Topic: Julian Zelizer

GOP quandary: how hard to swing at Sotomayor

Republicans on Capitol Hill are acutely aware that the tone and content of the nominee's hearing could redefine the party after two punishing national elections.

Why Democrats buckled to GOP fears on Guantánamo

The Senate denied Obama the money to shut down the prison, in part because Democrats didn't want to be seen as soft on terrorism.

Nancy Pelosi goes toe-to-toe with the CIA

The Democratic lawmaker is under fire over her knowledge of harsh interrogation measures. What did she know and when did she know it?

Congress returns to immense agenda

Lawmakers face issues ranging from a huge deficit and bank regulations to healthcare reform and climate change.

Omnibus bill's hidden item: a Democratic rift

On Tuesday, Congress passed the spending bill to keep the government running - 160 days late, and not without some unusual friction between House and Senate leaders.

Lawmakers craft role in time of crisis

Republican members weigh working with Obama versus more traditional opposition role.

With Daschle's withdrawal, can Obama repair image as ‘change’ agent?

The nominee for secretary of Health and Human Services bowed out Tuesday over tax missteps, as did another Obama pick.

Capitol Hill watchdogs are baring their teeth

President Obama would rather look to the future, but Democrats persist in probing the Bush administration’s alleged misdeeds.

Lawmakers assert their role in working with Obama

Democrats (not to mention Republicans) won’t roll over on economic recovery.

Obama's case for action

Spending big on the economy is less risky than doing too little, he asserted Thursday.

Will Obama ‘deimperialize’ the presidency?

He has criticized Bush’s attempts to trump Congress, especially on war issues.

Publishers cash in on Obama book boom

Democrats reshuffle Hill leadership

Some long-time committee heads are replaced in order to advance Obama’s agenda.

In Congress, a party sweep for Democrats

But they fall short of the 60 Senate seats needed to overcome filibusters and end gridlock.

GOP warns of one-party power

Republicans hope to head off a filibuster-proof Senate controlled by Democrats.

Face-off ahead on offshore drilling ban

It tops Congress’s agenda, now colored by lawmakers’ preelection calculus.

Conventions: a bounce for the candidates

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

Lawmaker ethics. An oxymoron?

Democrats promised to make Congress more ethical. Did they succeed? A little ... maybe.

For Obama, bipartisan aims, party-line votes

A desire to build cross-party consensus in Senate rubs up against political perils of compromise.

Paulson's plan too long-term for some in Congress

Reception to reform is warm on the Hill, but lawmakers seek more urgent action.

In shift, G.O.P. welcomes Iraq debate

Republican senators see the issue as a plus for the presidential campaign.

In '08, a curtailed agenda for Congress

The economy and education are areas where lawmakers may break partisan gridlock.

During winter recess, Democrats keep Congress in session to thwart Bush

The tactic is a result of a 'press for presidential power,' some analysts say. But it's too early to tell whether the use of pro forma sessions will mean no more recess appointments by the president.