Outside the Beltway

The GOP’s public image continues to be bad and there seems to be little sign that they’re doing anything to change that.

The Hagel confirmation, like Obama’s election, was big news to some avid news consumers.

There’s an innocent explanation for giving a huge bonus to a financial exec going into government. And it still stinks.

A federal judge poses an interesting question in a case over Obama’s contraceptive mandate.

Looking at civilian employment in the executive branch since 1940.

In a bold move, the Census Bureau has removed “Negro” from its racial categories.

The Chinese are hacking Washington institutions to unearth the secret plan under which the town operates.

Emory’s James Wagner sees the 3/5 Compromise as the price for achieving a more perfect union.

A theory on why Benghazi will not die as a political issue.

Silly things members of Congress say (plus musings on authoritarianism).

The Obama administration is promising massive cuts in public-facing services in the face of minuscule “cuts” to the budget.

The Associated Press’ clear guidelines are unclear.

George Will declares solitary confinement tantamount to torture.

The GOP isn’t going to solve it’s problems solely by concentrating on “messaging.”

If one is going to worship at the alter of original intent, it might be useful to know a bit of history.

The political antics surrounding the sequestration cuts is a prime example of what’s wrong with Washington.

The Fourth Amendment got even weaker yesterday.

The Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether limits on contributions to political candidates is Constitutional.

The sequestration cuts are fast approaching, and the political battle is continuing.

Senator Ted Cruz has alienated his colleagues in record time.

Rahm Emanuel is reportedly considering a 2016 presidential run. It’s a thin report.

Here we go again.

For the moment, Republicans appear to be blocking Chuck Hagel’s nomination to be Secretary of Defense but they don’t seem to know why they’re doing it.

NYT Magazine asks “Can the Republicans be Saved From Obsolescence?”