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Politics

Obama to announce Afghanistan troop strategy Tuesday

President Obama will announce the U.S. troop strategy for Afghanistan in a speech at 8 p.m. ET Tuesday at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Wednesday.

updated Wed Nov 25 2009 15:05:21

Obama to announce Afghanistan troop strategy Tuesday

President Obama will announce the U.S. troop strategy for Afghanistan in a speech at 8 p.m. ET Tuesday at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Wednesday.

updated Wed Nov 25 2009 14:40:25

Obama to attend climate-change summit

President Obama will go to Copenhagen, Denmark, next month for a climate-change summit, the White House said Wednesday.

updated Wed Nov 25 2009 14:25:32

With pardon, Obama delivers turkey from its fate as food

A big bird from the East is heading west, thanks to a second chance at life given by President Obama in the nation's capital Wednesday, a day before Americans sit down to Thanksgiving dinner.

updated Wed Nov 25 2009 11:13:28

Obama's first state dinner blends pageantry with politics

President Obama toasted a growing U.S. friendship with India at the first state dinner of his administration Tuesday, an evening of regal pageantry and symbolic politics in a tent on the White House South Lawn.

updated Wed Nov 25 2009 10:47:06

Analysis: Why India is at the top of U.S. state visit list

State visits to the White House are full of show and symbolism, and Tuesday's visit by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is no exception.

updated Wed Nov 25 2009 08:17:49

To-do list aside, Congress tackles Confucius, National Pi Day

It was supposed to be an aggressive agenda -- an agenda of change, some promised -- intended to right the economy, overhaul health care and reform immigration policy.

updated Tue Nov 24 2009 23:45:38

Obama touts partnership with India

President Obama and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh agreed Tuesday to team up and tackle a checklist of economic, nuclear, security and environmental challenges.

updated Tue Nov 24 2009 21:47:42

Pentagon preparing to send 34,000 troops to Afghanistan, official says

The Pentagon is making detailed plans to send about 34,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan in anticipation of President Obama's decision on the future of the eight-year-old war, a defense official said Tuesday.

updated Tue Nov 24 2009 18:08:49

Flavors of India, America at Obamas' first state dinner

Tables set in apple green, ruby and gold with arrangements of roses, hydrangeas and sweet peas awaited guests to Tuesday's White House state dinner.

updated Tue Nov 24 2009 18:05:49

U.S. won't join landmine ban, administration decides

The United States won't join its NATO allies and many other countries in formally banning landmines, State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said during his midday briefing Tuesday.

updated Tue Nov 24 2009 11:07:11

41 is the crucial number in 2010 battle for the House

In the battle for Congress, 41 is the crucial number. That's the number of seats the Republicans need to win back from the Democrats in next year's midterm elections to take control of the House of Representatives.

updated Tue Nov 24 2009 08:26:49

Poll: U.S. split over Afghan troop buildup

If President Obama decides to send 34,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan, a new national poll indicates Americans would be split over whether to support such a move.

updated Tue Nov 24 2009 08:02:26

Indian prime minister makes state visit to Washington

President Obama will welcome Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for an official state visit Tuesday.

updated Mon Nov 23 2009 23:54:52

Obama, advisers meet on Afghanistan

U.S. President Barack Obama met Monday night with his national security team on Afghanistan and Pakistan, the White House announced.

updated Mon Nov 23 2009 22:31:38

Kennedy abortion debate puts politics, religion back in spotlight

A dispute over abortion between the only remaining Kennedy in Congress and his Roman Catholic bishop has highlighted the political volatility of the issue and the challenge it presents to the nation's Catholics.

updated Mon Nov 23 2009 18:05:30

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford faces 37 ethics charges

The South Carolina Ethics Commission has charged Gov. Mark Sanford with 37 counts of violating state ethics laws, according to a complaint released by the commission on Monday.

updated Mon Nov 23 2009 15:46:36

Obama pushes math, science education

A conversation last week with South Korea's president apparently showed President Obama the stark difference between how Asian nations and the United States value education.

updated Mon Nov 23 2009 13:43:17

GOP sees comeback in 2010 governors' races

In the early days of his campaign for governor in Virginia, Republican Bob McDonnell hired longtime GOP pollster Glen Bolger to take the pulse of the state's notoriously independent-minded voters.

updated Mon Nov 23 2009 12:11:32

Senate Dems suggest they're open to altering health care bill

Amid conflicting and heated rhetoric, a political pragmatism began to emerge Sunday as senators prepared for a debate on a sweeping Democratic health care bill.

