Obama's top ‘fat cat’ strays  —  JP Morgan honcho Jamie Dimon, once a “fat cat” ally of President Obama, seems to have strayed to Republican contender Mitt Romney.  —  Dimon, a lifelong Democrat who was rumored to be on Obama's short list for treasury secretary before he settled on Tim Geithner …

First on CNN: Florida will likely hold Jan. primary, threatening presidential calendar  —  Washington (CNN) — Florida is now expected to hold its presidential primary on the last day in January 2012, a move likely to throw the carefully arranged Republican nominating calendar into disarray …

Solyndra Said to Have Violated Terms of Its U.S. Loan  —  Solyndra LLC had such steep financial problems in late 2010 that the company violated terms of its loan-guarantee agreement with the Department of Energy and technically defaulted on its $535 million loan, according to people familiar with the matter.

Christie's Father: ‘I Think He Would Beat Obama’  —  Trenton, N.J. — Bill Christie, Gov. Chris Christie's father, tells National Review Online that his son will make the final decision about a presidential bid.  But as the governor mulls, he can count his father as one of many Republicans …

Palin sends more mixed signals  —  Sarah Palin, as often, sent ambivalent signals in her interview on Fox News last night.  —  The clip that everyone is buzzing about last night and this morning as a sign that she's leaning against a run: … I say “ambivalent signals” because …

Obama Jobs Plan May Prevent 2012 Recession  —  President Barack Obama's $447 billion jobs plan would help avoid a return to recession by maintaining growth and pushing down the unemployment rate next year, according to economists surveyed by Bloomberg News.  —  The legislation …

Amazon Unveils $199 Kindle Fire Tablet, Targeting IPad  —  Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN), the world's largest online retailer, unveiled its Kindle Fire tablet computer, taking aim at Apple Inc. (AAPL)'s bestselling iPad with a device that's smaller and less than half the price.

As Scorn for Vote Grows, Protests Surge Around Globe  —  MADRID — Hundreds of thousands of disillusioned Indians cheer a rural activist on a hunger strike.  Israel reels before the largest street demonstrations in its history.  Enraged young people in Spain and Greece take over public squares across their countries.

Defiant Team Perry's plan: Hit harder  —  Rick Perry's widely panned debate performances?  Just a hiccup.  Any major changes in debate prep?  None planned.  His unexpected and deflating Florida straw poll loss last weekend?  Not a big deal.  —  Even as some of his supporters grow anxious …

Despite Negativity, Americans Mixed on Ideal Role of Gov't  —  At the same time, the majority tend to see government reaching too far  —  PRINCETON, NJ — Americans have divided opinions when asked to think broadly about the purpose of government.  About as many Americans (35%) …

A Tea Party Invitation to Morgan Freeman  —  My name is Ali Akbar.  I'm a 26 year-old African-American small business owner and a tea party activist.  I'm not writing to rake you over the coals in the way that many conservatives have done in the last 48 hours.

Euro Crisis  —  Related articles, background features and opinions about this topic.  —  The World from Berlin  —  Obama's Euro-Crisis Lecture Is ‘Pitiful and Sad’  —  Obama slammed the Europeans at an event in Mountain View, California on Monday.  —  US President Obama has given …

A President Who's Well-Liked Falls Well Short On Execution  —  President Obama faces head winds from independents, an important voting bloc for re-election in 2012.  Many of them think well of him personally, but they are disenchanted.  They don't like his policies, and they see him as inexperienced.

Adm. Mullen's words on Pakistan come under scrutiny  —  Adm. Mike Mullen's assertion last week that an anti-American insurgent group in Afghanistan is a “veritable arm” of Pakistan's spy service was overstated and contributed to overheated reactions in Pakistan and misperceptions in Washington …

Rights Collide as Town Clerk Sidesteps Role in Gay Marriages  —  LEDYARD, N.Y. — Rose Marie Belforti is a 57-year-old cheese maker, the elected town clerk in this sprawling Finger Lakes farming community and a self-described Bible-believing Christian.  She believes that God has condemned homosexuality …

New audio: NC governor struck serious tone on suspending congressional elections  —  If it was a joke, North Carolina Democratic Governor Bev Perdue needs to polish her delivery.  —  Newly released audio contradicts the claims of Perdue's press team that her call Tuesday for suspending Congressional election was a joke or hyperbole.

Liberal Newsweek Editor Admits: Obama 'Wasn't Ready' to Be President  —  During an appearance on Morning Joe, Tuesday, Newsweek editor Tina Brown made an off-hand remark about Barack Obama, conceding that the politician “wasn't ready” to be President.  Brown has previously attacked Rush Limbaugh …

US inflation expectations lowest for a year  —  Market expectations for US inflation have dropped to their lowest level in a year and are now below the Federal Reserve's unofficial target, as investors respond to the central bank's latest attempt to stimulate the economy.

Romney-Perry See-Saw Among Ohio Republicans, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Both Running Neck And Neck With Obama  —  Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is top dog in the Ohio Republican presidential pack with 24 percent of GOP voters, while Texas Gov. Rick Perry is nipping at his heels with 20 percent …

Liberal darlings Warren, Baldwin set up joint fundraising group  —  Liberal darlings Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) have joined forces to raise money for their Senate campaigns, according to Federal Election Commission documents.  —  The Massachusetts Wisconsin Victory Fund appeared …

Ryan pitches voucher plan to replace Obama healthcare reforms  —  House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) proposed a conservative replacement to President Obama's healthcare reform bill at a speech at Stanford University on Tuesday, under which the government would provide a limited voucher to help Americans buy insurance.

Inspector General Report Requested By Inhofe Confirms Greenhouse Endangerment Finding ‘Met Statutory Requirements’  —  Record drought in Oklahoma, home state of Sen. Jim Inhofe.  —  A federal investigation, requested by Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) in an April 7, 2010 letter …

Blacks leave Obama  —  Behind the president's whining to the Black Caucus, begging them to “quit grumbling,” is a decline in his personal popularity among African-American voters that could portend catastrophe for his fading reelection chances.  —  According to a Washington Post/ABC News survey …

Senate Approves Controversial U.S. Attorney Nominees Recommended by Republicans  —  The Senate confirmed six U.S. Attorney nominees last night-much to the chagrin of some Democrats.  —  While none of the nominees faced major opposition on the Senate floor, five of the nominees were endorsed by Republicans …