INSIDE POLITICS
The Washington Times' political blog.
Latest Blog Entries
Sen. Tim Kaine resolves to do better at baseball trivia
Sen. Tim Kaine, Virginia Democrat, says his New Year's Resolution for 2014 is to improve an area of what he called his own "dismal performance" in 2013: baseball trivia.
Perhaps the holiday trip to Hawaii was what President Obama needed
Two new polls show President Obama's approval rating remains below 50 percent, but that it's ticked back up after plummeting in the wake of a string of terrible news for, and missteps by, the administration, notably the botched rollout of his health care law and new revelations about National Security Agency surveillance.
N.H. state Rep. David Campbell: 'I hit some ducks' with BMW
New Hampshire state Rep. David Campbell has admitted to smashing into a group of ducks — reportedly killing at least one — and leaving the scene before police arrived.
Howard Dean: Individual mandate in Obamacare wasn't necessary
Former Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean said Monday that the mandate in President Obama's health care law stipulating that virtually all Americans must buy health insurance or pay a fine wasn't necessary.
Ron Paul: Raising minimum wage hurts the poorest
Former Rep. Ron Paul, Texas Republican, said in his weekly column that "raising the minimum wage actually harms those at the bottom of the income ladder" and raising it by "government decree" "appeals to those who do not understand economics."
Senator disowns inflammatory language in Cruz coloring book
Freshman Sen. Ted Cruz still believes in his anti-Obamacare stance that, political pundits argue, helped bring about this year's 16-day government shutdown.
Dean: Administration won't be blamed if people can't see their doctor
When Obamacare policies go into effect Jan. 1, some Americans may be surprised to learn that their favored doctors or specialists aren't covered under new plans.
Menendez: Passing unemployment benefits extension in Senate will put pressure on House
Sen. Robert Menendez, New Jersey Democrat, said being able to pass a short-term unemployment insurance extension in the Senate may put the pressure on Speaker John A. Boehner to hold a vote in the House.
12-year-old drug smuggler reignites immigration debate
The U.S. Border Patrol earlier this month arrested a 12-year-old illegal immigrant smuggling 80 pounds of marijuana from Mexico into Texas, reigniting a debate over controversial comments made by a Republican congressman earlier this year about children's involvement in the cross-border drug trade.
Sanders: Jobless benefits will be extended if Americans speak out
Sen. Bernie Sanders, Vermont independent, said the only way to get Republicans to support an unconditional extension to unemployment benefits to the long-term unemployed is to motivate ordinary Americans to speak up.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar fights for release of American jailed in UAE
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota Democrat, is continuing to fight for the release of an American jailed in the United Arab Emirates after posting a parody video online that the country said threatened national security.
Most Americans think economy is bad and don't see it improving next year
The majority of Americans said the economy is still hurting and they weren't optimistic for it to get any better in the next year, a CNN/ORC International poll released Friday found.
GOP extends lead in early 2014 polling
Republicans have lengthened their lead over Democrats in early polling for the 2014 elections, a CNN/ORC International poll released Thursday found.
Debt ceiling increase will be easier this time, one analyst says
One analyst predicts that the gridlock will lessen in Washington in 2014, beginning with the fight over increasing the debt ceiling.
N.Y. Rep. Engel: 'Disgraceful' that Republicans wouldn't extend unemployment insurance
Rep. Eliot Engel, New York Democrat, said Tuesday it's "disgraceful" that Republicans refused to extend long-term unemployment benefits that expire Saturday for more than a million Americans.
