Topic: FactCheck.org

Battle for women's votes: 6 flash points

The uproar over the Obama campaign’s 'Life of Julia' Web infographic – which made #Julia big on Twitter – highlights just how fiercely both parties are fighting for the women’s vote. The economy is by far the most important issue in November for both sexes. But there are other areas with special significance to women. Here are the main flash points.

Utah Republican convention: How Orrin Hatch (almost) beat back a tea party revolt

As Republicans in Utah have turned more moderate since 2010, veteran US Sen. Orrin Hatch has turned more conservative. Taken together, this nearly helped Hatch survive a tea party challenge at Saturday's Republican nominating convention. Instead, he faces a primary election in June.

Rick Santorum: top 5 unorthodox views

Rick Santorum must try to prevent Mitt Romney from securing a majority of delegates before the Republican convention in August, and then have a contested convention. In many cases, his positions mirror Mr. Romney’s, but here are five of Mr. Santorum’s most unorthodox views.   

Is bias-free news coverage coming back into vogue?

After years in which news outlets became associated with one political slant or another, there are some signs that a course correction is under way in the media. So far, the shift is a subtle one.

'King of Bain': 6 questions answered about anti-Mitt Romney attack ads

A pro-Newt Gingrich super PAC will begin its controversial 'King of Bain' ad campaign attacking Mitt Romney Thursday. Here's a Q&A to explain what the controversy is about.

The Top 10 political quotes of 2010

The “who said what” buzz came in full force this election year through campaign ads, public appearances, and even tweets. But who are the politicians that shocked and zinged the most? Here’s a roundup of the year’s most memorable political quotes.

Santa Claus? Yes and no, Virginia.

More than a century ago Francis Pharcellus Church, an editor at the old New York Sun, answered young Virginia O'Hanlon's question about Santa Claus. Wonder what he'd say today?

Outside groups dominate 2010 campaign spending

Colorado’s Seventh Congressional District – a bellwether district in a swing state – leads the nation in spending on political ads by outside groups not required to disclose their donors.

Activist groups, distrustful of candidates, push for pre-election pledges

Many grass-roots activists want candidates to sign pledges to, say, undo health-care reform. Will such pledges tie lawmakers' hands later, or improve accountability?

Rise of the YouTube ambush in Election 2010: a case study

Election 2010 campaigns seed town-hall meetings with tough questioners and cameras, in the hope of tarring a rival via a 'YouTube moment.' Here's a look at one recent episode in an Ohio House race.

How Bill Clinton factors in California governor race

Former President Bill Clinton found himself tossed between Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman this week. Clinton endorsed Brown, but how the candidates respond could have more of an impact.

Jerry Brown: Did he raise taxes as California governor, or not?

That question is at the heart of this week's dustup involving a 1992 CNN report, former rival Bill Clinton, and Jerry's Brown's current rival in the race for California governor, Meg Whitman. Hey, the answer is complicated, too.

Healthcare reform backlash: Americans angry over earmarks

Healthcare reform legislation often means cutting 'deals,' but public anger over earmarks may further gridlock healthcare reform.

Joe Wilson apologizes once, Barack Obama accepts twice

In fundraising video, Joe Wilson seeks to shore up GOP support

Town-hall meetings: facing voter wrath on healthcare

Healthcare forums evoked anger, but there was constructive dialogue, too.

Abortion wars intensify over healthcare reform

Debate is raging over whether Congress is expanding abortion access at taxpayer expense. It threatens to consume health reform efforts this fall.

McCaughey tells Stewart healthcare bill is 'deadly to seniors'

Should CNN attack its own anchor over 'birther' flap?

A media watchdog group releases an ad criticizing CNN anchor Lou Dobbs for stoking the 'birther' controversy.

Defining the (carefully crafted) terms of healthcare reform

There’s no reform bill to debate yet, but both sides know that shaping the debate early is crucial to victory.

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about teaching skills for the 21st century in school, America's continuing role as a major global power, and preventing politicians who commit felonies from keeping their government posts.

Forget Palin - McCain needs Joe the Plumber

Real change in campaign ‘08: Stop hating the other party.

Hate can turn into hypocrisy, and it kills thinking. So I'm trying to watch it.

Media truth squads and the ’08 campaign: Any impact?

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

Palin says she would helm energy policy as VP

At a rally in Vienna, Ohio, Tuesday, Alaska governor and Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin said that, if elected, she would lead the nation's energy efforts.