In the news: Wal-Mart in trouble, Robin Kelly wins Dem. primary, Gov. Christie approves Medicaid under Obamacare, and Fed Chairman Bernake gives Congress a lesson in austerity economics.
Argo, and TIME
TIME had a front row seat to the 1979 Iran hostage crisis.
Congress Looks Past the Sequester Deadline and Braces for Long Fight
With just days before sequestration kicks in, Republicans have learned to love a policy they once claimed to loathe.
Why the Debt Crisis Has Trumped the Climate Crisis—at Least in D.C.
It’s telling that of two long-term challenges—each of which would demand some sacrifice now—our political and media culture has chosen to focus so overwhelmingly on debt.
Stat! Bloodied Defense Secretary Incoming!
The U.S. Senate effectively confirmed former senator Chuck Hagel as defense secretary Tuesday by voting 71-27 on his nomination to serve as the nation’s 24th defense secretary.
Republicans Strike Back In Online Sequester Ads
New NRCC ad shows why Republicans have a harder argument to make on the sequester than their Democratic opponents.
“We have moved a bill in the House twice. We should not have to move a third bill before the Senate gets off their ass and begins to do something.”
— Speaker John Boehner expressing some frustration over the sequester, according to NBC News. The sequester is set to take effect Friday.
62%
— Think that the Republican Party is "out of touch with the American people," compared with 46% for the Democrats, according to a Pew poll released today.
A Day in the Life of the Republican Party’s Search for Newness
Losing a presidential election can focus the collective mind, but the individuals involved can have minds of their own.
“I daresay future generations will not be inspired by what this Congress will do.”
— Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD) on the House floor yesterday, according to the Washington Post. The only item on the House agenda Monday was to rename a California NASA facility. On Friday, the sequester will cut about $894 million from NASA in FY 2013.
Morning Must Reads: February 26
In the news today: “shy” NRA chief Wayne LaPierre, immigration reform talks, Italy’s meltdown, gun control breakdown, and dozens of Republicans tell Supreme Court gay people have a constitutional right to marry.
Kerry Walks Softly Out of the Gate
The Obama White House will be watching Kerry’s words closely in the initial months.
Sequester Lampoon
A quick break from the nonsense.