What Ron Paul Thinks of America  —  It seemed improbable that the best-known American propagandist for our enemies could be near the top of the pack in the Iowa contest, but there it is.  —  Ron Paul's supporters are sure of one thing: Their candidate has always been consistent …

Mitt Romney Rx: A bloody nose  —  Here is one way to look at Mitt Romney's challenge from Newt Gingrich: As one more humiliation delivered by Republican activists who have made clear over and over that they would really, really prefer to fall in love with someone, anyone, whose name is not Mitt Romney.

Baghdad blasts kill 63 as Iraq tensions rise  —  (Reuters) - A series of bombings hit Baghdad on Thursday, killing at least 63 people in the first big assault attack on Iraq's capital since a sectarian crisis erupted within its government just days after the U.S. troop withdrawal.

Obama shows he's confident he's beating GOP in payroll tax fight  —  President Obama, who has been on the losing end of several hard-fought battles with House Republicans, is showing that he thinks he's winning the latest tax fight.  —  While the White House—which has made it known …

Gingrich, the anti-conservative  —  When discussing his amazingness, Newt Gingrich sometimes exaggerates somewhat, as when, discussing Bosnia and Washington, D.C., street violence, he said, “People like me are what stand between us and Auschwitz” [Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jan. 16, 1994].

Matt Damon Blasts Obama: “One-Term President With Balls” Would Be Better  —  Matt Damon rips President Obama in Elle magazine, blasting his leadership qualities and saying he'd prefer “a one-term president with some balls who actually got stuff done.”  —  The actor, a longtime supporter …

Some Occupy L.A. protesters may get a lesson in free speech  —  Prosecutors say they can avoid court trials by paying $355 to a private company for an educational program.  The irony is not lost on the anti-corporate activists, who see it as patronizing.  —  Los Angeles police officers arrest …

Sensenbrenner Aide Responds to Big Butt Allegation  —  Amanda Infield, a spokesman for Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) graciously got back to us concerning her boss telling a female constituent that first lady Michelle Obama has a “large posterior.”  The congressman was overheard talking …

How Democrats Fooled California's Redistricting Commission  —  This spring, a group of California Democrats gathered at a modern, airy office building just a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol.  The meeting was House members only — no aides allowed — and the mission was seemingly impossible.

U.S. Satisfaction in 2011 Ranks as Second Lowest Since 1979  —  On average, 17% were satisfied with national conditions, ahead of only 2008's 15%  —  PRINCETON, NJ — Throughout 2011, an average of 17% of Americans said they were satisfied with the way things are going in the United States.

Huntsman is the best choice for GOP  —  Purchase photo reprints at PhotoExtra »  —  Editorial review board with Jon Huntsman, Jr. on Tuesday, December 20, 2011.Purchase photo reprints at PhotoExtra »  —  There comes a time for many politicians when they gaze at their reflection and see a president.

National Income and Product Accounts Gross Domestic Product, 3rd quarter 2011 (third estimate) Corporate Profits, 3rd quarter 2011 (revised estimate)  —  Real gross domestic product — the output of goods and services produced by labor and property located in the United States …

The Meaning of Mercury  —  David Roberts reports on the EPA's decision, finally, to regulate mercury from coal plants: … Let me repeat part of that: it will save tens of thousands of lives every year and prevent birth defects, learning disabilities, and respiratory diseases.

Auto Industry Success Continues, Further Vindicating Obama Rescue  —  Though the economy has struggled throughout 2011, one sector that saw some significant improvement was the American auto industry.  In fact, about one million more cars are expected to be sold this year than last year …