updated Mon Nov 23 2009 12:04:23

With dissension in the ranks, health care bill moves ahead

Senate Democrats cleared a major hurdle this weekend by voting to move ahead with debate on health care reform, but it was hardly a unified party standing behind the bill.

updated Mon Nov 23 2009 11:54:44

Bishop bars Patrick Kennedy from Communion over abortion

Rhode Island's top Roman Catholic leader has asked Rep. Patrick Kennedy to stop taking Communion over his support for abortion rights, the diocese said Sunday.

updated Sat Nov 21 2009 21:43:57

Health care debate headed to Senate floor

Health care reform backers won a key victory Saturday night as the Senate voted to move ahead with a floor debate on a sweeping $848 billion bill.

updated Sat Nov 21 2009 15:46:57

Senate vote next step on what could be a long road for health care

If Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has his way, his chamber will vote Saturday to proceed with debate on its version of the health care bill.

updated Sat Nov 21 2009 08:13:19

Health care rhetoric heats up before key vote

Traditional Senate decorum yielded to brass-knuckle politicking Friday in the health care debate as top Democrats sought to close party ranks before a key procedural vote this weekend.

updated Fri Nov 20 2009 17:33:55

A push to simplify credit card 'gobbledygook'

Have you ever read your credit card contract? If not, you're not alone. Most cardholders never read the long complicated legalese in a credit card agreement.

updated Fri Nov 20 2009 16:22:07

What to expect in Senate's Saturday health care vote

To debate or not to debate the Senate's health care reform bill; that is the question.

updated Fri Nov 20 2009 12:41:35

Senate Ethics Committee clears Illinois senator of legal wrongdoing

The Senate Ethics Committee issued a letter Friday clearing embattled Illinois Sen. Roland Burris of any legal wrongdoing.

updated Fri Nov 20 2009 11:44:18

What has Sarah Palin set her sights on now?

She's back! In fact, Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor who became a sassy sudden superstar when she ran for the U.S. vice-presidency last year, is on a whole new campaign.

updated Fri Nov 20 2009 11:09:06

Cartoon Clicks: What's the weirdest book tour?

updated Fri Nov 20 2009 09:37:53

Poll: Public shifting blame for recession

Nearly two years into the recession, opinion about which political party is responsible for the severe economic downturn is shifting, according to a new national poll.

updated Fri Nov 20 2009 09:01:37

Senate to vote Saturday on opening debate on health care bill

The Senate will vote Saturday on opening debate on the sweeping health care bill introduced by Democrats, Majority Leader Harry Reid said Thursday.

updated Fri Nov 20 2009 08:52:18

Sweeping Pentagon review expected in wake of Fort Hood

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates is expected to announce a sweeping review of military procedures and policies that could help avoid another Fort Hood-type incident, a senior Pentagon official has confirmed to CNN.

updated Fri Nov 20 2009 07:56:36

2 Arkansas men reflect national divide over health reform

Aisha's Fish and Chicken is named for Stanley Walker's 16-year-old daughter; it's a small family business known for its wings, catfish and signature sauce.

updated Thu Nov 19 2009 22:13:52

Senate panel seeks to 'connect the dots'

A key congressional committee opened its investigation Thursday into the November 5 Fort Hood shootings with a pledge to find out if authorities failed to "connect the dots" and could have prevented the attack.

updated Thu Nov 19 2009 20:17:15

U.S. and Cuba practice softball diplomacy

A metaphorical timeout has been in place between the United States and Cuba for nearly 50 years. But that could all be changing with the help of sports.

updated Thu Nov 19 2009 15:14:54

Palin's next move: Pivot or profit?

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin embarked on her nationwide book tour with confidence, determined to settle scores and explain her side following a bruising year in the spotlight.

updated Thu Nov 19 2009 14:03:49

House committee wants answers on errors in stimulus data

Members of the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee Thursday are taking a hard look at faulty data on the Obama administration's Recovery.gov Web site.

updated Thu Nov 19 2009 11:38:48

Clinton pleased with Karzai's promises

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Thursday that she is pleased by Afghan President Hamid Karzai's pledge to have the country's security forces take the lead over the next few years.

updated Thu Nov 19 2009 10:51:56

Political tweets of the week

updated Thu Nov 19 2009 07:09:18

Getting only minutes to make our case

A year ago this week I packed up my cot and flew to Washington for freshman orientation. It was my first chance to meet fellow members of the freshman class. It's a fascinating experience to realize that someone in the class could potentially be a future speaker of the House, while someone else may serve two years and never come back.

