Romney at Bain: Big Gains, Some Busts  —  Mitt Romney's political foes are stepping up attacks based on his time running investment firm Bain Capital, tagging him with making a fortune from the rougher side of American capitalism—even as Mr. Romney says his Bain tenure shows he knows how to build businesses.

Mitt Romney Campaign Disavows Pro-Gay Rights Flyer From 2002 … GOP Debate , Mitt Romney , Republican Debate , Video , New Hampshire Primary , Romney Gay Rights , Romney New Hampshire , Mitt Romney 2012 , New Hampshire Primary 2012 , New Hampshire Romney , Social Issues , Politics News

Record-High 40% of Americans Identify as Independents in '11  —  More Americans identify as Democrats than as Republicans, 31% to 27%  —  PRINCETON, NJ — The percentage of Americans identifying as political independents increased in 2011, as is common in a non-election year …

HalloweenGate: White House Covered Up 2009 Halloween Party Hosted by Johnny Depp & Tim Burton (With Near-Exclusive Photos)  —  As is often the case, the cover-up is worse than the crime: … The White House is going to spin this as “old news”, but it's not old news if it's never been reported.

Just the Ticket  —  THE beginning of a new year is a time for resolutions, and Hillary Clinton's admirers are already busily, lovingly resolving on her behalf.  On one sideline, her friends tell me that after a few years of hyperactive globetrotting what she really needs is to put her feet …

An Alarming Development In China That Everyone Has Missed  —  “I think this move is a sign of weakness and will only increase the likelihood that the winds of change from the Arab spring will reach China.  The Chinese middle class, while enjoying their new wealth, will eventually demand …

Carbon emissions ‘will defer Ice Age’  —  The climate, if not species, of an Ice Age “ought” to return within 1,500 years  —  Human emissions of carbon dioxide will defer the next Ice Age, say scientists.  —  The last Ice Age ended about 11,500 years ago, and when the next one should begin has not been entirely clear.

America's Unlevel Field  —  Last month President Obama gave a speech invoking the spirit of Teddy Roosevelt on behalf of progressive ideals — and Republicans were not happy.  Mitt Romney, in particular, insisted that where Roosevelt believed that “government should level the playing field …

Media mob chases Ron Paul from campaign stop in New Hampshire  —  MANCHESTER, N.H. — A campaign stop at a New Hampshire eatery unraveled into a bit of a circus when the media scrum chasing Ron Paul apparently became too much for the 76-year-old Texas congressman to handle.

Keith Olbermann Agrees to Anchor Current Election Coverage (Exclusive)  —  “I am pleased that I'll be running the election coverage on Current, following this Tuesday's New Hampshire primary,” said Olbermann in a statement on Sunday.  “However, I don't think those participating in the New Hampshire primary will share my satisfaction.”

Republican Sen. Steve Litzow helps lead with gay-marriage support  —  Washington state Sen. Steve Litzow told The Seattle Times editorial board he will be the first Republican in the Senate to support gay marriage.  His decision is a profile in courage.  He will make a big difference.