Topic: Brendan Nyhan

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Why IRS investigation is already Obama's Watergate – and Benghazi, too (+video)

Since Watergate, every two-term president has had a second-term scandal. First-term mistakes and hyperpartisanship make probes – like those into Benghazi and the IRS – almost inevitable.
Post-Sandy Hook, South Dakota and Georgia move to protect schools with guns

As the gun-control debate continues, Georgia, South Dakota, Colorado, and New York have emerged as bellwethers on how the nation is beginning to stand up to gun violence.
Decoder Wire Would President Romney have prevented the 'sequester'? (+video)

Mitt Romney says he could have done better than President Obama on the sequester. But leadership depends on the balance of power as much as knocking heads.
Cover Story Future hangs on misunderstood majority of gun owners

Gun control seen through the eyes of the misunderstood majority of gun owners is more nuanced and complex than the absolutism of America's big gun lobbies. The Obama administration is courting this breed of centrist, gun-friendly Americans on the fence about gun control.
'Bump fire' devices turn rifles into machine guns: How is that legal?

One legal device turns regular semiautomatic rifles into rapid-fire weapons. Guns can't be mechanically customized to spray-fire, but a device that simply aids the shooter's own firing action remains legal.
Opinion: Will voters kick out all incumbents in 2012?

Probably not – even though most Americans dislike both political parties. There are three scenarios for 2012. The most likely: If the economy remains weak and the GOP picks an acceptable candidate, voters will kick out both Obama and Democrats from power.
Why is it so hard for Obama to shake the Muslim myth?

Some of the 1 in 5 Americans who believe that President Obama is a Muslim are adamant in their convictions, and continue refuting the notion – and evidence – that Obama is a practicing Christian.
Sarah Palin 'Going Rogue' to the White House? Polls say no.

With her book, 'Going Rogue,' released today, Sarah Palin is red meat to the far right. But Palin's poll numbers have slid significantly since she quit as Alaska governor.
Media truth squads and the ’08 campaign: Any impact?

Reporters aim to check facts behind candidates’ claims, but effect on voters is unclear.