Topic: Cal Jillson

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Epic scorching drought testing Texas' ways

Massive droughts caused by wildfires in Texas have ravaged the environment, incited a tug of war for available water, and fundamentally changed the way of life for the state’s millions of residents.
Can Obama turn it around?

A feistier President Obama has emerged as he makes the case for his jobs bill. But will campaigning for a plan that faces dim prospects with Republicans be enough to save his presidency?
Perry vs. Romney: Does it matter whom Obama faces in 2012? In short, yes.

Even with high unemployment and a sluggish economy, it still matters whom the Republican Party nominates to face Obama. For now, Romney appears likely to be a tougher foe than Perry.
Rick Perry: Smart politics for him to call Social Security a Ponzi scheme?

If Rick Perry wins the GOP presidential nomination, his remarks on Social Security and other issues could haunt him. But right now, his play to the Republican base appears to be spot on.
Rick Perry, on eve of likely presidential run, gambles with big faith rally

Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who is weigning a presidential run, is headlining 'The Response: A Call to Prayer for a Nation in Crisis.' The evangelical event could help him in GOP primaries but make voters in a general election nervous.
Rick Perry's most rapt audience: Michele Bachmann and Mitt Romney

A Perry candidacy for the 2012 GOP nomination could be devastating for conservative rival Michele Bachmann. Rick Perry would also be a bigger threat than Bachmann to moderate Mitt Romney.
Obama's push to boost tax revenues: Will voters approve?

In deficit talks, Republicans insist on spending cuts, while Obama and Democrats want a 'balanced approach' that includes higher tax revenues. Political analysts say it's time for the president to make his case to the public.
Huma Abedin and wronged political wives: few options, hard choices

Scandal-tarred Rep. Anthony Weiner says he and his wife, Huma Abedin, will stay together. She has not spoken publicly. How political wives respond to wrongdoing may affect their husbands' political survival, some analysts say.
The Vote
After 'Birth Certificate Day,' what now for Donald Trump?

Donald Trump has ridden far on the ‘birther’ issue. But some strategists have their doubts that he can withstand sustained scrutiny by primary voters.
Obama's reelection bid: Can he recapture the magic? Does he need to?

President Obama announced his reelection bid Monday morning via e-mail and Web video. Unlike 2008, this time he has all the advantages and disadvantages of an incumbent.
The Vote
Why is Jeb Bush sharing the stage with President Obama?

Jeb Bush, former governor of Florida, will appear with President Obama at an education event in Florida on Friday. What's in it for him?
What Obama needs to achieve in his State of the Union address

The State of the Union address is expected to lay out five ‘pillars’ for ‘winning the future’ – education, infrastructure, innovation, deficit reduction, and reform of government.
Bloomberg for president? Nolabels.org could be just the vehicle.

New York's mayor is says he is not – 'no way, no how' – running for president. But his role in the nonpartisan political movement Nolabels.org raises speculation.
Obama's new job: reinvention

To avoid gridlock, he will need to master a new political reality – and win a battle of public perception.
Could Mike Castle be part of a new Republican middle?

Ultra-conservative 'tea party' candidates have gotten most of the attention this election cycle. But Mike Castle of Delaware is one of several moderate conservatives who could also win this fall.
Ground zero mosque flap: how Obama and Democrats can recover

Time to change the subject from the ground zero mosque controversy to something else, like jobs and the economy, say Democratic strategists. But the issue continues to draw comments from Democratic candidates.
Why busy Obama is focusing on long-shot issue of immigration reform

President Obama gives a speech Thursday on the need for federal immigration reform. He may be directing attention to the issue in a bid to turn up the heat on Congress to act, some analysts say.
Obama White House still trying to get BP oil spill right

There’s been an improvisational tone to the White House response to the BP oil spill. But given the magnitude of the disaster, that may have been inevitable.
Obama administration pulls no punches on BP oil spill, N.Y.C. bomb plot

The Obama administration is carefully choosing its words about the BP oil spill and failed N.Y.C. bomb plot, as it tries to calibrate its public posture on events.
Filling John Paul Stevens Supreme Court vacancy big test for Obama

Replacing retiring Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens depends largely on who President Obama nominates. But given Obama's political standing these days, confirmation by the Senate is unlikely to be quick and easy.
Health care bill victory: Obama's historic moment

With House passage of the health care bill late Sunday, President Obama has succeeded where presidents going back decades before him have failed. But it was a hard-fought victory, costing him dearly in public approval and political capital.
From conservatives, a bounty of political manifestos

Everybody from tea partiers to Republican lawmakers to GOP chief Michael Steele is listing their political priorities and goals. Republicans are hoping to repeat Newt Gingrich's 1994 success in taking over the House with his 'Contract With America.'
Obama’s approval rating sinking. Can he keep his clout?

The job approval rating for Obama has now fallen below 50 percent in a Gallup poll – amid issues of jobs, healthcare reform, and Afghanistan strategy.
Healthcare tests Obama's grasp of Capitol Hill game

Getting healthcare reform done – the biggest legislative challenge in decades – depends on how well Obama and his team can win over key members of Congress.
Obama healthcare speech: What he needs to accomplish

In his speech Wednesday night, Obama has promised clarity on key issues and will try to regain control of the healthcare debate.