Trump Once Said the ‘Access Hollywood’ Tape Was Real.  Now He's Not Sure.  —  WASHINGTON — Shortly after his victory last year, Donald J. Trump began revisiting one of his deepest public humiliations: the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape of him making vulgar comments about women.

Conservative media critic: O'Keefe is ‘hurting the conservative movement’  —  Conservative writer Brent Bozell slammed conservative activist James O'Keefe on Tuesday after his botched undercover sting on The Washington Post, saying O'Keefe should be “condemned” for trying to plant a fake story …

Second ex-staffer accuses Conyers of sexual harassment  —  A former staffer of U.S. Rep. John Conyers said the veteran lawmaker made unwanted sexual advances toward her, including inappropriate touching, adding to allegations by other unnamed former employees that have prompted a congressional investigation.

North Korea expert says ‘global catastrophe’ looms  —  Blaine Harden spent decades reporting across Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia, but for the former Washington Post East Asia bureau chief, covering North Korea has been unlike any other assignment.  —  “It was hard slogging.

CNN to boycott White House Christmas party  —  Adding fuel to its growing feud with President Donald Trump, CNN told POLITICO it will be boycotting the White House Christmas party for the media this year.  —  “CNN will not be attending this year's White House Christmas party,” a CNN spokesperson said.

Senate committee advances GOP tax bill, moving closer to floor vote  —  The Senate Budget Committee on Tuesday approved the Republican tax bill, a crucial procedural step toward a vote by the full chamber later this week.  —  With the party-line 12-11 vote to advance the plan …

Federal judge rules that Trump's choice can remain at head of consumer watchdog bureau  —  A federal judge refused to block President Trump's choice of budget director Mick Mulvaney from serving as acting director of the prominent federal consumer watchdog agency on Tuesday …

Mike Flynn's Promotion of Nuclear-Plant Project Went Deep Into the White House  —  Project backers drafted memos for President Trump and Flynn allies continued to push the plan after the Trump security adviser was ousted  —  Private-sector backers of a controversial Middle East nuclear plan worked …

Moore Opens Up 49-44 Lead in Alabama; Just 9% of Trump Voters Believe Allegations Against Moore  —  Alabama Republican Roy Moore has reopened a 49-44 lead over Democrat Doug Jones in the race for U.S. Senate.  In Change Research's third poll since the sexual misconduct allegations against Moore …

Rick Scott Consultant Denies He Used Ice Penis to Hump Mannequin … Joshua Cooper, a Tallahassee political consultant paid more than $500,000 by Florida Gov. Rick Scott to dig up dirt on Scott's enemies over the years, swears the photo above was simply a snapshot taken at an unfortunate angle.

Trump, next to empty chairs, tears into Dems for skipping meeting  —  President Trump tore into Democratic leaders on Tuesday for skipping a legislative strategy session at the White House.  —  Trump said he is “not surprised” that Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer

Rep. Raul M. Grijalva quietly arranged a “severance package” in 2015 for one of his top staffers who threatened a lawsuit claiming the Arizona Democrat was frequently drunk and created a hostile workplace environment, revealing yet another way that lawmakers can use taxpayer dollars to hide their misbehavior on Capitol Hill.

Trump's FCC chairman accuses Twitter of silencing conservatives  —  Alt-Tech  —  The head of the Federal Communications Commission is going on the offensive against tech companies in an effort to make his case for repealing net neutrality rules.  —  FCC chairman Ajit Pai on Tuesday accused Twitter …

Manafort Bankers, Associates Summoned to Talk to Manhattan D.A.  —  Investigators want to know how Manafort used money from loans  —  Ex-Trump campaign chairman already charged in separate probe  —  Manhattan prosecutors investigating Paul Manafort's New York business activities …

Uzbekistan incident raises suspicions of Russian involvement in Cuba attacks  —  A newly revealed incident reported by a USAID officer who is based at the American embassy in Uzbekistan is raising suspicions Russia may have been involved and could have had a hand in bizarre attacks targeting U.S. diplomats …