Topic: John Podesta

Iraq ledger: War by the numbers

Reckoning the costs of war in Iraq will take years. Using federal government and other sources, analysts at the Center for American Progress have calculated an 'Iraq War Ledger.'

Who will be whispering in Hillary Clinton’s ear now?

Secretary Hillary Clinton, eager for the State Department to have its own advisory panel of big thinkers, is convening the new, 25-member Foreign Affairs Policy Board this month.

Glenn Beck leaving Fox: his 10 most controversial statements (so far)

Glenn Beck has packed a lot of wallop in just two-plus years at Fox News. We’ve whittled the list down to the 10 most controversial things Mr. Beck has said on Fox – so far, at least.

As Egypt crisis continues, would US cut foreign aid? Unlikely.

Would the Obama administration cut the $1.5 billion in military and economic aid given Egypt every year? It’s been a mainstay of US policy ever since Egypt made peace with Israel in 1979.

Will Obama’s lame-duck dealmaking survive in the new year?

Even with the deep partisan divide, Obama and Congress worked together in the lame-duck session. But pressure on the president from the left and right will grow in the new year.

Who is Pete Rouse? He's not Rahm Emanuel

The president's new chief of staff Pete Rouse, hailed by Obama as a 'skillful problem-solver,' is a Washington veteran known for working quietly behind the scenes and avoiding the media.

Rahm Emanuel: If he exits, an opportunity for Obama

Rahm Emanuel has played bad cop to the president’s good cop. Now, if Rahm Emanuel resigns, Obama could name a new right-hand man (or woman) to help him navigate the post-midterm reality.

The wrong tax debate, the wrong tax policy

Obama needs to return to his original tax priorities, and stop treading in the morass of the Bush tax cuts.

Why a tightened defense budget would improve national security

National security officials and experts say that if the defense budget were tightened policymakers would be forced to better prioritize spending.

Judiciary Chairman: hearings to start in June for confirmation of Elena Kagan

The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold hearings for nominee Elena Kagan in June.

Which states are innovative in education? A new report card.

The report card aims to highlight the sorts of innovations in education – such as an extended school day – that lead to better schools.

Biden task force pushes 'green jobs'

The first meeting of the White House's Middle Class Task Force on Friday focused on how the creation of so-called green jobs can help fuel the economic recovery and bolster the middle class.

DTV update: Obama asks Congress to delay digital switch

Obama's green team

At a news conference in Chicago Monday, Barack Obama announced many of his energy and environment appointees, a team that many say signals a sharp break from Bush administration policies toward pollution, wildlife, clean energy, and climate change.

What's an 'energy czar,' anyway?

It's not official yet, but news reports say that President Clinton's former Environmental Protection Agency chief Carol Browner has been chosen by Barack Obama to serve as his administration's "energy czar." What exactly does an energy czar do?

Democrats brace for ‘midnight rules’ from Bush

White House hastens to put new regs in place – and out of Obama’s reach, watchdogs say.

Waxman unseats Dingell as House energy committee chair

To the delight of many environmental groups across the country, California Democrat Henry Waxman has ousted fellow Democrat John Dingell of Michigan from his post as chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sudan cease-fire call gets wary reception in Darfur

Previous cease-fire attempts have failed to prevent violence. Many say the Sudanese president is trying to prevent a war-crimes indictment.

A closer look at Obama’s energy plan

Economy may slow it, but ‘green’ jobs may grow it.

From stem cells to emissions, Obama set to reverse Bush policies

The president-elect will issue many executive orders soon after taking office. Experts say he’ll reward traditional party constituencies but tread lightly when it comes to national security.

Obama already holds bully pulpit

He’s moving fast to build his governing team, but wants to avoid endorsing the policies of President Bush, whom he visits Monday.

Democrats’ quest for the ‘big idea’

The party is full of optimism but is still refining its vision.

Where climate change meets national security

EU report adds urgency to old warnings, NATO to take up discussion next.

Where climate change meets national security

EU report adds urgency to old warnings, NATO to take up discussion next.