James Inhofe: Gun Debate Has Nothing To Do With Families Of Newtown Victims  —  WASHINGTON — Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) said Tuesday that the gun control debate doesn't have anything to do with the families of the Newtown, Conn., shooting victims, and that the only reason those families …

Who likes taxes?  Democrats, and no one else.  —  A clear majority of Americans have an unfavorable view of the federal income tax system, according to new Washington Post-ABC News polling.  But, in a somewhat remarkable finding, a majority of Democrats view the tax system in a positive light …

Manchin, Toomey Prepare to Unveil Gun Deal  —  A bipartisan group of Senate negotiators signaled Tuesday night that it has reached a deal in principle on expanding background checks to include more gun sales, in what was widely seen as the major sticking point on the biggest gun control legislation to reach the floor since 1994.

In Blow To NRA, Senators Reach Bipartisan Agreement Expanding Background Checks  —  A bipartisan duo of senators with A ratings from the National Rifle Associated have reached a deal to expand background checks to private gun purchases that occur in commercial settings.

Senators reach deal on background checks  —  Sens. Joe Manchin and Pat Toomey will unveil a bipartisan deal to expand background checks for commercial gun sales at a news conference Wednesday morning, opening a pathway for the biggest change in U.S. gun laws in nearly two decades.

Senators unveil deal on background checks  —  Sens. Joe Manchin and Pat Toomey unveiled a bipartisan deal to expand background checks for commercial gun purchases — including those at gun shows and online — Wednesday morning, opening a pathway for the biggest change in U.S. gun laws in nearly two decades.

NRA Says Background Check Compromise Won't Work  —  Sen. Manchin's office said Wednesday morning that the gun lobby was “neutral” on their bill.  But an NRA statement released on the heels of a Manchin press conference says background checks don't work.  [Updated]  —  Senator Joe Manchin (D-WVA)

Bachmann Hustled Out Of Press Conference When Asked About Ethics Problems  —  At a joint press conference Tuesday with a Republican state senator from Minnesota, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) was rushed out of the room by aides and shielded from reporters as soon as she was questioned …

Stay Cool.  Call North Korea's Bluff.  —  NORTH KOREA is a tiny dictatorship with a bankrupt economy, but its leaders are remarkably adept at manipulating global public opinion.  In recent weeks, we have been exposed to yet another brilliant example of their skill.