Annals of Post-Truth Politics: Good for Norah O'Donnell  —  Relevant background point #1: Rep. Paul Ryan's fame has depended on his reputation as the man who knew the obscure details of federal budget policy, and who was brave and honest enough to tell the public the unvarnished truth about those details.

Who Is Dumber, Joe Biden or Barack Obama?  —  Most people would immediately say “Joe Biden.”  But I am not at all sure that is correct.  There is much to be said on the subject, but for the moment let's just note that Obama has matched one of Biden's most famous moments of stupidity …

Within Hours, Mitt Romney Takes Back Everything He Said About Preexisting Conditions  —  On national TV on Sunday morning, with millions of people watching, Mitt Romney told David Gregory that there were parts of Obamacare he actually liked.  In fact, he said, one of the goals of his healthcare plan …

Obama leads by 5 in Ohio  —  PPP's first post-conventions poll in Ohio finds Barack Obama with a 5 point lead over Mitt Romney, 50-45.  This is the largest lead PPP has found for Obama in an Ohio poll since early May.  Last month Obama led 48-45.  —  Both candidates have seen their images improve …

Chicago teachers strike for first time in 25 years; contingency sites ready, charters remain open  —  Karen Lewis, president of the Chicago Teachers Union and Vice president Jesse Sharkey talk to the media as Chicago Public Schools will be on Strike this Monday.  Sunday Sept 9, 2012 |

Obstruct and Exploit  —  Does anyone remember the American Jobs Act?  A year ago President Obama proposed boosting the economy with a combination of tax cuts and spending increases, aimed in particular at sustaining state and local government employment.  Independent analysts reacted favorably.

Voter ID law set for review by state Supreme Court  —  Pennsylvania will take its place as a battleground state on a different political front this week as supporters and opponents argue the validity of the state's new voter ID law before the state Supreme Court.  —  Oral arguments are scheduled for Thursday in Philadelphia.

Government Employment  —  During today's round table on ABC, Rand Paul seemed shocked at my claim that government employment is down under Obama.  Of course, it is.  But maybe he's thinking of the fact that since govt employment rose under Bush, we're still at higher absolute levels than we were a decade ago.

9 states where the race will be won  —  The presidential race has narrowed to a core of nine states, a collection of margin-of-error battlegrounds spread across nearly every region.  —  From New Hampshire in the Northeast to Nevada in the Rocky Mountain West, there is little disagreement between …

NYC gay bar hosts Obama fundraiser  —  NEW YORK — Outside, posters of President Obama and the first lady were the only signs that Eastern Bloc was closed for a private party.  To some regulars of the grungy gay bar in Manhattan's East Village, the $100 minimum cover charge seemed too pricey for a Saturday night.

Gaffetastic!... Obama Pulls a Biden, Tells Audience, “Three Proud Words - Made in the USA!”  (Video)  —  Gaffetastic!  —  Add this to the list... Obama goes off TelePrompter, pulls a Biden.  —  Barack tells audience, “Stamped with 3 proud words... Made in the USA!”  —  Via The Blaze:

Iraq blasts kill 100 as fugitive VP gets death sentence  —  (Reuters) - Car bombs tore through mainly Shi'ite Baghdad districts on Sunday after Iraq's fugitive Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi was sentenced to death, as more than 100 people were killed across the country in one of the bloodiest days this year.

Obama won't compromise “balanced approach” on budget, despite gridlock  —  PLAY CBS NEWS VIDEO  —  (CBS News) President Obama is “more than happy to work with the Republicans” on creating a bipartisan budget that could pass a split Congress, he told CBS News anchor Scott Pelley in part …

Romney Says His Plan To Cut Taxes On The Rich Doesn't Actually Cut Taxes On The Rich  —  On Meet The Press this morning, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney claimed that his tax plan — which provides a 20 percent tax cut for all Americans — would not “reduce the tax burden” …