WASHINGTON — The morning after the Boston Marathon bombings, Ben Cardin, the first speaker on the Senate floor after leaders opened the day’s session, marked the national crisis with some … more

Before he triumphed over prejudice, Jackie Robinson triumphed over himself.The signal achievements of the pioneering baseball star, whose story is recounted in the top-grossing biopic … more

WASHINGTON — Democrats not allergic to arithmetic must know the cost of their “fiscal cliff” victory. When they flinched from allowing all of George W. Bush’s tax rates, especially those on … more

WASHINGTON — If second-term presidents feel liberated by re-election to pursue bolder agendas, first ladies often become more comfortable to be their own person.Witness Laura Bush, who in her … more

U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice is set to go straight from misleading the country about a matter of national security to a promotion. A top candidate to replace Hillary Clinton as secretary of state, … more

WASHINGTON — “My administration,” President Obama wrote on his first day in office, “is committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness in government.” Those were strong and … more

The football helmet that State Department staffers presented Hillary Clinton upon her return to the office was cute, but only sort of. Same went for the “Clinton” football jersey bearing the … more

WASHINGTON — A meat cleaver hangs over the federal government, but the unflappable men and women of the House majority remain cool and poised.With just a few days to stop automatic spending … more

WASHINGTON — Thirty-one months ago Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell affronted the media and other custodians of propriety by saying something common-sensical. On Oct. 23, 2010, he said: … more

On a recent “Meet the Press,” host David Gregory presided in a tailored jacket and tie. Panelists Al Sharpton, David Brooks and Ken Burns appeared similarly professional. But the two female … more