Obama Weighs Tax Overhaul in Bid to Address Debt  —  WASHINGTON — President Obama is considering whether to push early next year for an overhaul of the income tax code to lower rates and raise revenues in what would be his first major effort to begin addressing the long-term growth of the national debt.

Profanity, Anger Spill Over in House Democratic Caucus Meeting  —  The frustration with President Barack Obama over his tax cut compromise was palpable and even profane at Thursday's House Democratic Caucus meeting.  —  One unidentified lawmaker went so far as to mutter “f— the president” …

Republicans Block U.S. Health Aid for 9/11 Workers  —  WASHINGTON — Republican senators blocked Democratic legislation on Thursday that sought to provide medical care to rescue workers and others who became ill as a result of breathing in toxic fumes, dust and smoke at the site of the 9/11 World Trade Center attack.

Why Harry Reid decided to move foward with DADT vote  —  Earlier this afternoon, just before Harry Reid went onto the Senate floor and gave a speech calling for a vote on repeal of don't ask don't tell — which has now failed — he turned to a Senate aide and shrugged his shoulders.

Palin to make surprise trip to Haiti  —  (CNN) - It turns out that Sarah Palin's next overseas trip won't be to England or Israel, as was widely reported Thursday.  —  CNN has learned that the former Alaska governor will be traveling to Haiti this weekend with Franklin Graham and his relief organization Samaritan's Purse.

Why I Support the Ryan Roadmap  —  Let's not settle for the big-government status quo, which is what the president's deficit commission offers.  —  The publication of the findings of the president's National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform was indeed, as the report was titled, “A Moment of Truth.”

Obama lights the National Christmas Tree, says ‘Merry Christmas’ three times  —  President Obama's words at lighting of National Christmas Tree, as provided by the White House  —  THE PRESIDENT: Merry Christmas, everybody!  —  AUDIENCE: Merry Christmas!  —  THE PRESIDENT: Happy holidays.

Big Patent Firm Sues Nine Tech Firms  —  Technology companies on Wednesday received troubling news that some had feared for years: Intellectual Ventures LLC has started suing.  —  The secretive firm co-founded by former Microsoft Corp. Chief Technology Officer Nathan Myhrvold has raised $5 billion …

Pure terror in her eyes: Charles and Camilla surrounded by baying tuition fees mob who attacked their car screaming ‘Off with their heads’  —  With terror written across her face, the Duchess of Cornwall comes under fire from a snarling mob of student fees rioters last night.

Manchin votes against 'Don't ask' repeal, then apologizes  —  Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) appeared to take a stand on the repeal of “Don't ask, don't tell” Thursday, becoming the only Senate Democrat to vote against a procedural motion to move the measure forward.

Stuxnet Worm Still Out of Control at Iran's Nuclear Sites, Experts Say  —  Aug 21: The first fuel is loaded into the reactor building at the Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran.  —  EXCLUSIVE: Iran's nuclear program is still in chaos despite its leaders' adamant claim …

Americans in Poll Want Deficit Cut With Entitlements Secured  —  Americans want Congress to bring down a federal budget deficit that many believe is “dangerously out of control,” only under two conditions: minimize the pain and make the rich pay.  —  The public wants Congress to keep …

Europeans Criticize Fierce U.S. Response to Leaks  —  PARIS — The United States considers itself a shining beacon of democracy and openness, but for many Europeans Washington's fierce reaction to the flood of secret diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks displays imperial arrogance and hypocrisy …