Christian Science Monitor | The Vote

Chris Christie praises Obama (again): Is he digging himself in deeper? (+video)

Six months after his famous – some say costly – hug of the president on the Jersey Shore, Gov. Chris Christie says Obama 'kept every promise that he made' on hurricane Sandy disaster relief.

Donald Trump CPAC speech: Is he a Democratic secret agent? (+video)

Donald Trump, speaking at CPAC Friday, envisioned a GOP turnaround that involves either repudiating basic Republican beliefs or doubling down on stuff that’s getting the party in trouble.

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.

The war on Sarah Palin's Christmas book (+video)

News that Sarah Palin is writing a book about Christmas has led to an explosion of comment in social-media spaces. Here are the most likely ramifications of this Palin development.

Why Republicans want a military trial for Osama bin Laden's son in law (+video)

Sulaiman Abu Ghaith, the son-in-law of Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda spokesman, now faces a trial in New York. But some Republicans want Abu Ghaith to face a military trial in Guantanamo. Why?

Sean Hannity vs. Rep. Keith Ellison: Who won epic argument?

Fox News host Sean Hannity and his guest, Rep. Keith Ellison, exchange insults in one of the most 'contentious' TV interviews in recent history. Is it another sign of what's wrong with cable news?

White House correspondents' dinner: Conan O'Brien too safe for 'nerd prom'? (+video)

The White House correspondents' dinner is about the hippest thing going, by D.C. standards. The host is always a big deal. So what does Conan O'Brien bring to the table?

'Walmart moms': struggling but hopeful … and estranged from Congress

Two groups of 'Walmart moms,' a demographic studied by pollsters, gathered after the State of the Union address. Asked if politicians understand their lives, the answer was a resounding 'no.'

Ashley Judd mocked in GOP ad. Will it scare her off Kentucky Senate run?

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell is not popular in Kentucky, and a poll puts actress Ashley Judd, a Democrat, within range of defeating him in 2014. The ad is a preemptive strike.

Kid President goes viral in campaign to make nation more awesome

Robby Novak, the Kid President, is taking the Internet by storm with his YouTube 'Pep Talk,' combining sage advice, Robert Frost's poetry, and some fantastic dance moves.

Geraldo Rivera Senate run: Is he really a Republican?

Geraldo Rivera voted for Obama in 2012, but he is a registered Republican. He says his heroes are Republican moderates from the Northeast, just the kind that can win in New Jersey.

Geraldo Rivera 'truly contemplating' run for Senate. Could he win?

Broadcast journalist Geraldo Rivera said on his radio program Thursday that he's been in touch 'with some people in the Republican Party in New Jersey' about a run in 2014. But it won't be easy.

Ashley Judd getting a divorce. Does that make a Senate run more likely?

Ashley Judd, an-eighth generation Kentucky native, has lived in Tennessee and Scotland with her husband. Some Kentucky Democrats would like to see Ms. Judd take on Mitch McConnell in 2014.

White House idea with bipartisan appeal: Give Joe Biden a reality show

A petition on the White House website proposes giving Joe Biden his own reality show on C-SPAN. The vice president's 'cool' factor has never been higher.

Dancing troupe of middle-class taxpayers: Obama's 'fiscal cliff' trump card?

President Obama took to the stage Monday to press Congress not to allow taxes to go up on middle-class taxpayers – and he had a rambunctious group of them on hand to support him.

Gimme shelter! Your Rolling Stones guide to the 'fiscal cliff'

Yes, we know the fiscal cliff is not always easy to understand. But help is here. Mick Jagger and the music of Rolling Stones can explain it all – with satisfaction – in nine easy steps. Seriously.

Michigan 'right to work' law: Worse for unions than Wisconsin setback? (+video)

Wisconsin revoked collective bargaining for most public-sector unions, a slap to the labor movement. Michigan's bid to become a 'right to work' state is an even bigger blow to unions.

Big losers in 'fiscal cliff' talks? Tea party, perhaps.

House Republicans say Election 2012 validated their tea party-backed revolution two years earlier. But two moves Monday suggest that House leaders are turning away from the movement.

Royal baby news: How the Obamas react to Kate Middleton pregnancy

White House hails as 'welcome' the news that Prince William and Kate Middleton are expecting their first child. The Obamas met the young royals soon after the couple was married in spring 2011.

John McCain and abortion: Did he hint at GOP shift?

Sen. John McCain said Sunday that his only role in the abortion debate is to 'state his opinion,' and 'leave the issue alone.' Some GOP strategists say a softening of the tone on social issues is necessary after the disappointments of the recent election.