Obamas' Date Night in New York City Draws Criticism  —  Even before the Obamas left Washington, the there-and-back trip drew criticism from Republicans who questioned the president's decision to travel to New York for a night of entertainment during a recession and while automakers struggle to survive.

First couple's NY date: a campaign promise kept  —  President Barack Obama made good on a campaign promise to his most important supporter Saturday night — his wife, Michelle.  —  The president and first lady jetted to a date in New York late Saturday afternoon, aides and media in tow.

The Trauma of 9/11 Is No Excuse  —  Top officials from the Bush administration have hit upon a revealing new theme as they retrospectively justify their national security policies.  Call it the White House 9/11 trauma defense.  —  “Unless you were there, in a position of responsibility after September 11 …

Supreme Court confirmation — the standard matters less than that there be just one  —  John and the estimable Andy McCarthy have been discussing what standard Republican Senators should apply when voting on a Supreme Court nominee of a Democratic president.

First President in US History to Have Voted to Filibuster a Supreme Court Nominee Now Hopes for Clean Process  —  President Obama's expressed hope today in his weekly address “that we can avoid the political posturing and ideological brinksmanship that has bogged down this (Supreme Court nomination) …