48%
— Of American gun owners say they purchased a gun for protection, according to a new Pew Research Center poll. Only 32% say they own a gun for hunting.
Morning Must Reads: March 14
In the news: Pope Francis, CPAC, Korean escalation, Karzai’s recklessness, and Bush 41 hit by a flash mob.
In the Heartland, Supply-Side is Yellow Brick Road
Arthur Laffer’s supply-side magic hits Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, forcing a legislative limbo to see which state’s income tax rate can drop the lowest.
“HABEMUS PAPAM FRANCISCUM”
— First tweet from @Pontifex, the Vatican's Twitter account, after Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was announced as Pope Francis. The Latin phrase can be translated as "WE HAVE POPE FRANCIS." Bergoglio is the first Pope ever elected from the Americas and the first Jesuit.
Obama Team Rolls Out Special Interest to Fight Special Interests
Organizing for Action, President Obama’s new special interest operation says it will counter K Street lobbyists.
Starlets in Politics
Ashley Judd follows a long line of female actresses turned politicians.
Cory Booker Wins South By Southwest (SXSW) — How a Mayor Conquered America’s Biggest Tech Festival
TIME interviewed Newark Mayor Cory Booker for SXSW. Afterward, Booker was bestowed with the prestigious designation of “Speaker of the Event.” Here’s why.
1,000 Words
In the ArenaBudgets
Does Paul Ryan Matter?
Washington is atwitter about Paul Ryan’s latest give-no-quarter budget. It is an absurd document, of course. But is it relevant? Probably not.
50%
— Obama's approval rating, down from 55% in January, according to a new Washington Post-ABC poll.
Morning Must Reads: March 13
In the news: The China Dream, Ashley Judd, Girl Scout tax-breaks, Obama on the Hill, Ryan’s budget, Big Sugar, and the man behind the “47 Percent” video.
Ryan’s Latest Budget: Wrong Problem, Wrong Solution
Even though Rep. Paul Ryan’s newest 10-year spending plan balances the budget, he still doesn’t really care about the deficit.
Dinner Theater: Obama’s Hill Outreach and the Limits of Presidential Power
Meals and merlot can soothe raw relationships, but they won’t soften Republican opposition to higher taxes, or Democrats’ determination to preserve entitlement programs.