Inside Politics Archive: February 2013
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'Assault weapon' ban could get committee vote Thursday
The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to take up four measures on gun violence Thursday, including California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein's bill that would ban so-called assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. Published February 25 2013
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Michelle Obama's Oscar moment: Says Hollywood sets an example for nation's children
First lady Michelle Obama added some presidential glitz to the Oscars Sunday night, appearing via live video to open the envelope containing the name of the best-picture winner, "Argo." Published February 25 2013
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Obama orders more U.S. forces to Niger
President Obama sent additional U.S. military personnel to Niger earlier this week, bringing the total number of U.S. servicemen sent there to 100. Published February 22 2013
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Scuttle 100-city spending tour, key senator tells White House
With the federal government poised to face billions of dollars in cuts, a key senator is calling on the White House to halt an administration effort to highlight more government spending. Published February 22 2013
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Obama on sequester deal: 'Hope springs eternal'
One week ahead of a deadline to avert deep budget cuts, President Obama said avoiding the so-called sequester is a "no-brainer" and he hasn't ruled out the possibility that lawmakers will make the "right decision." Published February 22 2013
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LaHood warns of disruptive airport delays, if sequester kicks in
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is using blunt language to warn of significant disruptions and delays in air travel caused by administration plan to reduce the number of air-traffic controllers if Congress doesn't avert the federal spending cuts set to kick in March 1. Published February 22 2013
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Pope Benedict XVI's successor should allow priests to get a new title: Husband, poll finds
Three-fourth of U.S. Catholics have a favorable impression of Pope Benedict XVI and a bare majority believe the next pope should "maintain traditional directions," according to a new survey released Thursday. Published February 21 2013
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Poll: Hagel's unfavorable numbers jump since nomination
Chuck Hagel's unfavorability ratings jumped in a new poll released Wednesday, even though President Obama's nominee for defense secretary seems likely to be confirmed by the Senate next week. Published February 20 2013
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With White House press peeved, Obama sits down with local media
President Obama is bypassing the national media and will sit down with local television journalists Wednesday to press his case for Congress to avoid deep spending cuts set to kick in a week from Friday. Published February 20 2013
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White House backs up Biden, insists 'buy a shotgun' quip was on the mark
The White House is standing by Vice President Joseph R. Biden's decision to talk bluntly about his affinity for old-school shotguns — despite a storm of criticism from the left that the pump-action pitch undermined the White House push for gun-control measures. Published February 20 2013
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Biden awards 18 police officers and firemen medal of valor
One day after Vice President Joseph R. Biden exhorted Americans to "buy a shotgun" if they want protection from intruders, he delivered a heartfelt testament to 18 police officers and firefighters receiving the Medal of Valor for showing tremendous courage under fire. Published February 20 2013
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Carney dismisses press concerns over Obama secrecy
President Obama's spokesman Jay Carney defended the decision to shut out the press to Mr. Obama's golf weekend with Tiger Woods in Florida, though he said that he is "sympathetic" to the frustrations of covering the White House. Published February 19 2013
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Colorado state Rep. Joe Salazar's comments on rape and guns draw backlash
Another male politician has waded into trouble with comments about rape, and this time he's a Democrat. Conservatives pounced on comments made by Colorado state Rep. Joe Salazar during a floor debate Friday night on a bill to ban concealed-carry permit holders from bringing guns on public university campuses. Published February 19 2013
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Gun owners get discounts at pizzeria in Virginia Beach
The owner of a Virginia Beach pizza shop is giving a 15 percent discount to people who carry a gun or bring a concealed-handgun permit into his store. Published February 19 2013
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Bowles, Simpson back at it to reduce federal deficit
The chairmen of President Obama's now defunct bipartisan debt commission floated another proposal Tuesday that aims to split the differences between the hardline deficit reduction stances Democrats and Republican have taken on Capitol Hill. Published February 19 2013
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N.H. Democrat targeted in House GOP's first ad of 2014 election cycle
The campaign arm of the House GOP rolled out its first television ad of the 2014 campaign cycle on Monday, blasting a New Hampshire Democrat for opposing a measure that puts the pay of lawmakers on ice until they pass a federal budget — at least through the end of the current session of Congress. Published February 18 2013
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Palin will return to spotlight with CPAC address
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee, will return to the political stage to address the 40th annual Conservative Political Action Conference next month in Maryland. Published February 18 2013
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Private club: Obama spends 3rd straight day hidden on links
Undeterred by complaints from the White House press corps about a lack of access, President Obama is spending President's Day playing his third straight day of golf during a secluded guy's weekend at an exclusive golf compound in Florida. Published February 18 2013
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McCain: Hagel will be confirmed as defense secretary
Sen. John McCain, one of the leading opponents of President Obama's nomination of former Sen. Chuck Hagel to be the new defense secretary, said Sunday that it's likely Mr. Hagel will be confirmed, but that he still doesn't believe he's qualified for the post. Published February 17 2013
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Schumer: 'Progress' on background checks, less so on assault weapons ban
Sen. Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat, said Sunday that a bipartisan group that has been crafting a plan regarding background checks for gun sales has made progress, but he appeared less bullish on the prospects of a ban on so-called assault weapons. Published February 17 2013
