Topic: Michael Dukakis

Decoder Wire
Sen. Ben Affleck? Fearing loss of Mass. Senate seat, Democrats scramble.

A poll shows outgoing GOP Sen. Scott Brown leading potential Democratic opponents for Sen. John Kerry's seat, if the latter becomes secretary of State. Ben Affleck hasn't flatly denied a possible run.

Chapter & Verse
Romney's loss: How he compares to other presidential also-rans

Writer Scott Farris, author of 'Almost President,' discusses how the former presidential nominee stacks up against other men who lost their bid for the highest office in the land.

Decoder Wire
Paul Ryan workout photos: Do they send the right message? (+video)

A new Time Magazine photo shoot shows a ripped Rep. Paul Ryan pumping iron. But has the congressman been emphasizing his fitness too much?

Decoder Wire
Mitt Romney's debate 'zingers': Will he be able to deliver?

The press corps is eagerly anticipating Mitt Romney's promised zingers at Wednesday night's debate. Comedians have also been having some fun imagining what the candidate might say.

Opinion: Media shouldn't dismiss value of Romney, Obama presidential debate

Presidential debates – like tonight's between Mitt Romney and President Obama – are educational. The voters know it, and the statistics show it. But somebody forgot to tell our news organizations, which continue to dismiss the real importance of the debates.

Presidential debate: 7 defining moments in history (+video)

From Ronald Reagan’s one-liner, “There you go again,” to Al Gore’s heavy sighs and eye rolls, zingers and mannerisms can define a presidential debate even more than the candidates’ positions on critical issues. Here is a look back at seven defining debate moments.

Decoder Wire
Presidential debate: what to look for beyond who wins or loses (+video)

Political spin coming out of the presidential debate Wednesday will be fierce. But the savvy viewer looks for more than winner and losers. Here's a guide to viewing the presidential debate.

Decoder Wire
Swing state polls: Is Mitt Romney running out of time?

President Obama's edge in key swing states appears to be growing. And while he may only hold single-digit leads, it's getting harder to see how Mitt Romney can reverse the current trajectory.

Decoder Wire
Romney raised $100 million in June. Will that quiet conservative critics? (+video)

Mitt Romney's haul in June was a monthly record for a GOP candidate. He'll need that money in the Battle of the Ads, which will only escalate. But conservative critics are clamoring for more from their party's standard-bearer. 

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. 

Mitt Romney's five biggest assets as GOP nominee

Typically, an election with an incumbent president on the ballot is a referendum on him. But President Obama is trying to turn the election into a choice, saying in effect that America's problems will get much worse under the other guy. So what does Mitt Romney bring to the table? Here are five assets. 

Hillary Clinton for president? Eight Democrats who might run next time.

In the world of presidential politics, 2016 actually isn’t that far away, especially given how much time and effort it takes to mount a serious campaign. Months before the 2012 votes were counted, speculation had started over who might run in four years – fueled by no less a figure than former President Bill Clinton. He has suggested many times that his wife, soon-to-be-ex-Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, might change her mind about not running once she’s had a break. Here are some of the other possible contenders.

(Updated Dec. 11, 2012)

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. 

The Vote
Mitt Romney: Does it hurt him that he's a French-speaking rich guy?

Newt Gingrich thinks Mitt Romney’s linguistic skills are a big deal. Mr. Gingrich is hoping a new French-themed ad appeals to conservative voters in South Carolina.

Rick Santorum sweater vest: 'What not to wear' or sleeveless genius?

Rick Santorum's sleeveless sweater vest has taken on a life of its own this week, even garnishing its own Twitter account. Candidates' sartorial choices many times take on special significance.

Barney Frank exit may signal the end of glory days for Mass. Democrats

Barney Frank will not seek re-election in 2012, but will there be enough Democratic fire power left in Massachusetts after he's gone?

George Will says Mitt Romney is hurting conservatism. Does it matter?

Columnist George Will's negative critique of Mitt Romney is evidence that conservatives may find Romney electable, but nominating him would be a lost opportunity for the ascendant right.

The Vote
Michele Bachmann doubles down on ‘Perrycare.’ Will it work?

In a swipe at Rick Perry, Michele Bachmann took flak for suggesting that the HPV vaccine might cause “mental retardation.” But she's not backing down, and "Perrycare" is now her prime target.

Opinion: Listening to the other voice in the Jackie Kennedy interviews

The voice of Jackie Kennedy's interviewer belongs to the late historian and former JFK aide Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., whose writings are again timely in this tea-party era. He noted that the Founding Fathers embraced government as a vital help, not an obstacle, to progress.

How 9/11 made Barack Obama a war president

Many expected Barack Obama to be an antiwar president. But he embraced his role as commander in chief of the world's most powerful military, escalating the fight against the Taliban and Al Qaeda.

GOP debate: Who said it? A quiz.

Many things were said at the Sept. 7 GOP presidential debate at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, Calif. Can you remember who said what?

Front-runner Rick Perry plays the 'piñata' at GOP presidential debate

In his first presidential debate since entering the GOP field, Texas Gov. Rick Perry took most of the barbs from his fellow candidates on issues ranging from Social Security to jobs.

Five reasons the GOP race is so unsettled

Among the Republican candidates, Mitt Romney has emerged as the early front-runner. Yet the field remains as uncertain as any in modern times – can any of them beat Obama?

Our misplaced obsession with Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin's supporters and critics need to calm down. She’s a celebrity, not a future president.