Topic: U.S. Democratic Party Politics

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Where do things stand at Guantánamo? Six basic questions answered.

President Obama this week pledged to “reengage” with Congress to find a way to close the terror detention camp at the Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, naval base. The renewed focus comes as 100 of the 166 detainees are reported to be engaged in a hunger strike. Here is a brief look at where things stand now.
Four reasons Republicans are embracing the 'sequester'

Republicans, it is clear, are conflicted on the "sequester." How did they come to embrace it? Here are four reasons.
If not 'sequester,' then what? Five ideas from left and right.

Few in Washington believe that "the sequester,” $85 billion in automatic spending cuts set to hit the federal budget as of March 1, is a good idea. But what's the alternative? Here are five proposals, from the right, the center, and the left, to replace the sequester. Which do you like?
Eight open US Senate seats in 2014

Here are eight senators who have opted out of a reelection bid in 2014, giving hopefuls in both parties a rare shot at a US Senate seat – and, moreover, one that could flip control of the Senate.
6 reasons why President Obama will defeat the NRA and win universal background checks

Something is going to happen this session in the US Congress that hasn’t happened in more than a decade: The National Rifle Association (NRA) is going to lose on a top priority issue. Here are six reasons why President Obama will win a victory on universal background checks.

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Can Democrats find moderate candidates in time for midterms?

Democrats may struggle to recruit moderate and conservative-leaning candidates for the 2014 midterm elections in states with the most competitive Senate races.
Why Obama agenda group faces pushback from some Democrats

Organizing for Action, an issue-advocacy group that spun off from President Obama's reelection campaign, is going after some Democrats and competing for fundraising dollars.
Obama bemoans partisanship at Democratic fundraiser

While raising money to pay off the DNC's debts from his 2012 campaign, President Obama said he had hoped his election (or re-election!) would end partisan stalemates.
Gay marriage hat trick: Will Minnesota make three?

As the US awaits the Supreme Court's ruling on marriage laws for same-sex couples, the states are approaching a gay marriage hat trick: Rhode Island last week, Delaware today, and possibly Minnesota by Saturday.
Decoder Wire Hillary Clinton 2016: How many secretaries of State became presidents? (+video)

Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger paid Hillary Clinton, who was also secretary of State, compliments at an event Wednesday. If she runs and wins in 2016, she could reestablish an old pattern.
Where do things stand at Guantánamo? Six basic questions answered.

President Obama this week pledged to “reengage” with Congress to find a way to close the terror detention camp at the Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, naval base. The renewed focus comes as 100 of the 166 detainees are reported to be engaged in a hunger strike. Here is a brief look at where things stand now.
Gabriel Gomez, GOP candidate for Sen., rejects 'people's pledge'

Gabriel Gomez said Markey has spent decades in Congress building up a campaign war chest of special-interest money. Gomez said it's the 'height of hypocrisy' for Markey to talk about a pledge to limit spending.
Boston bombings a wild card in Massachusetts Senate primary today

Ed Markey leads heading into Tuesday's Massachusetts Senate primary, but Stephen Lynch hopes to gain ground by attacking Markey's record on security, especially after the Boston bombings.
Irked by airport delays, Senators ease FAA furloughs

The Senate re-appropriated money Thursday to reopen closed air traffic control towers and rehire furloughed air traffic controllers. Many members of Congress had already flown home to their districts, thus experiencing the delays affecting many air travelers.
Max Baucus: Who gets the retiring senator's $4.8 million?

Max Baucus, a retiring US senator from Montana, has $4.8 million in campaign funds. How the funds left in the Max Baucus campaign war chest be spent?
John McCain: 'some optimism' for a more bipartisan approach in the Senate (+video)

Sens. John McCain and Charles Schumer spoke Thursday at a Monitor breakfast about immigration reform proposals drafted by a bipartisan group of eight senators. The two are part of that group.
John McCain: focus on flight delays shows 'upside down' sequester concerns

Sen. John McCain, speaking at a Monitor breakfast Thursday, said it is 'criminal and scandalous' that Congress is ignoring the effect of the 'sequester' on national defense.
Charlie Wilson dies, leaves legacy as Ohio congressman

Charlie Wilson dies: Former US Rep. Charlie Wilson of Ohio secured federal funding for Ohio police departments, airport improvements, and small business incubators.
How Chuck Schumer plays the congressional chessboard

The New York Democrat, though often a fierce partisan, represents a particular breed of dealmaker on Capitol Hill who combines policy understanding with an intuitive knack for legislating.
$10 minimum wage proposed for Michigan

$10 minimum wage would be achieved over three years, according to Democrats sponsoring the bill. But Republicans, who control the state legislature and the governorship, have not embraced a $10 minimum wage.
Gay marriage: Is Delaware next?

Delaware legislators proposed marriage equality legislation today, saying that they expect gay marriage to be legal in Delaware by June.
McConnell secret tape: Liberal group blamed, but Ashley Judd still an issue

A Democratic official blames two men from Progress Kentucky for recording a McConnell campaign strategy session. But mockery of Ashley Judd's mental health past is still fodder for Democrats.
Bill Nelson, Fla. Sen., declares support for gay marriage

Bill Nelson wrote Thursday in a Tampa Bay Times column, 'The civil rights and responsibilities for one must pertain to all. Thus, to discriminate against one class and not another is wrong for me.'
Fear Itself

Ira Katznelson has produced an exceptionally engaging and thoughtful account of the New Deal era.
Why Joe Biden is still pushing for assault weapons ban

For two days, Vice President Joe Biden has insisted that the assault weapons ban can still pass, even after the Senate dropped it. He has three reasons to keep making noise.
The Vote Hillary-Michelle in 2016: Awesome or awful?

'Hillary–Michelle in 2016' is the buzz on the Interwebs and TwitBook at the moment. Here's why such a hypothetical ticket would be awesome – and maybe not.
Democrats' new budget proposal: why it's balanced ... but not balanced (+video)

Senate Democrats have put forward a new budget proposal that offers balanced deficit reduction (between cuts and new tax revenue), but doesn't balance the budget.
Why, after all these years, the Senate is working on a budget (+VIDEO)

Senate Democrats didn't pass a budget resolution for the previous three years, but they are taking steps to do it this year. Three things, in particular, have changed.
Colorado gun control: Can state with pro-gun past enact new restrictions?

Colorado has a cultural history of gun ownership. It was also the site of two high-profile shootings. Five gun-control proposals are now moving through the Democratic-majority legislature.
Congress opens first budget debate in four years

Congress this week takes up the parties' sharply different views on taxes and spending. Just laying down political markers on next year's budget could help advance a 'grand bargain' on deficits and entitlements, some say.