Topic: Joe Wilson (Politician)

Why couldn't Rep. Bobby Rush wear hoodie on House floor?

A hoodie won't fly on the House floor, where dress code mandates no hats – and a hoodie counts as a hat, even when its used to bring attention to Trayvon Martin.

In South Carolina, Republicans play hard, fall hard. Consider Ken Ard.

The indictment, conviction, and resignation of Lt. Gov. Ken Ard over campaign corruption charges is the latest in a long line of embarrassing moments for the Republican stronghold of South Carolina.

The etiquette gap: From Newt and Mitt to Facebook and texting

Newt Gingrich calling Mitt Romney a liar, boorish friends texting at dinner, bad Facebook manners: The nation's etiquette gap – from a shove to a shooting – can breed more incivility.

Jan Brewer vs. Obama: Can you respect the presidency but insult the president?

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer wagged her finger at President Obama. NHL player Tim Thomas boycotted a White House ceremony. Is the country 'losing basic courtesy and grace'?

Obama vs. Boehner speech spat: Another sign of presidential disrespect?

For the first time, Congress refused a president's request to speak before a joint session. Some Dems see this as part of a pattern of disrespect toward Obama.

Debate over health care repeal: five gauges of House civility

Wednesday’s vote to repeal health care reform provided a formidable test of whether lawmakers are adopting a more civil tone.

What Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert show us about America's true political center

Disagreement isn't the problem. How we disagree, is.

Anthony Weiner explodes in Congress and on Fox News [video]

Anthony Weiner, a congressman from New York, was livid with Republicans for not passing a bill to give long-term medical benefits to 9/11 first responders. But by historical standards, his outburst was positively tame.

Shock poll: Why do so many Republicans think Obama is a socialist, a Muslim, or even the anti-Christ?

A new poll shows that a quarter of Republicans think Obama may be the anti-Christ. Apocalyptic right-wing rhetoric is going mainstream, as Republican lawmakers stoke the flames of epithet-hurlers and conspiracy theorists.

Texas Rep. Randy Neugebauer admits he shouted "baby killer" during floor debate

Neugebauer insists that he was not referring directly to a fellow congressman but to an agreement made in the 11th hour.

Courage and Consequence

George W. Bush adviser Karl Rove keeps his cards close to the vest in this memoir about his political career.

Obama "beginning not to be believable to me," says Rockefeller

West Virginia Senator Jay Rockefeller is starting to wonder if President Obama is a friend to the coal industry.

Obama vs. Alito: Political dust-up during State of the Union

Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Alito apparently took umbrage at President Obama’s comment about the court’s recent decision on corporate campaign contributions. Was either of them out of line?

Five things to look for in Obama State of the Union address

President Obama delivers his State of the Union address at a political low point. He needs to buck up his party and soothe a frustrated electorate. Will he adopt his new fighting persona? Will anyone heckle him?

South Carolina takes aim at lynching law because it hurt blacks

The law originally was designed to stop the Jim Crow-era lynching of black men. But in recent years, South Carolina's lynching law mainly had targeted African-American gang members.

Opponents on immigration reform gear up for forthcoming battle

Obama has signaled he’ll take up immigration reform soon. As a result, both sides are mobilizing their forces.

It’s WOTY season

The Monitor’s language columnist wonders how anyone can pick just one Word of the Year.

Illegal immigrants becoming a flashpoint in healthcare reform

The House bill allows illegal immigrants to buy their own health insurance through a new 'exchange' as long as no government subsidy is involved. The Senate bill does not.

Health care and illegal immigrants in America: why Mexico is the key

Urging Mexico to strive for a better health care system could relieve the burden on US taxpayers.

Louisiana interracial marriage case revives southern stereotypes

The pace has only picked up after the election of Barack Obama, whose skin color has revealed a usually hidden strain of racism that remains present in the South.

What did GOP's bid to oust Charles Rangel accomplish?

The attempt to remove Charles Rangel from his seat as chairman of an influential House committee keeps allegations of bribery in the public eye.

On healthcare and other hot issues: Follow the independents

The number of voters not tied to Democrats or Republicans is expanding fast. Both parties need to adjust.

The 33-year-old who would be Colorado's next governor

GOP's Josh Penry is hailed as an up-and-comer who can help buoy a down-and-out party, at least in the Rocky Mountain West.

Gibbs says political coverage focuses on 'the loudest and shrillest'