Obama admin. knew millions could not keep their health insurance  —  President Obama repeatedly assured Americans that after the Affordable Care Act became law, people who liked their health insurance would be able to keep it.  But millions of Americans are getting or are about to get cancellation letters …

McAuliffe opens up double-digit lead over Cuccinelli in Virginia governor's race  —  Democrat Terry McAuliffe has opened a double-digit lead over Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II in the race for Virginia governor, in a new poll capturing increasing dissatisfaction among voters with Cuccinelli's party and his conservative views.

Obama May Ban Spying on Heads of Allied States  —  WASHINGTON — President Obama is poised to order the National Security Agency to stop eavesdropping on the leaders of American allies, administration and Congressional officials said Monday, responding to a deepening diplomatic crisis …

A brief note on why the progressive blog movement failed  —  In the early 2000s progressive blogging seemed like a big deal.  At the first Yearly Kos, as it was called then, big name politicians came and kissed our ass.  We were covered by major newspaper and TV outlets.  Etc...  Today, we are nothing.

Joe Lhota: Republican Sandy Foes Like Tom Coburn Shouldn't Use NYC As An “ATM”  —  As our Dan Friedman reported, Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) was in the city Monday on the eve of the Sandy anniversary - to the chagrin of some critics who say senators like Coburn who fought Sandy aid should not draw …

The Unbearable Lightness of Obama  —  The president didn't know the NSA was spying on world leaders, but he's found time for at least 146 rounds of golf.  —  Is there a method to President Obama's style of leadership, his methods of decision-making, his habits of attention, oversight and follow-through?

What If POLITICO Had Covered the Civil War?  —  Playbook, Emancipation Day Edition  —  POLIT-ICO Play-Book, presented by UNION-PACIFIC RAILROAD - JAN 1, 1863 EDITION —ROSCOE CONKLING NEW YEAR'S PARTY — Democrats livid over ‘Caesar’ Lincoln executive power - New aide-de-camp for Gen'l Sherman …

Former Rep. Ike Skelton Dead at 81  —  Former Democratic Rep. Ike Skelton, who built a reputation as a military expert and social conservative during 34 years representing western and central Missouri in the U.S. House, died Monday in Virginia.  He was 81.  —  Skelton died at Virginia Hospital Center …

Will the Left Turn on President Obama Like the Tea Party Did on President Bush?  —  He has transgressed against liberal and progressive values.  His supporters are likely to see that more clearly once he leaves office.  —  During President George W. Bush's tenure, most Republicans felt that criticizing him would just help Democrats.

Court Rules Abortion Restriction Unconstitutional … The Politics of Prevention is an occasional series on the effects of state policy on women's health services.  Participate in our project by sharing your women's health story here.  —  Less than 24 hours before new abortion regulations …

Poll Finds Vast Gaps in Basic Views on Gender, Race, Religion and Politics  —  An almost unfathomable gap divides public attitudes on basic issues involving gender, race, religion and politics in America, fueled by dramatic ideological and partisan divisions that offer the prospect …

Ohio Governor Defies G.O.P. With Defense of Social Safety Net  —  COLUMBUS, Ohio — In his grand Statehouse office beneath a bust of Lincoln, Gov. John R. Kasich let loose on fellow Republicans in Washington.  —  “I'm concerned about the fact there seems to be a war on the poor,” he said …