Topic: Dan Schnur

Bill Clinton speech: Did it clear way for Obama, or create a hurdle? (+video)

The Bill Clinton speech at the DNC was a tour de force. While President Obama can hold his own as an orator, there's a risk that voters could see a difference between Clinton's politics and Obama's.

Which side is winning the battle to define Paul Ryan?

So far, polls show little to no bounce for Mitt Romney since he named Rep. Paul Ryan as his running mate. The wisdom of adding Ryan to the ticket could be decided by how well he and Romney resolve their unsettled message on Medicare.

Has Mitt Romney given up on the Latino vote?

Mitt Romney chose Rep. Paul Ryan as his running mate and Gov. Chris Christie as the convention keynote speaker. For now, he seems to have put Latino outreach on a back burner.

Did health care 'tax' just blow up California's careful budget plans?

California Governor Jerry Brown's plans to raise state taxes on the wealthy could be derailed because of voter concern about President Obama's plan to boost taxes on the wealthy and the Supreme Court's labeling the health care reform law a tax.

Romney vs. Obama and Bain vs. Solyndra: Who will win?

As the presidential election progresses into a July lull, concerns over health care and super PACs continue to take a backseat to the economy in voters' minds. 

Surge, sag, repeat: Why the Republicans are so volatile.

Super PACs, the tea party, a surging and sagging field, and a party rule requiring proportional awarding of delegates in early-voting states are contributing to an unusually unsettled GOP race. 

Why did Democrats choose Antonio Villaraigosa to lead national convention?

Antonio Villaraigosa has built an impressive résumé in the California Assembly and as mayor of Los Angeles. As chair of the Democratic National Convention, he could help woo Latinos. 

Why Jerry Brown is standing firm on shaky California high-speed rail plan

Another report critical of California's $100-billion high-speed rail project – the second this month – has not shaken Gov. Jerry Brown's faith in the plan. He has his eyes on his legacy, some say.

Mitt Romney tax return poses a challenge: how to talk about his wealth

With the release of the Mitt Romney tax return, which showed nothing illegal, the worst may be over for the candidate, but GOP analysts say he needs to develop a better message about his money.

Is California Gov. Jerry Brown's 'ransom' budget an empty threat?

California Gov. Jerry Brown proposed a state budget Thursday that would cut $4.8 billion from education – but only if a ballot initiative to raise taxes fails. Problem is, legislators are balking.

State of the State: Jerry Brown twists Republican arms – with a smile

Jerry Brown's State of the State met expectations: 15 minutes focused on his plan for closing California's $25.4 billion deficit, with just a touch of humor to try to bring Republicans on board.

Stumping for McCain, Sarah Palin dials back the gun rhetoric

Sarah Palin now says 'taking up arms' means voting. Weaponry and military metaphors are part of political discourse, but not all conservatives are happy with Palin's gun rhetoric.

Californians vent frustration at Schwarzenegger, legislators

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's approval rating is now at 27 percent according to a new poll. It's the second lowest rating for a California governor in 50 years – and the legislature's is worse.

The reshaping of the GOP

The most fertile ground for Republicans is the growing ranks of independents. And efforts to rebrand the party from the inside are prompting a stir within a new generation of young politicians.

Clock's ticking for California budget talks

As a deal stalled over school funding cuts, warnings sounded about rising state debt and falling bond ratings.

Where does Palin's exit leave GOP for 2012?

First, Sen. John Ensign and Gov. Mark Sanford admitted to having affairs. Friday, Palin left politics (for now). But the list of potential Republican candidates for the White House is still long.

California crisis a threat to US economic recovery

Economists worry that the budget deficit could hurt the state just as it has begun showing signs of recovery.

Is Cheney helping or hurting the GOP?

The former vice president is charging hard in defense of Bush-era antiterror policies, but some party analysts say other Republican voices need to emerge.

California running out of money

A $28 billion budget shortfall through 2010 could start to pinch next week.

Palin pick jolts GOP ranks ahead of convention

Socially conservative and telegenic, Alaska's governor livens the ticket but is questioned on experience.

New poll shows McCain - Obama in virtual tie

Campaign ad watch: McCain and the use of humor

Picking a No. 2 in the glare of the Internet age

More than ever, vice presidential wannabes must maneuver between groveling and remaining cool.

Picking a No. 2 in the glare of the Internet age

More than ever, vice presidential wannabes must maneuver between groveling and remaining cool.

Military culture, pragmatism shape McCain

John McCain's military experience and Senate record show a presidential candidate who values integrity and getting things done.