Topic: Dick Cheney

Decoder Wire Electoral College 101: How it works. Why we're stuck with it.

Why is 270 the magic number on Election Day? Because it's the number of Electoral College votes needed to win the presidency. A look at the messy system the Founding Fathers bequeathed us.

Chapter & Verse Joe Biden vs. Paul Ryan: The evolution of the vice president in America

As the presidential race heats up, vice-presidential expert Joel Goldstein discusses how the role of the nation's No. 2 has changed over the decades.

Danville, Kentucky sees upside in hosting Vice Presidential debate

The small Kentucky town sees the debate at Centre College as another chance to appear on a national stage.

Mitt Romney to lay out foreign policy, national security agenda (+video)

Following a series of rhetorical stumbles, Mitt Romney is scheduled to lay out his more muscular foreign policy and national security agenda at the Virginia Military Institute Monday. But is it really all that different from President Obama's?

Decoder Wire Obama and Romney on '60 Minutes': What were the defining moments? (+video)

Both President Obama and Mitt Romney tried to give detailed answers to tough questions in separate '60 Minutes' interviews. If you're an undecided voter, you should watch the whole program.

Opinion Romney's pick of Paul Ryan: Let the debate over substance begin

The presidential race has so far been shamefully dismissive of substance. With his pick of  House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan as his vice presidential running mate, Republican Mitt Romney presents voters with a clear choice over the role of government and how to pay for it.

Presidential debate: Teenage girls campaign for woman moderator in 2012

Three female high school students have launched an online petition drive to convince the Commission on Presidential Debates to name a female moderator for one of this year's televised presidential debates.

Culture Cafe 'Follow the Leader' documentary features 16-year-olds dreaming of the presidency

'Follow the Leader' director Jonathan Goodman Levitt discusses capturing the story of three teenagers who strive to hold the highest office in the land.

Briefing Defense cuts: three things Americans should know

The US House approved a bill in July that’s likely to spark a showdown on military spending.

What will federal budget cuts mean for local economies?

Former Vice President Dick Cheney visited Republican senators on Capitol Hill to convey his message that defense spending cuts will hurt the U.S. military. Local mayors are concerned that lost government contracts will threaten their local businesses. 

Decoder Wire Should Sarah Palin speak at GOP convention? (+video)

Sarah Palin electrified the 2008 GOP convention, but many gaffes later, even conservative critics are wary of how a Palin speech in Tampa could impact the 2012 race and presumptive GOP standard-bearer, Mitt Romney.

Wyoming fundraiser: Romney gets boost from Cheney

Whispers and rumors spread about Romney's veep

As the convention looms closer any Republican seen with Mitt Romney generates buzz around the GOP veep selection.

The Passage of Power

In Volume IV of “The Years of Lyndon Johnson,” biographer Robert A. Caro concentrates on the succession of political triumphs and defeats that accompanied LBJ to the Oval Office.

Chapter & Verse Why America forgets the War of 1812

Author Don Hickey discusses the reasons for the conflict and how it's remembered by our northern neighbors.

Supreme Court sides with Secret Service agents in free-speech case

A Colorado man said Secret Service agents arrested him in retaliation for his political comments about former Vice President Dick Cheney. The Supreme Court said the agents had probable cause. 

Vietnam War: Beginning 13 years of commemorating a divisive conflict

At the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Monday, President Obama began a national commemoration of the 50-year anniversary of the Vietnam War. To Vietnam veterans he said, 'You made us proud, and you have earned your place among the greatest generations.'

Patrick Fitzgerald, nemesis of Rod Blagojevich, steps down

US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald on Thursday ruled out two options for his next career move, saying he’s not wired to run for office and quipping, 'Can you see me as a defense attorney?'

Tax VOX A path forward on tax reform: 4 steps

Tax reform will be difficult, but with a four-step road map, it can be done.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan endorses gay marriage. Is Obama cornered? (+video)

Now, both Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary Duncan have spoken up for gay marriage, but Obama is holding back. That could be a political calculation, but gay activists are frustrated.

Liz Cheney: Are we ready for another political dynasty?

Liz Cheney – daughter of former vice president Dick Cheney – may be positioning herself to run for Congress from Wyoming, the state her father represented. Is America ready for another political dynasty?

Private Empire

Pulitzer Prize-winner Steve Coll takes a close look at secretive behemoth that is Exxon Mobil.

Decoder Wire Obama's open mic moment: How big a flub? (+video)

Obama's open mic incident happened on Monday when he told the Russian president that he would have 'more flexibility' in missile defense negotiations after the 2012 elections.

Does Secret Service protection trump speech rights? Supreme Court hears case.

A Colorado man arrested in 2006 after telling Vice President Cheney what he thought of the Iraq war alleges that Secret Service agents retaliated against him for his opinions.

Dennis Kucinich out: Left loses a combative, cheerful voice in Congress

Former presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich lost in the Democratic primary Tuesday to Rep. Marcy Kaptur after their Ohio districts were merged by a Republican redistricting plan.