Outside the Beltway

Earmarks or no, members of Congress are going to bring home the bacon to their districts. It is what their constituents want (and expect) them to do.

Iraq’s PM re-affirms Iraq’s commitment to the U. S. withdrawal date in the Status of Forces Agreement.

Mitt Romney’s poll numbers in Florida have shrunk. Perhaps he needs to be on cable TV a bit more often.

President Obama and Hillary Clinton top Gallup’s lists of Most Admired Americans.

With just over a week to go before the 112th Congress convenes, battle lines are already being drawn in battle over the defense budget.

Was John McCain’s place of birth as big an issue to the fringe left as Obama’s has been (and continues to be) to the fringe right?

The National Football League’s decision to postpone last night’s Eagles-Vikings game due to weather is receiving a lot of criticism, but they made the right choice.

Time for the Monday OTB Caption Contest^TM

Is Jon Stewart the next Edward R. Murrow? No.

A capsule look at the world situation as 2010 draws to a close.

The Shiite Christmas Edition OTB Caption Contest^TM is now over.

Do republics expire after 200 years due to fiscal irresponsibility?

The seemingly sensible end-of-life counseling that was originally part of the Health Care Reform Bill is making a comeback.

Hawaii’s new Governor is taking on the Birther myth.

What is the proper conservative response to Santa Claus?

Frustrated that it couldn’t achieve desired environmental legislation despite huge majorities in both Houses of Congress, the Obama administration has decided to govern by executive fiat.

A Christmas tree tweets.

Republicans are renaming three House committees, including bring back Ethics and taking out Labor.

A Merry Christmas to all.

The TSA’s crusade to fondle whomever they please continues.