BREAKING: Warner, McCain To Propose Toothless, Watered-Down Version Of Webb Amendment  —  Speaking on the Senate floor this morning, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), an ardent opponent of a pro-troop measure to relieve the stress on the overstretched armed forces, announced he will propose a toothless …

Jackson criticizes Obama  —  Presidential candidate's response to Jena, La., case called too weak  —  The Rev. Jesse Jackson called Tuesday on Democrats seeking the 2008 nomination for president to give S.C. voters "something to vote for" when they go to the polls in January.

Introducing This Blog  —  "I was born in 1953.  Like the rest of my generation, I took the America I grew up in for granted - in fact, like many in my generation I railed against the very real injustices of our society, marched against the bombing of Cambodia, went door to door for liberal candidates.

Senate bars bill to restore detainee rights  —  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Senate voted on Wednesday against considering a measure to give Guantanamo detainees and other foreigners the right to challenge their detention in the U.S. courts.  —  The legislation needed 60 votes to be considered …

Habeas Restoration Cloture Vote Tally  —  Senators of the 110th Congress:  —  Akaka, Daniel K.- (D - HI) — AYE  —  Alexander, Lamar- (R - TN) — NAY  —  Allard, Wayne- (R - CO) — NAY  —  Barrasso, John- (R - WY) — NAY  —  Baucus, Max- (D - MT) — AYE  —  Bayh, Evan- (D - IN) — AYE

Why Bush won't attack Iran  —  Despite saber-rattling, and the Washington buzz that a strike is coming, the president doesn't intend to bomb Iran.  Cheney may have other ideas.  —  During a recent high-powered Washington dinner party attended by 18 people, Zbigniew Brzezinski …

Widow of Luke pilot lashes out at media  —  Days after an al-Qaida-linked group released a video showing the body of a Luke Air Force Base fighter pilot killed in Iraq last year, his widow lashed out at the national media, accusing it of politicizing and using the images to erode public support for the war.

Bush, Congress at record low ratings: Reuters poll  —  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President George W. Bush and the U.S. Congress registered record-low approval ratings in a Reuters/Zogby poll released on Wednesday, and a new monthly index measuring the mood of Americans dipped slightly on deepening worries about the economy.

In the Shadow of Horror, SS Guardians Frolic  —  Last December, Rebecca Erbelding, a young archivist at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, opened a letter from a former United States Army intelligence officer who said he wanted to donate photographs of Auschwitz he had found more than 60 years ago in Germany.

Bomb kills anti-Syrian lawmaker  —  BEIRUT, Lebanon - A bomb killed an anti-Syrian lawmaker and four other people Wednesday in a Christian suburb east of the Lebanese capital, security officials said.  —  The blast targeted Antoine Ghanem, 64, a member of the right-wing Christian Phalange Party …

Will Congress Force Itself to Tackle Entitlements?  —  It's with good reason that Washington is renowned for its partisanship, but sometimes Republicans and Democrats actually work together on worthwhile proposals.  That may be happening on the entitlement front.

The Real Bush Record  —  In his new book, "The Age of Turbulence," my longtime friend Alan Greenspan argues that President Bush's economic and budget policies have been fiscally irresponsible.  I've known and admired Alan for years, and I believe he was a great chairman of the Federal Reserve Board.

The Education of Robert Gates  —  Robert Gates has been a godsend.  After a bombastic defense secretary, we now have a candid one.  After ego, we have self-effacement.  After domination, we have a man who welcomes discussion.  —  Gates was decisive during the Walter Reed hospital fiasco.

Most Voters Say Election 2008 is Annoying and a Waste of Time  —  While political junkies have enjoyed the extended pre-season for Election 2008, most voters say that the debates and other campaign activities so far have been annoying and a waste of time.  A Rasmussen Reports national telephone …

Debate No-Shows Worry GOP Leaders  —  Candidates Are Urged to Attend Forums Sponsored by Minorities  —  Key Republican leaders are encouraging the party's presidential candidates to rethink their decision to skip presidential debates focusing on issues important to minorities …