Defense

Obama Has the Speech, ISIL Has the Territory

Obama saw the larger problem coming, though the particulars eluded him (and almost everyone else in Washington).

Management

Analysis: Enforcer in Chief Must Reach Far Beyond the Power of the Pen

Obama’s phone calls and executive orders won’t move the nation. But legislation will.

Management

What the 50-Year War on Poverty Tells Us About Government

When five decades of spending hasn't caused the statistics to change, it's time for new ideas and new politics.

Defense

Analysis: How We Could Do More for Our Vets

We need to go into debt to pay our debt to U.S. veterans.

Oversight

Analysis: Living With the Nuances, Ironies, and Flexibility of Sequestration

Now that sequestration is here to stay, we all have to learn to live with it.

Oversight

Analysis: Hysteria over fiscal cliff may spur deal

Americans won't let Washington drive the economy into a premeditated recession.

Oversight

Obama counters Boehner's opening bid on fiscal cliff

President insists on higher taxes, 'balanced approach.'

Oversight

Romney campaign denies acting rashly on Libyan situation

Advisor says tough criticism was meant to set in motion a larger debate.

Management

Decision to move Obama's speech inside sparks scramble

Officials say the weather left them no choice.

Oversight

Obama Campaign Is Brutal This Time

The 2012 campaign is much different than the 2008 one.

Oversight

Romney-Ryan Pros and Cons

Five advantages and five hazards the House Budget Committee chairman brings to the ticket.

Oversight

Issa letter hammers Obama on 'Fast and Furious' gun operation

Invoking executive privilege implicates the White House, lawmaker contends.

Management

Commerce secretary takes leave of absence

John Bryson was involved in separate traffic accidents in California over the weekend.

Management

Vice president again dumb like a fox

Biden cleared path for Obama to declare he now supports gay marriage.

Management

Michigan and Arizona: Bruising GOP primaries brighten Obama’s prospects

President is in better shape in both states, with higher favorable ratings than before and with an elevated profile among key constituencies.

Pay & Benefits

Standoff on payroll tax holiday extension continues

Top aides say the Senate majority leader remains adamant and will not relent to House GOP demands to appoint conferees and resolve differences.

Oversight

House speaker calls for Congress to continue work on payroll-tax package

Boehner says Senate Democrats should put their vacations on hold until differences are resolved.