CNN Poll: Two-thirds say fiscal cliff poses major problem  —  Washington (CNN) - A new national poll suggests Americans understand that the “fiscal cliff” is no joking matter.  —  Two-thirds of people questioned in a CNN/ORC International survey (PDF) say that the U.S. would face a crisis …

The Morning Plum: Republicans whitewash history of filibuster  —  So it's looking more and more likely that Harry Reid and Democrats will introduce some sort of package of filibuster reforms at the start of the next Congress.  Politico reports this morning that Republicans are preparing …

A Minimum Tax for the Wealthy  —  SUPPOSE that an investor you admire and trust comes to you with an investment idea.  “This is a good one,” he says enthusiastically.  “I'm in it, and I think you should be, too.”  —  Would your reply possibly be this?  “Well, it all depends on what my tax rate …

SCOTUS orders appeals court to hear Liberty University health care lawsuit  —  The Supreme Court on Monday ordered the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals to examine the constitutionality of the health reform law's employer requirements and mandatory coverage of contraceptives without a co-pay.

MANDATE WITH DESTINY  —  Thanksgiving was still two weeks away when the Republican Party, to its evident shock, found itself stuffed, trussed, roasted, and ready to be served with all the trimmings.  This was not the menu that the Party's nominees, donors, and operatives had looked forward to.

McCain Backs Off Susan Rice Smear Campaign  —  Shortly after news broke about a fatal attack on the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya, GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney accused President Obama of “sympathiz[ing] with those who waged the attacks.”  And Romney continued …

How Hillary Clinton's choices predict her future  —  On a recent Monday, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton walked with her husband onto a stage at the New York Sheraton to cheers and whoops and a standing ovation that only got louder as she tried to quiet things down.

Obama faces huge challenge in setting up insurance exchanges  —  The Obama administration faces major logistical and financial challenges in creating health insurance exchanges for states that have declined to set up their own systems.  —  The exchanges were designed as the centerpiece …

Alleged Walmart thief dies after confrontation  —  DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. —  A police investigation is under way after a man suspected of shoplifting from a local Walmart died during his confrontation with store employees.  —  According to a police report obtained by Channel 2 Action News …

From Man Who Insulted Muhammad, No Regret  —  LOS ANGELES — Fuming for two months in a jail cell here, Nakoula Basseley Nakoula has had plenty of time to reconsider the wisdom of making “Innocence of Muslims,” his crude YouTube movie trailer depicting the Prophet Muhammad as a bloodthirsty, philandering thug.

Disagreeing with Obama can ruin Christmas, says White House report  —  Any Republican refusal to accept President Barack Obama's fiscal plan may ruin Christmas for the nation's retailers, the White House claimed in a report released Monday morning.  —  “The National Retail Federation …

Fighting Fiscal Phantoms  —  These are difficult times for the deficit scolds who have dominated policy discussion for almost three years.  One could almost feel sorry for them, if it weren't for their role in diverting attention from the ongoing problem of inadequate recovery …

The Israel-Palestine problem has a simple solution  —  Only political stubbornness, not popular support or irreconcilable differences, prevents the two-state solution from working, argues Matt Hill.  —  Flying the flag: A Palestinian at the border with Israel

Do You Live in a Death Spiral State?  —  Thinking about buying a house?  Or a municipal bond?  Be careful where you put your capital.  Don't put it in a state at high risk of a fiscal tailspin.  —  Eleven states make our list of danger spots for investors.