Topic: Peggy Noonan

Tea party challenge puts Sen. Richard Lugar in the fight of his political life

Sen. Richard Lugar is a six-term incumbent, highly regarded for his work on national security issues. But tea party-backed challenger Richard Mourdock says Lugar has lost touch with his Indiana constituents. In the run-up to Tuesday's GOP primary, Mourdock leads in the polls.

Abortion, birth control becoming major campaign issues

GOP presidential hopefuls are attacking President Obama's order on contraception and Catholic institutions. But Mitt Romney also faces questions about his past support for abortion rights.

Herman Cain and Sarah Palin: Do they still have political clout?

Sarah Palin is defending Newt Gingrich from establishment Republican attacks, and Herman Cain has given Gingrich his full endorsement. But will support from these tea party superstars make any difference?

With an eye toward the Jewish vote, Newt Gingrich disses Palestinians

In an interview on the Jewish Channel cable network, GOP presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich said Palestinians are an “invented” people. He also said he might grant clemency to Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard.

As debate approaches, Republicans, conservatives target Newt Gingrich

As front-runner in the Republican presidential nominating race, Newt Gingrich is a natural target for critics. At this point, it's mainly conservatives and fellow Republicans questioning his character and leadership qualities.

Newt Gingrich: Talking 'crazy' or 'crazy like a fox'?

Newt Gingrich is 'too crazy' or  'too impulsive' to be president, according to the Romney campaign – and the GOP establishment. Will that tactic work?

GOP debate: Did Rick Perry survive the attacks of his fellow Republicans?

At Thursday night's Republican presidential candidates debate, the focus was on front-runner Texas Gov. Rick Perry. He was the main target of criticism, especially from Mitt Romney.

If Obama looks as if he'll lose in 2012, what about Hillary Clinton?

Approval ratings for Obama are at a historic low. Unemployment is not budging. Clinton would have to step down as secretary of State. Would it be unseemly to campaign against a president, in whose cabinet she once served? Just ask Jon Huntsman Jr.

GOP contenders face tough questions about policies, personal lives

Gingrich, Romney, Daniels, Pawlenty, and other Republican presidential hopefuls face tough questions about past policy positions and their personal lives. Will Americans give them a break?

In the end, did huge Gulf oil spill underwhelm oil-hungry Americans?

Predictions of 'Obama's Katrina,' millions of fish belly up on beaches, and an end to deep-water drilling all came to naught. High gasoline prices now seem more pressing to Americans than the Deepwater Horizon disaster that led to Gulf oil spill.

Obstacles to Obama's reelection, starting with low public opinion

Obama's job-approval rating is as low as it's ever been, and one poll shows just 38 percent want him reelected. But he's a champion campaigner, and he's kicking off a series of town hall meetings this week.

Challenger explosion: How President Reagan responded

A quarter century ago, the space shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after takeoff. President Reagan's reaction framed the response of the nation.

Threats against Obama: Michael Stephen Bowden is just the latest

Nearly 1 in 10 US presidents have been assassinated or wounded in office. The Secret Service has made more than a dozen arrests in the past two years for threats against Obama. Retiree Michael Stephen Bowden is the latest.

Republican establishment takes on Sarah Palin

Senior officials from former president Bush on down say she's not ready for the presidency, and some are questioning her recent decisions and pronouncements.

After election 2010, Europe asks why US no longer smitten with Obama

In the wake of Republican gains in Tuesday's midterm elections, Europeans are wondering why a president who captivated their hearts was dealt such a blow.

Quagmire? Nine years on, Americans grow weary of war in Afghanistan

Americans approve of Gen. David Petraeus as the new US commander in Afghanistan. But after nine years and with mounting US casualties, support for the war itself is waning.

Gulf oil spill: Obama’s big political test

President Obama is facing a critical test of his political philosophy: If the federal government can do so much, why can’t it stop the slow-motion Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf?

Sunday shows - David Axelrod, Rahm Emanuel, Valerie Jarrett

Republican insiders caught by hot mic: Race is over