Author Archive

James  Oliphant

James Oliphant

James Oliphant has covered politics, government, and legal affairs for most of his journalism career. Before joining National Journal, he was a correspondent covering the 2012 presidential campaign for the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune, and also worked as a congressional and legal affairs reporter for those newspapers.
James Oliphant has covered politics, government, and legal affairs for most of his journalism career. Before joining National Journal, he was a correspondent covering the 2012 presidential campaign for the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune, and also worked as a congressional and legal affairs reporter for those newspapers.
Management

Obama Defiant After Judge Blocks Immigration Order

"I'm confident that it is well within my authority," he says.

Management

White House Clarifies Obama Comments on Paris Kosher Deli Terror

Spokesman: Attack 'was motivated by anti-Semitism. POTUS didn't intend to suggest otherwise.'

Management

Wednesday's Paris Attack Is an Assault on American Values

When Obama committed U.S. forces to combat the Islamic State, he said it was necessary to defend the nation’s core beliefs. That’s why an assault on a French newspaper hits so close to home.

Oversight

2015 Will Be a Year of Reaction for the President

Obama will be shifting from playing offense to defense as Republicans assume control of Congress. His progressive accomplishments are at stake.

Management

Barack Obama Had a Really Terrible Year

ISIS, Ferguson, the Senate, Ukraine, Ebola, border kids. Really, this was a pretty awful sixth year for the president. Not that he's acting like it.

Oversight

Joe Biden Comes to Fix Fissures Between Obama and Republicans

The vice president can take advantage of strong relationships with the Senate GOP, but only "if they let him loose."

Management

The Torture Report Isn't Going to Stand Between the President and the CIA

The report details horrendous acts, but Americans still expect to be protected.

Oversight

Move to Authorize Force Against ISIS Unlikely in Lame Duck

White House invites Congress to formally authorize strikes in Iraq and Syria, but neither branch appears eager to make the first move.

Management

How Does Clinton Overcome Obama?

Her biggest problem won’t be age, her campaign strategy, or GOP attacks. It will be that many voters lack faith in government.

Oversight

GOP Can't Stop a Lame-Duck AG Pick

Obama's nominee can get confirmed in December, though Republicans could exact revenge later.

Oversight

The White House Is Spoiling for a Fight on Immigration

Obama seems determined to push ahead, despite the fears of some Democrats.

Management

Why Obama Is Saying 'Torture' Matters

On Friday, the president went further than Senate Intelligence in harshly characterizing CIA abuses, making a powerful statement in the process.

Defense

What Would the National Guard Actually Do at the Border?

White House calls the move 'symbolic' and says it is intended to 'generate headlines.'

Defense

Obama Tells Europe to Step Up on Russia

It was clear from the president’s remarks about Ukraine that he now expects greater help from European allies in countering Putin.

Defense

Why Isn't Obama Going to the Border?

If he goes, he will own the immigration crisis; if he doesn't, he's not showing leadership.

Defense

If Obama Wants to Save Iraq, He'll Have to Get His Hands Dirty

The president likes things clean and surgical, he likes exit strategies and limited commitments.

Defense

Is a U.S. Air Strike in Iraq Legal?

For a White House that claims to hold the rule of law above all else, it's an important question. But Obama's inconsistent foreign policy makes it a tough one to answer.

Defense

Iraq Insurgency Turns Up Heat in White House War Room

Military options being mulled as critics assail Obama for failing to see the crisis coming.

Oversight

Why Hasn't the GOP Treated Fort Hood Like Benghazi?

Both attacks suggest multiple institutional failures, but only one can be teed up for maximum embarrassment of President Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Oversight

Obama's Real Job: Fundraiser in Chief

The Supreme Court's latest campaign finance decision is going to put even more pressure on the president to spend time chasing cash.