updated Thu Nov 19 2009 07:04:04

Freshman rep: We're not vampires

It is indeed appropriate that we finished writing the House version of health care reform around Halloween. Negotiating deals among members of Congress is an exercise in wearing masks, scaring up votes, and oftentimes, bluffing.

updated Thu Nov 19 2009 05:35:32

Obama wraps up 4-nation tour of Asia

President Obama wrapped up an eight-day tour of Asia on Thursday, holding talks with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and speaking to American troops at Osan Air Base.

updated Thu Nov 19 2009 03:04:42

Obama to send envoy to North Korea

U.S. President Barack Obama, meeting with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak in Seoul on Thursday, said he will send envoy Stephen Bosworth to North Korea next month for bilateral talks on dismantling Pyongyang's nuclear program.

updated Thu Nov 19 2009 00:33:58

Senate leader unveils $849 billion health care bill

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid unveiled a sweeping health care bill Wednesday that would expand health insurance coverage to 30 million more Americans at an estimated cost of $849 billion over 10 years.

updated Thu Nov 19 2009 00:13:08

Obama meets with Chinese premier Wen

U.S. President Barack Obama huddled with the Chinese premier Wednesday on the final day of his visit to China.

updated Wed Nov 18 2009 22:09:26

Feds: False congressional districts removed from stimulus site

The government Web site Recovery.gov is fixing errors that appeared to show hundreds of millions of stimulus dollars were spent in nonexistent congressional districts, the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board said Wednesday.

updated Wed Nov 18 2009 21:20:12

Holder defends decision to try accused 9/11 terrorists in New York

Attorney General Eric Holder defended his decision Wednesday to try five suspected 9/11 terrorists in civilian court. Faced with bitter criticism from Republican senators at a contentious hearing, he insisted his decision reflects his conviction that a civilian trial represents the best chance for a successful outcome.

updated Wed Nov 18 2009 18:23:41

West Virginia's Byrd becomes the longest-serving member of Congress

When Robert Byrd came to Congress from West Virginia, a postage stamp cost 3 cents and kids were clamoring for a new toy called Mr. Potato Head.

updated Wed Nov 18 2009 14:46:58

Clinton says inauguration marks 'critical moment' for Afghanistan

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Wednesday -- the eve of Afghan President Hamid Karzai's inauguration for a second term -- that now is a "critical moment" for Afghanistan, because Karzai has a "clear window" to demonstrate what kind of government he will lead.

updated Wed Nov 18 2009 13:45:03

Obama brothers meet in China

President Obama's four-day visit to China was aimed at building deeper ties -- and also spending time, albeit briefly, on family relationships.

updated Wed Nov 18 2009 11:29:33

Obama: 'We've restored America's standing'

A little more than a year after his election, President Obama said his administration has laid the groundwork for success on global and domestic matters.

updated Wed Nov 18 2009 11:04:26

Americans paying attention to health care debate?

November and December tend to be a typically slow time for Congress as it wraps up business before a new session begins.

updated Wed Nov 18 2009 09:27:14

Poll: Majority favor abortion funding ban

Six in 10 Americans favor a ban on the use of federal funds for abortion, according to a new poll.

updated Wed Nov 18 2009 01:44:52

White House reports billions of improper payments in 2009

The federal government made $98 billion in improper payments in fiscal 2009, and President Obama will issue an executive order in coming days to combat the problem, his budget director announced Tuesday.

updated Tue Nov 17 2009 22:16:52

Senate looks at 'shocking' online marketing techniques

It could happen to anyone who shops online these days.

updated Tue Nov 17 2009 21:07:10

Congressional inquiry into Fort Hood sought

Republican members of the House Intelligence Committee have sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi calling for an immediate Congressional investigation into circumstances surrounding the Fort Hood shooting.

updated Tue Nov 17 2009 20:14:17

U.S., China vow action on climate change

China and the United States, the largest producers of greenhouse gases, will team up to fight climate change and create clean energy, their leaders said Tuesday.

updated Tue Nov 17 2009 18:12:33

Purple Hearts proposed for Fort Hood victims

Military victims of the Fort Hood massacre will be eligible to receive the Purple Heart if Congress passes a bill introduced Tuesday.

updated Tue Nov 17 2009 17:48:41

Waiting game continues for Senate health care bill

The Senate's top Democrat declined Tuesday to say when he would introduce a hotly anticipated health care reform bill.

updated Tue Nov 17 2009 17:30:07

Organizers of 'pink slip' protest claim 5 million sent to Congress

Voters disappointed over health care and other legislative efforts have now sent 5 million "pink slips" to members of Congress, the conservative Web site WorldNetDaily said Tuesday.

