Topic: U.S. Conservative Politics

Obama to America (and Congress): Yes, we still can

President Obama, in his State of the Union address Wednesday, showed little inclination to downscale his ambitious agenda and, strikingly, devoted a fair bit of his speech to the need to change the partisan tone in Washington.

California governor's race: All about the money?

Personal wealth is both an asset and drawback for GOP candidates in the California governor's race. Republican billionaire Meg Whitman has put another $20 million into her campaign.

Michele Bachmann: 'tea party' tenets will lead to GOP resurgence

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R) of Minnesota, talking with Bill O'Reilly of Fox News Monday night, asserted that the tea party movement will come to 'dominate' the GOP.

Unify the new American ‘tea party’? Good luck with that.

An attempt to solidify the tea party movement with a convention next month in Nashville is now looking like it could backfire. So far, pragmatism, not party politics, has boosted the tea party’s profile.

‘Fighting’ Obama hits Supreme Court over campaign finance

The Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling striking down a 2002 campaign finance reform law ‘strikes at democracy itself,’ Obama says in his weekly address. Republicans say ‘free speech’ – even in the form of money – strengthens democracy.

Five states where GOP might pull another Brown

Republican Scott Brown's win in Massachusetts provides a boost for the GOP's momentum for the 2010 midterm elections. Here are five states where Republicans might pick off Senate seats this November.

Mr. Brown goes to Washington, signs his autograph '41'

For now, Massachusetts' Scott Brown has rock-star status as the favorite of conservatives. But when he's a working senator, he may break with fellow Republicans on some issues.

Citizens United: What the Supreme Court's decision on campaign money means for you

Thursday's Supreme Court ruling in the Citizens United case will mean more political ads and, possibly, more moderates in Congress.

GOP officials: no sign of bipartisanship on healthcare reform

So far, top GOP officials say, Democrats aren't moving to work with them on healthcare reform. The Republican victory in Massachusetts has cost Democrats their filibuster-proof margin in the Senate.

The sequel no one saw coming: Sarah Palin to campaign with McCain

Sarah Palin announced Wednesday that she will campaign for Sen. John McCain, her former presidential running mate, as he bids for another term in the Senate. She'll also stump for conservative up-and-comer Rep. Michele Bachmann and Texas Gov. Rick Perry in early 2010.

Scott Brown’s Massachusetts win fueled by independent voters

In 2008, most independent voters went for Obama. But Scott Brown's US Senate victory in Massachusetts shows that, even in a liberal state, independents won't necessarily stick with him.

The Monitor's View: Obama’s big job -- jobs

By electing Massachusetts Republican Scott Brown to the US Senate, voters show Obama that the economy comes first.

Congress's early task: What to do about national debt ceiling?

A vote to raise the national debt ceiling is always tough, because it casts the majority party as a reckless spender. But Congress must confront the issue, probably Jan. 20, upon lawmakers' return from recess. If the ceiling is not raised, the government will likely run out of funds in February.

In Scott Brown's surprise success, a GOP template for midterms?

In the Martha Coakley vs. Scott Brown face off for the Massachusetts Senate seat, Republican Brown has come from behind in a campaign focused on fiscal responsibility. That could be a template for the GOP in this year's midterm elections.

How Martha Coakley misread the tea leaves in Boston Harbor

Win or lose, Martha Coakley’s Massachusetts senate race campaign will influence Democratic strategy in a tough election year. And the result could have major impact on Obama’s agenda.

Massachusetts Senate race hinges on independent vote

Massachusetts is one of the most Democratic states in the country. But moderate Republicans have done well there too over the years, and independent voters are likely to make the difference in the special US Senate race.

Massachusetts Senate race: Democratic big guns join the fight

Bill Clinton was on the stump Friday for Democrat Martha Coakley, who’s now trailing Republican Scott Brown in the Massachusetts Senate race. President Obama will campaign there Sunday.

The Monitor's View: One president to bind them all

A year into his term as the first nonwhite US president, Obama has played down the issue of race relations. Jump-starting the economy is what will best serve Americans of all backgrounds.

Obama rallies worried Democrats on healthcare reform

Just back from their congressional districts, Democrats are nervous about riling voters on healthcare reform legislation. But Obama says once people know the details, they'll back it.

Can the GOP and 'tea party' activists get along?

They've clashed in some places. But in Arkansas the old guard GOP and the tea party are united, so far, in a bid to oust Sen. Blanche Lincoln.

Talk to the Editor for January 14: Disaster relief, Fort Hood, Tea Parties, and more

Blacks weigh in on Harry Reid's racial comments

In one corner of Atlanta, at least, Senate majority leader Harry Reid's racially insensitive comments about Barack Obama don't seem to be worthy of much concern.

Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood to name new conservative leader Mohamed Badie

Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood is expected to name Mohamed Badie as its new Supreme Guide on Saturday – a move that could alienate reformists and stymie their efforts to challenge President Mubarak.

Harry Reid is no Trent Lott, White House says

The White House stepped up its defense of Senate majority leader Harry Reid. But Republicans claim his racially insensitive comments resemble those made by Trent Lott in 2002, which led to his resignation as majority leader.