Topic: George McGovern

From Willie Horton to windsurfing: Five top political attack ads

Political attacks ads: love 'em or hate 'em, but they’re here to stay, and this election year stands to be a watershed moment in their use. Here's a look at what are considered to be some of the most memorable and effective attack ads utilized over the years. 

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 Michigan could be Mitt Romney's make-or-break moment (+video)

Mitt Romney trails Rick Santorum in Michigan. Has any presidential aspirant lost their home state primary, yet gone on to win a major party nomination? Since 1972, the answer is no. 

The Last Great Senate

Did the Senate really used to be a grand institution? Ira Shapiro argues that it was – and not that long ago.

Clint Eastwood isn't endorsing Obama? How that doesn't detract from the ad.

Hollywood endorsements don't always work, but they can matter, especially if the message is perceived as authentic and the celebrity is respected. Like Clint Eastwood.

Five big moments in New Hampshire primary history

The Granite State's first-in-the nation primary has been a launching pad for many a presidential hopeful – but not always. The following are among the most interesting outcomes.

Sources: Political Research Quarterly, NewHampshirePrimary.com, New Hampshire Almanac

Almost President

Why some of the candidates who lost the race for president ultimately had a bigger impact than many of those who won.

Does Mitt Romney have the GOP presidential nomination wrapped up?

One by one, Mitt Romney's GOP rivals have taken runs at him, trumpeting his failures as a true conservative and his flip-flopping. But one by one, they’ve stumbled, and at the moment the race for the GOP nomination seems like Romney’s to lose.

IRA contributions: Am I eligible?

IRA contributions are open to anyone, but Roth IRA contributions can't exceed $5,000 or your annual income, whichever is lower (Question 6).

Vote the way you did that first time

It is easy to get jaded about voting, especially with all the partisan bickering that precedes it. But watch first-time voters -- those who have just come of age or those who live in newly free countries -- and you'll remember how it felt that first time.

Retiring senators: Why are so many calling it quits?

Twelve senators so far have opted not to run again, the second-highest number of retiring senators in 75 years. Among their frustrations: the Senate's increasingly partisan climate.

The Clinton Tapes

Bill Clinton reveals much in 79 taped conversations with historian Taylor Branch.

The Clinton Tapes: A book with a rich backstory

Remembering breakfast with the 'Prince of Darkness'

Stop picking on Jimmy Carter

He suffers from an egregiously unfair reputation. His record, though, shows he was quite a good president.

USA

Doubts about Palin grow, even among conservatives

Some rough TV interviews have prompted some to ask if McCain’s running mate is ready.

Dem convention: Hey, where's the Biden bounce?

Conventions: a bounce for the candidates

But in 2004, Bush got only 2 points; Kerry, 0.

If superdelegates pick nominee, Democrats face backlash

The idea that party insiders would decide contest strikes many as 'undemocratic.'

Democratic primary: Quiet battle for the other delegates

Superdelegates, or party professionals, could play a decisive role in the outcome of the Democratic race.