updated Tue Nov 17 2009 17:14:29

Hoyer: Dems plan vote on jobs bill before Christmas

A top House Democrat told reporters Tuesday that Congressional Democrats are moving ahead with plans to vote before the Christmas holidays on legislation that would create more jobs.

updated Tue Nov 17 2009 16:06:17

Louisiana ex-congressman gets 13 years on corruption conviction

Former U.S. Rep. William Jefferson was sentenced Friday to 13 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his conviction on 11 counts of corruption.

updated Tue Nov 17 2009 11:52:17

Noteworthy Senate debates throughout U.S. history

The Senate is about to embark on what could be the showdown of the year as top Democrats work to push through sweeping health care legislation.

updated Tue Nov 17 2009 11:33:48

Noteworthy Senate debates throughout U.S. history

The Senate is about to embark on what could be the showdown of the year as top Democrats work to push through sweeping health care legislation.

updated Tue Nov 17 2009 00:51:27

Obama, Hu to talk economy, North Korea

Chinese President Hu Jintao greeted U.S. President Barack Obama in China's capital on Tuesday, with trade and the thorny issue of North Korea expected to be on their agenda.

updated Mon Nov 16 2009 21:25:19

Not an ordinary Obama town hall

It was the sound of Springsteen in Shanghai that clinched it for me: This was not your ordinary town hall meeting with President Obama.

updated Mon Nov 16 2009 15:12:37

Sarah Palin tells Oprah about controversies, future

When Sarah Palin got a surprise phone call from the McCain campaign one August afternoon, asking whether she'd like to be on the Republican presidential ticket, the then-Alaska governor didn't doubt for a moment she was ready for the challenge.

updated Mon Nov 16 2009 13:14:56

Religious abortion rights backers push to change health care bill

The problematic intersection of health care and abortion politics will be highlighted again Monday as religious abortion rights supporters demand changes to reform legislation recently passed by the House of Representatives.

updated Sun Nov 15 2009 22:46:55

Dems hail, Republicans bash decision to try 9/11 suspects in New York

Fearlessly demonstrating the majesty of U.S. justice or acquiescing to terrorists by giving them undeserved rights and a public platform?

updated Sun Nov 15 2009 13:28:41

Clinton: 'We're not interested in staying in Afghanistan' long-term

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Sunday the primary U.S. mission in Afghanistan is defeating al Qaeda, rather than making a long-term commitment to rebuild the country.

updated Sun Nov 15 2009 08:32:12

U.S., Russian leaders say nations closer to deal to cut nuclear arms

Russia and the United States are well on their way to reducing their nuclear stockpiles, President Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Sunday.

updated Sat Nov 14 2009 10:23:35

Cartoon Clicks: Who can tell you how to get to Sesame Street?

updated Fri Nov 13 2009 20:40:37

Hutchison to keep Senate seat in bid for governor, aide says

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, who had said she would resign her seat to run for governor of Texas, plans to announce Saturday she will remain in the Senate as she seeks the Republican Party's gubernatorial nomination, a Hutchison aide tells CNN.

updated Fri Nov 13 2009 19:12:37

Wooing moderate Nelson could be a tough task for Senate Democrats

Sixty. It's the magic number of votes Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid needs to move his health care reform bill to the Senate floor and tamp down filibuster threats by Republicans.

updated Fri Nov 13 2009 17:06:27

Politicians rip decision on terrorism trials

Several members of Congress ripped Attorney General Eric Holder's decision Friday to try five suspected 9/11 terrorists in civilian court.

updated Fri Nov 13 2009 16:38:39

Moderate Democrats will determine if health care bill gets to Senate floor

The House squeaked out its version of health care reform and now President Obama is putting pressure on the Senate to do the same so he can sign a bill before the end of the year.

updated Fri Nov 13 2009 12:29:21

King: 'Going Rogue' reignites Palin divide, even in her hometown

At Pandemonium Booksellers, the Sarah Palin 2010 calendars are hot sellers, and since the election, the traffic in political books has been decidedly to the right.

updated Fri Nov 13 2009 10:53:10

Officials: Top White House lawyer to be pushed out

In the first major shakeup among President Obama's senior staff, White House Counsel Greg Craig announced his resignation Friday.

updated Fri Nov 13 2009 10:24:00

Obama strays into abortion crossfire

U.S. President Barack Obama probably never intended to do it, but his push for healthcare reform has reopened debate on one of America's most polarizing issues -- abortion.

updated Fri Nov 13 2009 09:07:52

U.S., Japan 'equal partners,' Obama says

President Obama stopped in Japan on the first leg of his trip to Asia Friday, stressing that United States and Japan "have been and will continue to be equal partners."

