Why I don't back Ryan Medicare plan  —  As part of the 2012 budget discussions, Congress is dealing with Medicare reform.  This debate is long overdue, since its increasing cost must be addressed if we are serious about the nation's growing $14 trillion debt and $1.6 trillion annual deficit.

Behind the Daniels family veto  —  On Friday, the pieces were coming together nicely for a Mitch Daniels-for-president campaign.  Some top potential staffers were told they would have a job, and to keep their powder dry just a little bit longer.  Several Washington Republicans expected a declaration in the next few days.

Joplin tornado death toll soars to 89 … UPDATED at 5:40 a.m. with death toll at 89; at 6:10 a.m. with information from fire chief.  —  JOPLIN, Mo.  • A massive tornado that tore through the southwest Missouri city of Joplin killed at least 89 people, but authorities warned …

Obama digging up dirt on potential opponent Chris Christie  —  President Obama's re-election campaign is trying to dig up dirt in the Garden State.  —  Despite New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's repeated pronouncements that he will not seek the GOP presidential nomination …

Obama double downs at AIPAC  —  The president just finished speaking to a packed convention room at the AIPAC policy conference.  He was not booed when he entered; most stood and offered brief applause.  Still, the crowd during the speech had long periods of stony silence …

Pictures of Sarah Palin's Rumored Scottsdale House  —  Photos of Rumored Palin Arizona House  —  The rumors are still just rumors and we don't know for sure yet whether or not Sarah Palin and family have purchased a North Scottsdale house.  The paper trail says that the property in question …

When Austerity Fails  —  I often complain, with reason, about the state of economic discussion in the United States.  And the irresponsibility of certain politicians — like those Republicans claiming that defaulting on U.S. debt would be no big deal — is scary.

Harold Camping ‘Bewildered’ After Apocalypse Comes and Goes Quietly  —  Harold Camping speaks while holding the Bible, in San Leandro, Calif., in this Dec. 12, 2002 file photo.  A loosely organized Christian movement has spread the word around the globe that Jesus Christ will return to earth on Saturday, May 21, 2011, to...

Hochul continues to lead in NY-26  —  Democrat Kathy Hochul continues to appear poised for an upset victory in Tuesday's special election for Congress in New York's 26th Congressional District.  She is polling at 42% to 36% for Republican nominee Jane Corwin and 13% for Tea Party candidate Jack Davis.

Spy, Military Ties Aided bin Laden Raid  —  In January, the chief of the military's elite special-operations troops accepted an unusual invitation to visit Central Intelligence Agency headquarters.  There, Adm. William McRaven was shown, for the first time, photos and maps indicating the whereabouts of the world's most wanted man.

Putin decides to retake presidency  —  RUSSIAN Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has decided to run for the presidency next year, raising the possibility of a power struggle with his protege Dmitry Medvedev, the incumbent Kremlin leader, say highly placed sources.

Islamic leaders question non-Muslim rights  —  Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad declared Malaysia an Islamic state a decade ago in a move to counter PAS' growing influence among the Malay Muslim population.  —  Several Islamic leaders have questioned the loyalty of non-Muslims in the country …

Herman Cain Blunders on Palestinian ‘Right of Return’  —  ABC News' Sarah Burke reports:  —  President Obama's renewed Middle East policy was brought into focus for the second time this week in his speech at the AIPAC conference in Washington D.C. today.  —  Minutes before he appeared at the podium …