Topic: Edward M. Kennedy

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Playing the IRS card: Six presidents who used the IRS to bash political foes

Since the advent of the federal income tax about a century ago, several presidents – or their zealous underlings – have directed the IRS to use its formidable police powers to harass or punish enemies, political rivals, and administration critics. Here are six infamous episodes.
Senate freshmen: What the 14 new members bring to Capitol Hill

A freshman Senate class was sworn in Jan. 3, bringing diverse skills and experience – not to mention agendas – to the legislative body. Whether the 14 newest senators help break partisan gridlock, or refuse to work across the aisle, will be the test for the 113th Congress.Twelve were elected on Nov. 6, including three Republicans, eight Democrats, and an independent. In addition, a Republican and a Democrat were appointed to vacant seats after the election. Here is a look at the 14 and what they bring to the Senate:
Briefing
Obama vs. Romney 101: 5 ways they differ on immigration

President Obama has staked out positions favored by Latino voters on immigration issues. Mitt Romney has tried to cast himself somewhere between the staunchest anti-illegal immigration activist of his party and Obama. Here are the two candidates' positions on five issues:
Briefing
Six 2012 races where the tea party counts

After playing kingmaker in the 2010 election cycle, the tea party movement is having a less prominent role in 2012. But its support or opposition could swing some key races and even determine whether Republicans win control of the Senate. Here are six US Senate contests where the tea party could make a difference.
'Mrs. Kennedy and Me': A Secret Service agent shares his memories

Secret Service agent Clint Hill shares 8 memories of his time with Jacqueline Kennedy in his new book, 'Mrs. Kennedy and Me.'

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Playing the IRS card: Six presidents who used the IRS to bash political foes

Since the advent of the federal income tax about a century ago, several presidents – or their zealous underlings – have directed the IRS to use its formidable police powers to harass or punish enemies, political rivals, and administration critics. Here are six infamous episodes.
Could Gabriel Gomez pull a 'Scott Brown' and win Massachusetts Senate race?

Massachusetts Democrats are resolved not to repeat the mistakes of 2010, which allowed a GOP moderate with a fresh face and some charisma to prevail in a solid blue state. But GOP candidate Gabriel Gomez, like Scott Brown before him, is generating buzz.
Immigration reform: How many new immigrants are we talking about?

The new immigration reform bill will double the number of immigrants coming to the US over the next decade, critics say. Others say it's too early, too complex, or too politically risky to tell.
Sen. Scott Brown ... of New Hampshire? Why it could work.

Former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown raised eyebrows by saying he's 'not going to rule out anything' when asked if he'd run for Senate in New Hampshire. He has a house there.
Caroline Kennedy to be US ambassador to Japan? Why it makes sense now.

Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the late President Kennedy, may soon be on her way to Tokyo as President Obama's envoy. The new secretary of State likely played a role.
Modern Parenthood Bo Obama asked out by lady Goldendoodle to Oregon dog fundraiser

Bo Obama, the gentlemanly dressed First Dog, was asked by a Goldendoodle named Ramona to escort her to the Portland, Ore., Doggie Dash fundraiser for the Oregon Humane Society. Ramona addressed Bo Obama in a YouTube video and wrote the FDOTUS a letter.
Massachusetts' incredible shrinking Senate race: More Republicans bow out

The most likely GOP contenders are no-shows, but some other Massachusetts Republicans are launching campaigns or testing the waters. Still, Democrats may be hard to beat in this Senate race.
Scott Brown won't seek open Senate seat, a blow to Republican hopes (+video)

Republican Scott Brown won't vie for US Senate seat vacated by John Kerry of Massachusetts, he said Friday. His decision increases the likelihood the seat will stay in Democratic hands.
Who’ll fill Kerry Senate seat? Question answered, but only for now.

Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick names a former aide, William 'Mo' Cowan, to fill the Kerry seat until a special election in June. Two House Democrats are girding for battle, as is the GOP's Scott Brown.
In Mass. Senate race could Scott Brown win again?

