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

On the Boston bombingFrom the April 17 Boston Herald:The words have now been spoken — and by the president — lest there be any doubt that this attack on Marathon Day could have been … 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

On the U.S. and MexicoFrom the March 15 Houston Chronicle:We’ve all seen the headlines. They’re as gruesome and disturbing as any in the world, and they’re all the more disturbing … 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