Gingrich's Iowa political director leaves campaign after Mormonism ‘cult’ remark  —  Craig Bergman (Dave Davidson / Prezography.com)  —  The new political director for Newt Gingrich's Iowa campaign thinks that some evangelicals believe God would reject Mitt Romney because of his Mormonism.

House Passes Extension of Cut to Payroll Taxes  —  WASHINGTON — Defying a veto threat from President Obama, the House on Tuesday passed a bill extending a cut in Social Security payroll taxes for 160 million Americans for another year.  But the Democratic majority in the Senate vowed to reject …

The Protester  —  Once upon a time, when major news events were chronicled strictly by professionals and printed on paper or transmitted through the air by the few for the masses, protesters were prime makers of history.  Back then, when citizen multitudes took to the streets without weapons …

Milk Street Cafe, FiDi eatery that lost business due to Occupy Wall Street barricades, to close for good  —  Thursday is last day for popular Financial District restaurant that opened in June  —  Milk Street Cafe owner Marc Epstein, on steps of City Hall in November, complained about Occupy Wall Street barricades hurting business.

This slump won't end until 2031  —  Commentary: Our predicament parallels the Long Depression of 1870s  —  LONDON (MarketWatch) — In retrospect, it wasn't hard to see that the markets were becoming dangerously unstable.  Germany had just adopted a new monetary system, and Europe was being flooded with cheap German money.

Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library & Museum  —  Thank you, Mark [ Updegrove] .  It is a pleasure to be with you - and to join so many friends, colleagues, and critical partners in welcoming some of our nation's most dedicated and effective civil rights champions …

The (Real) Governator  —  Nope, not Ah-nold.  On January 1, 2011, Andrew Cuomo rolled into the perpetually dysfunctional city of Albany, New York, and did something truly shocking: He delivered on his campaign promises.  Here, in his first major interview since taking office …

Realtors: We Overcounted Home Sales for Five Years  —  Data on sales of previously owned U.S. homes from 2007 through October this year will be revised down next week because of double counting, indicating a much weaker housing market than previously thought.

Inside Wukan: the Chinese village that fought back  —  Something extraordinary has happened in the Chinese village of Wukan.  —  Thousands of Wukan's residents gathered for a second day in front of a triple-roofed pagoda that serves as the village hall  —  For the first time on record …

A First Iowa Forecast: Race Is Still Wide Open  —  We're a few days away from releasing the official version of our polling-based forecasts for the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary.  But the statistical work behind the model is done, so I can give you a preview of what the forecasts will look like.

My Tim Tebow Problem  —  I've got a Tim Tebow problem.  —  I want to root for the guy, but I'm afraid of what will happen if the hulky Denver Bronco quarterback continues to pull off what is fast becoming the Greatest Gridiron Story Ever Told.  Since taking over as starting quarterback earlier this season …

Stephanopoulos back to replace Amanpour at ABC's ‘This Week,’ will remain host of ‘GMA’  —  NEW YORK — Christiane Amanpour is being replaced as ABC's Sunday morning political talk show host by the man she took over from — George Stephanopoulos.  —  ABC News said Tuesday that Amanpour is out as host of “This Week.”

If I Were A Poor Black Kid  —  President Obama gave an excellent speech last week in Kansas about inequality in America.  —  “This is the defining issue of our time.”  He said.  “This is a make-or-break moment for the middle class, and for all those who are fighting to get into the middle class.

Critics Pan Chelsea Clinton's Debut  —  Chelsea Clinton had her media debut last night on NBC with Brian Williams — and, my friends, it isn't pretty.  I have just one review, but I'm telling you she is being ripped across, over the coals.  (interruption) Well, H.R. is telling me over the IFB …