updated Thu Nov 12 2009 21:09:02

Political tweets of the week

updated Thu Nov 12 2009 18:29:48

CNN's John King to replace Lou Dobbs

A new weekday political program hosted by CNN correspondent John King will replace Lou Dobbs, who announced his departure from the network on his show Wednesday night.

updated Thu Nov 12 2009 17:09:50

Karl Eikenberry, Obama's man in Afghanistan

The U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan has a unique résumé: he served two tours in the country as a general, training Afghan police and troops, before trading his uniform for a diplomat's business suit.

updated Thu Nov 12 2009 17:09:40

Afghan president's office asks what U.S. ambassador said

Afghan President Hamid Karzai's office contacted the U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan about reports the ambassador warned against sending more U.S. troops to the country, a Karzai spokesman told CNN Thursday.

updated Thu Nov 12 2009 14:33:28

Cantor's colleagues believe he has sights set higher than Congress

As Republicans swept the top three offices in Democratic-leaning Virginia last week, Rep. Eric Cantor was in Richmond, shaking hands with supporters and rallying GOP troops as he proclaimed, "The Republican resurgence begins tonight."

updated Thu Nov 12 2009 13:59:27

Obama departs on eight-day Asia trip

President Obama embarked Thursday on his first presidential visit to Asia, an eight-day journey that will take him to five cities in four countries.

updated Thu Nov 12 2009 12:32:52

Obama seeks revisions to Afghanistan plans, sources say

President Obama told his war council Wednesday that the U.S. troop commitment to Afghanistan is not open-ended, and he asked for revisions to options he previously received for sending more troops, a senior administration official told CNN.

updated Wed Nov 11 2009 15:03:10

First full Senate showdown on legislation could happen next week

The first crucial showdown over health care reform by the full Senate could come as early as next Tuesday.

updated Wed Nov 11 2009 14:25:32

'Regular guy' Thune is hot commodity in GOP circles

He walks through Washington's Reagan National Airport, arriving as he does nearly every Monday from a weekend home in South Dakota. He makes his way unnoticed.

updated Wed Nov 11 2009 13:39:08

GOP senators push for term limits

A handful of Republican senators have proposed a constitutional amendment to limit how long a person may serve in Congress.

updated Wed Nov 11 2009 12:20:43

Michele Bachmann's 'high stakes' political game grows

The thousands of restive conservative protesters milling outside the west front of the Capitol last week definitely didn't seem in the mood to listen -- but there was at least one voice they wanted to hear.

updated Wed Nov 11 2009 08:39:07

Poll: Opinion split with Obama's wait on Afghanistan decision

Americans are split over whether President Obama is taking too long to decide whether to send more U.S. troops to the war in Afghanistan, according to a new national poll.

updated Tue Nov 10 2009 23:36:03

Obama to seek stronger ties on Asia trip

Barack Obama is the first U.S. president to have lived in Asia as a child, and that unique perspective will help shape his nine-day trip to the region starting Thursday, U.S. officials say.

updated Tue Nov 10 2009 20:38:56

King: Army strain, recovery at Fort Lewis

The pain is excruciating, but to Army Spc. Michael Ballard, pain is the price of progress.

updated Tue Nov 10 2009 20:36:16

Congress to miss health care deadline, key senator says

Congress will miss President Obama's deadline to enact health care reform by the end of the year, a key Democratic senator said Tuesday.

updated Tue Nov 10 2009 14:09:39

White House insists no decision made on Afghanistan strategy

Asked about the president's pending decision on Afghan strategy, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs, in a briefing Tuesday aboard Air Force One, mocked conflicting media reports.

updated Tue Nov 10 2009 13:11:31

Palin remains a GOP player

She was a high-voltage candidate, lighting a fire in the grass roots of Republican-land -- fresh, folksy and fierce.

updated Tue Nov 10 2009 07:14:50

White House: No Afghanistan troop decision made

White House National Security Adviser retired Gen. Jim Jones issued a rare public statement Monday vehemently denying media reports that suggest President Obama has privately decided to send close to 40,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan.

updated Tue Nov 10 2009 05:24:34

Where is Michele Bachmann headed?

Much like former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, Rep. Michele Bachmann's name has become a kind of cultural shorthand -- a conservative rallying cry and a Jon Stewart punch line.

updated Mon Nov 09 2009 21:24:10

Bill Clinton to address Senate Democrats on health care

CNN has learned from two senior Democratic sources that former President Bill Clinton will attend the Senate Democrats' weekly luncheon Tuesday to address the caucus about health care.

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