Politics
House Speaker Pelosi calls Bush 'a total failure'
President Bush has been a "total failure" in everything from the economy to the war to energy policy, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday. In an interview on CNN, the California Democrat was asked to respond to video of the president criticizing the Democratic-led Congress for heading into the final 26 days of the legislative session without having passed a single government spending bill.
Bush surveys record-breaking California wildfires
President Bush offered federal help and encouragement Thursday to some of the 25,000 firefighters working under a blazing sun to contain wildfires that make up the single largest fire event ever recorded in California.
IRS criminal investigations increase
The IRS Criminal Investigation Division completed more than 4,200 investigations in the 2007 budget year, with about one half resulting in conviction for a crime, according to a report issued Thursday.
Fact Check: Obama's position on Afghanistan
Just what is the best way to explain Barack Obama's stand on Afghanistan - has he shown great leadership or is he a Johnny come lately? Potential Obama running mate Sen. Joe Biden has used both descriptions.
Chertoff: European terrorists trying to enter US
European terrorists are trying to enter the United States with European Union passports, and there is no guarantee officials will catch them every time, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said Thursday.
Obama's trip: 1st high-profile step on world stage
Sen. Barack Obama 's trip to the Middle East and Europe marks his first high-profile step onto the international stage, a campaign-season audition of sorts for a presidential hopeful pledging a new era in diplomacy and an end to the U.S. combat role in Iraq.
Special counsel deputy quits over independence
The second-in-command at the government's top whistle-blower office has quit in a dispute with his boss, whom he accused of putting "political agendas and personal vendettas" ahead of the agency's mission and independence.
Texas Democrats look to Obama to help them rebound
Democrats are climbing out of the political graveyard in Texas where George W. Bush buried them. But winning local and legislative races is a far cry from delivering the state for their presidential nominee.
Bulgaria sends uranium fuel to Russia
Bulgaria has sent its remaining highly enriched uranium to Russia for safeguarding from terrorist or other potential misuse.
Satellite radio saga takes unexpected turn
During his tenure at the Federal Communications Commission, Jonathan Adelstein has been a fierce critic of government policies that allow big media companies to get bigger. So it came as a surprise when the Democratic commissioner put forth a proposal that would allow the nation's only two satellite radio companies to merge.
FDA declares it's OK to eat tomatoes again
It's OK to eat all kinds of tomatoes again, the U.S. government declared Thursday - lifting its salmonella warning on the summer favorites amid signs that the record outbreak, while not over, may finally be slowing.
Census won't recognize gay marriages in 2010 count
Same-sex marriage is legal in two states, but not a single one will show up in the 2010 census.
Govt OK sought for top pay at mortgage giants
Congress wants to require executives at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to have their pay packages approved by the government as part of a bill to throw a federal lifeline to the mortgage giants.
GIs getting more bomb protection in Afghanistan
The Defense Department will send close to 800 more bomb-resistant vehicles to Afghanistan, where a resurgent Taliban has military leaders developing plans to add thousands of U.S. troop reinforcements.
New York governor, NAACP condemn magazine cover
New York Gov. David Paterson and the NAACP on Thursday condemned the New Yorker magazine's satirical cover depicting Democrat Barack Obama and his wife as flag-burning radicals.
Clinton says he's ready to campaign for Obama
Former President Clinton said Thursday he is eager to campaign for Barack Obama whenever the Democrat needs him, but has not given any thought to whether he wants to speak at the party convention in Denver.
Terror exercise contract reviewed for ethics issue
Federal officials are investigating whether millions of dollars are being steered improperly toward a government contractor to run the country's largest counterterrorism exercise.
Minn.'s senator of 62 days seeks 6 more years
Dean Barkley - lawyer, political kingmaker, and bus driver - has spent 62 days in the U.S. Senate, which he calls "the most prestigious club on earth."
McCain gets Social Security but criticizes system
Although Republican presidential candidate John McCain has called Social Security "a disgrace," he still cashes his own retirement check every month.
Obama calls criticism of wife 'infuriating'
What gets under Barack Obama's skin? Criticism of his wife, Michelle Obama.