Topic: Lindsey Graham

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Decoder Wire Obama and gun control: What actions could he take on his own?

With opposition in Congress to renewing a ban on assault weapons, the White House sees advantages to using executive powers to signal progress on gun control. But Obama would need Congress to achieve some likely goals.
13 Republicans who might run in 2016

The GOP has a history of nominating people who have run before, which could give heart to some familiar faces. But there’s also a crop of young rising stars who could steal the show.
Decoder Wire Why is Sen. Lindsey Graham now Obama's antagonist in chief?

Not long ago, the Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina was seen as a 'maverick' Republican willing to work across the aisle. But there appears to be a clear reason for his rightward shift.
Benghazi investigation falters amid fear of militant reprisals

A four-month investigation is reportedly turning up links between Al Qaeda groups and the Sept. 11 attacks on the US diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya. But as Libyan investigators fall prey to harm, concerns rise that the probe may be derailed.
Hagel's often blunt words are fodder for critics

The Vietnam veteran and former two-term senator from Nebraska will need to explain some of his comments and views as President Barack Obama's choice for the next secretary of defense.
Obama's 'in your face' cabinet picks: why he chose Chuck Hagel, John Brennan

President Obama officially nominated Chuck Hagel for Defense secretary and John Brennan for CIA chief Monday. Each brings a unique view of the organization he would lead.
Hagel may face opposition if nominated as defense secretary

Senators from both parties are predicting a difficult confirmation due to controversial statements the former Senator has made in the past.
'Fiscal cliff' deal: Will the Tea Party find renewed strength? (+video)

Some, including members of the Tea Party, are dissatisfied with the recently agreed upon deal relating to the fiscal cliff. Tea Party groups are looking toward the next election in hopes of replacing less conservative Republican members of Congress with Tea Party candidates.
Robert Reich After the fiscal cliff comes the debt ceiling

The battle over the fiscal cliff was only a prelude to the coming battle over raising the debt ceiling – Reich writes – a battle that will likely continue through early March, when the Treasury runs out of tricks to avoid a default on the nation’s debt.
Focus Immigration reform: Is 'amnesty' a possibility now?

Congress seems primed to address immigration reform in 2013, and even a path to citizenship – which critics deride as 'amnesty' for illegals – may be on the table. The shift in the national conversation came suddenly. Here's why.
NRA’s LaPierre doesn’t back down from ‘crazy’ guns-in-schools proposal

On Sunday, NRA chief Wayne LaPierre repeated his claim that 'the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.' Opponents of armed guards in schools pushed back, but passing stricter gun control laws is an uphill fight.
Who is Tim Scott? Black senator-to-be should make tea party proud.

Rep. Tim Scott has been appointed to the seat held by retiring Sen. Jim DeMint. As a Republican African-American, Scott is a historic choice – and one likely to please the tea party.
Decoder Wire Susan Rice: Was she pushed to end secretary of State bid?

With the 'fiscal cliff' unresolved and other big issues still on the table, President Obama didn't need a confirmation battle. Realistically, Susan Rice had little choice but to take her name out of the mix.
Why Susan Rice withdrew her name as secretary of State (+video)

Republican senators had vowed a fight if Obama nominated Susan Rice to be his next secretary of State. Their opposition centered on her erroneous public statements about the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya.
Decoder Wire Is Stephen Colbert trying to buy Senate seat in South Carolina?

Stephen Colbert's decision to campaign for the seat being vacated by GOP Sen. Jim DeMint gives the famous funnyman yet another chance to educate Americans on how to game the US campaign finance system.
Who will be new face of the GOP?

Mitt Romney's loss and withdraw from politics has created a leadership vacuum in the Republican Party. From Gov. Chris Christie, to Sen. Marco Rubio, to Gov. Bobby Jindal, there's no shortage of hopefuls to fill Romney's shoes.
U.N. votes to upgrade Palestine's status

In a vote at the United Nations in New York on Thursday, the body granted Palestine the title of "non-member observer state". Palestinians celebrated the outcome, while the United States and Israel denounced it.
Opinion Fiscal cliff: Republicans on wrong track if they help Obama raise taxes on the rich

Higher taxes won’t much improve US finances and would likely wreck the economy. But as fiscal cliff talks intensify, a small group of Republican senators are prepared to help President Obama make the rich pay more – facts notwithstanding. A better approach: Spur private-sector growth.
Controversy over Susan Rice's Benghazi comments continues (+video)

On Tuesday, U.S. United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice met with Republican senators who have accused her of misleading the public following the attack on the US Embassy in Benghazi. The White House is searching for a replacement for Hillary Clinton, who plans to leave her job as secretary of state in January.
With GOP lawmakers flouting anti-tax pledge, is Norquist losing power? (+video)

Several senior Republicans are breaking ranks with Grover Norquist, and are willing to consider raising more money through taxes as part of a deal with Democrats to avoid a catastrophic budget meltdown.
Fiscal cliff: White House steps up pressure on GOP to reach a deal (+video)

White House economists warn that unless Congress extends expiring middle-class tax cuts 'without delay,' consumer confidence will take a hit at a critical holiday season for retailers.
Susan Rice: why GOP opposition to her is no longer white-hot (+video)

Key GOP voices including Sens. John McCain and Lindsey Graham have tempered their rhetoric about Ambassador Susan Rice, who could be nominated as a possible secretary of State.
Decoder Wire Norquist pledge: Are GOP tax rebels start of a trend or just talk? (+video)

Norquist pledge, which calls for lawmakers to oppose new taxes, has another defector: Republican Sen. Bob Corker. But key players in 'fiscal cliff' negotiations have yet to join ranks of such GOP rebels.
The Vote John McCain and abortion: Did he hint at GOP shift?

Sen. John McCain said Sunday that his only role in the abortion debate is to 'state his opinion,' and 'leave the issue alone.' Some GOP strategists say a softening of the tone on social issues is necessary after the disappointments of the recent election.
Saxby Chambliss: One more Republican breaks ranks over anti-tax pledge

Republicans are grappling with growing rifts in their ranks over a no-new-tax pledge that has been rock solid for more than 20 years. That quiet debate within the GOP could determine how Congress deals with its looming 'fiscal cliff.'