Former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown lost the general election to Elizabeth Warren, but could make a run for Sen. John Kerry's seat. But has Brown, once a tea party favorite, alienated national conservative groups?
Senate freshmen: What the 14 new members bring to Capitol Hill

A freshman Senate class was sworn in Jan. 3, bringing diverse skills and experience – not to mention agendas – to the legislative body. Whether the 14 newest senators help break partisan gridlock, or refuse to work across the aisle, will be the test for the 113th Congress.Twelve were elected on Nov. 6, including three Republicans, eight Democrats, and an independent. In addition, a Republican and a Democrat were appointed to vacant seats after the election. Here is a look at the 14 and what they bring to the Senate:
No Ben Affleck? That's OK, Massachusetts Senate race still poised to be big.

If John Kerry's seat needs to be filled next year, it will be the fourth time Massachusetts voters have chosen Senate candidates in a six-year period. Actor-director Ben Affleck said Monday he won't run.
Decoder Wire Might Ben Affleck try leap from Hollywood to US Senate? So far, he's cagey.

The actor and director says he's 'happy being involved from outside in government.' But Ben Affleck didn't exactly put the kibosh on talk about a possible run for John Kerry's Senate seat.
Decoder Wire Sen. Ben Affleck? Fearing loss of Mass. Senate seat, Democrats scramble.

A poll shows outgoing GOP Sen. Scott Brown leading potential Democratic opponents for Sen. John Kerry's seat, if the latter becomes secretary of State. Ben Affleck hasn't flatly denied a possible run.
Chapter & Verse Writer David Nasaw discusses the turbulent life of Joseph P. Kennedy

From his role as a father to powerful politicians to his job as a movie industry mogul, Nasaw says that 'unlike other outsiders who fight to get inside... once [Kennedy] gets inside, he refuses to play by the rules.'
Election results 2012: Does Obama's historic victory give him a mandate? (+video)

An outcome that maintains the status quo in Washington guarantees Obama some important advantages. But the 2012 election results also foretell more gridlock, and the president, by not offering a path out of debt and deficit, lacks a clear mandate for action.
How Elizabeth Warren bested Sen. Scott Brown in Massachusetts (+video)

The Massachusetts contest was one of the highest-profile Senate races. Voters had a positive impression of both Elizabeth Warren and Scott Brown, yet the campaign was rife with negative ads.
What will happen if Congress remains status quo?

In tomorrow's election Republicans are expected to retain the House, and Democrats are expected to retain the Senate. Can America survive another two years of dysfunction on Capital Hill?
Romney’s wavering path on abortion. Do voters care?

Abortion is a tricky issue for both Romney and Obama campaigns. In polls, a plurality agrees that abortion should be generally available. But a substantial number want to restrict its availability.
History shows “coattail” effect not so crucial to presidents

The "coattail" effect may not be key to a successuful administration: History shows US presidents have always had to deal with opposition in Congress, whether their party held sway or not.
Cover Story Election 2012: How Romney might lead on new Washington terrain

Romney White House scenarios beyond a top-down CEO approach. A two-part election 2012 report profiles the stark differences and interesting similarities of a second-term Obama White House vs. a Romney White House – either of which would have to deal with a highly polarized Congress.
Decoder Wire The return of Mitt the Moderate

In Wednesday's presidential debate, Mitt Romney finally tacked back to the center – something observers had been expecting him to do ever since he wrapped up the nomination. But is it too late?
Opinion: Obama played bad defense against an articulate, high-scoring Romney (+video)

President Obama's weary cadence throughout the presidential debate last night was a sad contrast with Mitt Romney’s sunny intensity and articulate flow of figures and 'facts.' His many good lines appealed to undecided voters or responded to negative impressions.
Sen. Scott Brown apologizes for tomahawk chops by staff

In a second video posted Wednesday, Scott Brown supporters' war whoops are heard as Brown criticizes Elizabeth Warren's claims of Native American heritage. Brown apologized for staff members shouting war whoops and performing tomahawk chops during a rally days earlier in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood.
In Massachusetts Brown, Warren release competing heritage ads (+videos)

The Senate race in Massachusetts has returned to an old theme, the question of challenger Elizabeth Warren's claim to Native American ancestry. Warren and Senator Scott Brown both released competing ads on the issue.