Topic: Whit Ayres

Three lessons of Jeremiah Wright plan against Obama

News about a proposal to use the Rev. Jeremiah Wright against President Obama in a GOP “super PAC” ad campaign caused the political world to combust. Charges of “race-baiting” flew, and suddenly the idea was an orphan. It’s safe to say, the ads will never be made. But there are lessons to be learned. 

Mitt Romney's Mormon dilemma: To reach voters, should he discuss his faith?

Mitt Romney trails President Obama in polls on likability, and Republican strategists say his campaign is debating whether he should more openly discuss his Mormon faith.

Why the GOP loves to hate the Democrats' Buffett rule

For Republicans, the danger in disavowing the so-called Buffett rule, a tax hike on millionaires, is that Democrats can paint them as the party that protects the rich. But they believe they can prevail with voters by fighting it. Here's why.

Hispanics, women: Problems for the GOP?

As the presidential election approaches, Republicans must shore up their support among two critical groups: women and Hispanics. For the GOP, polls here are moving in the wrong direction.

Mitt Romney at CPAC: a chance for revival

CPAC, this week's conservative extravaganza in Washington, would not seem to play to Mitt Romney's strengths. But his speech Friday could present him with an opportunity.

Targeting the rich, Obama takes Democrats back to their roots

By saying the rich should pay their 'fair share' in taxes, President Obama is taking up an argument that Democrats have largely avoided for years. With a presidential election and 'supercommittee' budget cuts in the balance, the political stakes could hardly be higher.

Can Jon Huntsman really carve out a path to the GOP nomination?

Jon Huntsman, set to announce his presidential bid on Tuesday, will skip the Iowa caucuses and is little-known in New Hampshire, the first primary state. His biggest hurdle: Mitt Romney.

Election 101: Nine facts about Mitt Romney and his White House bid

Mitt Romney has been groomed to run for president. He has the look and the political lineage. He’s been a governor, the quintessential training ground. And he’s essentially never stopped running since he conceded his first White House bid three years ago.

Is Donald Trump's presidential star falling? Polls and pundits see a dip.

Donald Trump was the top choice for 26 percent of Republican voters last month, but now 8 percent say he's their No. 1 pick.

After 'Birth Certificate Day,' what now for Donald Trump?

Donald Trump has ridden far on the ‘birther’ issue. But some strategists have their doubts that he can withstand sustained scrutiny by primary voters.

Dems, GOP in Congress begin dance to avert government shutdown

Each side offers to fund government for 30 days past March 4, the current deadline to prevent a government shutdown. But GOP wants even that stopgap measure to include spending cuts.

Obama's plan to win 2012 presidential election takes shape

President Obama's State of the Union, along with the speeches that have followed, point to a blend of Kennedy vision and Reagan optimism to 'win the future' and fend off GOP challengers in the 2012 presidential election.

Michael Steele: opponents at RNC debate say party 'needs to be fixed'

Michael Steele faces strong opposition in his bid to be reelected as chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC). At a debate Monday, his four opponents accused him of mismanagement.

How the tea party helped GOP find a path to Election Day successes

Victories for tea-party candidates Rand Paul, Marco Rubio, and Jim DeMint showed the impact of the nascent conservative movement on the GOP's ability to project a winning posture.

Election 2010 all about tea party? It's more: It's year of the outsider.

The tea party has energized Republicans, even if it also complicates life for the GOP after Nov. 2. But the movement is actually part of a larger Election 2010 trend -- one that features the most diverse GOP field in history.

Republicans' post-Election 2010 challenge: managing expectations

Republican strategists urge party supporters to show 'maturity, sobriety, and patience,' and not to push for too much, too fast from an anticipated GOP majority in the House.

Republicans' new health care reform bill rallying cry: Repeal it

Republicans couldn't stop Democrats from passing the health care reform bill Sunday. Now, they vow to make the bill – and big government spending – the core issue of the 2010 elections.

Mass election results could change healthcare-reform calculus

The Mass election results could signal that public support for healthcare reform is weaker than Democrats had assumed. Will Scott Brown take away Senate Democrats' 60th vote?

Unlike 9/11, partisanship has worsened after Christmas attack

Wounded by their losses on healthcare, Republicans have gone on the offensive after the Christmas attack, amplifying partisanship by criticizing President Obama's national-security credentials.

GOP pins comeback on anger at 'big government' healthcare

New poll shows lowest support yet among public for Obama's and Democrats' healthcare plan. Republicans see backlash to huge overall increase in federal spending.

GOP hope for 2010: Voters nervous about Obama spending

Despite Steele’s rough start, many in GOP optimistic

The new party chair has been mired in internal feuds, but expectations for next elections are building.

Doubts about Palin grow, even among conservatives

Some rough TV interviews have prompted some to ask if McCain’s running mate is ready.