop it.