Oversight

Leveling Off

Buoyed by increasing optimism about the economy, President Obama’s approval ratings appear to have reached a high plateau.

Oversight

Party of One

Arlen Specter will be a loyal Spectocrat.

Oversight

Obama's Midterm Exam

First-term midterm elections are distinctly different from “six-year-itch” midterms.

Oversight

Running Up the Tab

When will Americans balk at spending on the stimulus?

Oversight

Early Clues

New poll results look promising for Democrats, but the party’s success in the 2010 elections will hinge on the economy.

Oversight

Who'll Play Defense?

Midterm elections are rarely a referendum on the party out of power.

Oversight

Just Round One

It's easy to give the outcome of a special election too much weight -- but looking for a pattern is more useful.

Oversight

Tipping Point

Escalating drug-related violence in Mexico could trigger demagoguery in U.S. politics.

Oversight

Bad Omen

It’s an ominous sign for Democrats if Republicans have pulled even among independent voters.

Oversight

Steep Price

Democrats will pay at the polls in 2010 if the economy doesn’t improve by then.

Oversight

Details, Details

President Obama’s approval rates are likely to continue slipping as he wades deeper into the intricacies of governing.

Oversight

Winds of Change

It’s too soon to tell how the economic crisis will alter voters’ priorities, but clearly it will have an effect.

Oversight

Whose Downturn?

If the economy hasn’t improved by next year, the public will start to blame Obama rather than Bush.

Oversight

Record Vacancies

The number of Senate seats up for grabs in 2010 may be unprecedented.

Oversight

A Fork in the Road

Unless the Obama administration gets its act together, it risks being perceived as incompetent.

Oversight

Into the Void

It’s not too early to look forward to the fight for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.

Oversight

One President, Two Nations

There are two Americas -- one that watched the inauguration with hope, and another that looked on with skepticism.

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Self-Destructive Conservatism

The GOP is a party in danger of cannibalizing itself.

Oversight

Minor Missteps

The withdrawal of Bill Richardson’s nomination and the selection of Leon Panetta to head the CIA are unlikely to mar Obama’s transition record too badly.

Oversight

Downward Spiral

At first glance, the GOP appears to be at a disadvantage for the third straight election cycle in the 2010 Senate races.