The Manchurian Candidate  —  When Barack Obama posted Jon Huntsman to Beijing, it looked like a crafty way to sideline a 2012 rival.  Don't bet on it.  —  The Huntsmans' new home in the posh D.C. neighborhood of Kalorama is the prototype of pricey Washington real estate: a tall, boxy structure defined by red brick and right angles.

New health-care rules to take effect  —  The new year will bring important changes to U.S. health-insurance rules, as new provisions related to last year's massive health-care overhaul take effect.  —  The new rules are designed to help those caught in Medicare's “doughnut hole,” …

Chief justice urges progress naming judges  —  WASHINGTON - Republicans and Democrats must find a long-term solution to selecting federal judges, Chief Justice John Roberts says, while blaming both sides for the political gridlock of judicial nominations in the Senate.

Sarah Palin's Nomination Chances: A Reassessment  —  In November 2009, I wrote an article entitled “10 Reasons That Sarah Palin Could Win the Republican Nomination.”  The article wasn't necessarily arguing that she was the favorite to take the nomination, but it did suggest she had a credible chance at it.

‘A big f—  deal’ and more: The top 10 political quotes of 2010  —  Vice President Joe Biden's use of profanity, a New York congressman's admission of groping and a denial of witchcraft were among the top 10 political quotes of 2010.  —  The healthcare reform debate is featured in several others …

NJ Gov. Chris Christie explains why he and Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno were out of state during the blizzard  —  During a news conference in Monmouth County, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie explains why he and Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno were both out of the state at the same time while NJ was rocked by a blizzard.

Manhattan Status Symbols: Washers and Dryers  —  THE final noisemaker has squealed and the last dinner guest has straggled home, so the holiday extravaganza that is Christmas and New Year's — spread out over two long weekends and punctuated by a blizzard — is over.

Weekly Address: Democrats and Republicans Have Shared Responsibility to Move America Forward  —  WASHINGTON - In his weekly address, President Obama resolved to do everything he can to make sure the economy is growing, creating jobs, and strengthening the middle class in the new year.

Interior ministry: Suicide bomber behind Egypt church blast  —  (CNN) — Evidence indicates that a suicide bomber caused the explosion outside a church in Egypt on Saturday that killed at least 21 people, the country's interior ministry said.  —  Authorities believe the bomber was killed in the blast …

Political Battle on Illegal Immigration Shifts to States  —  Legislative leaders in at least half a dozen states say they will propose bills similar to a controversial law to fight illegal immigration that was adopted by Arizona last spring, even though a federal court has suspended central provisions of that statute.

Baby Boomers Expected to Drain Medicare  —  The Biggest Generational Wave in History Could Leave Medicare System Broken  —  The first baby boomers will turn 65 Jan. 1, beginning a flood of applications for Medicare benefits that experts fear could drain the economy and hold political repercussions for President Obama.

Miller ending legal battle, conceding Senate race  —  JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Republican Joe Miller has conceded the Alaska U.S. Senate race to party rival Sen. Lisa Murkowski, ending nearly two months of debate and court litigation.  —  Miller announced his decision at a news conference in Anchorage Friday …