Barack Obama News
Read news, analysis, and commentary on Barack Obama, his administration’s legacy, and his continuing impact on national debates.
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- Opinion
Obama’s Latest Tax Hike Shows Why Dynamic Scoring Matters
President Obama has come out with another tax hike on the “rich” that will hurt all Americans. This is not surprising. Raising taxes on the rich has always been the centerpiece of his economic agenda—despite its negative consequences for those who are not rich. He has already raised taxes by more than $1 trillion, mostly…Curtis Dubay -
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Obama Has Used the Word ‘Freedom’ Less Often Than Any President Since Harding
The U.S. Constitution requires that every president “from time to time” shall present Congress with his thoughts regarding the “State of the Union.” Obama has used the word “freedom” in his State of the Union addresses less often than any president since Warren Harding. On Jan. 8, 1790, in Federal Hall in New York City,…Kate Scanlon -
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If Obama Spoke Honestly, Here’s What He’d Say in State of the Union
Some things never change. Likely, in his sixth State of the Union address, President Obama will drone on about the need for “the rich,” those hard-working higher earners, to pay more taxes. He will demand the federal government create more programs it can’t afford. Finally, in tyrannical fashion, Obama will threaten Congress with vetoes and…Crystal Wright -
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Barack Obama and David Cameron Send the Wrong Signal on Iran
Today’s joint White House press conference between the U.S. president and British prime minister was dominated, rather unexpectedly, by the subject of Iran. Both Barack Obama and David Cameron pushed hard against new economic sanctions against Tehran. The president threatened to veto any Congressional bill outlining additional sanctions against the Iranian regime over its nuclear…Nile Gardiner -
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What the Media Missed About Obama’s New Proposal: It’s a Wage Cut for Workers
President Obama just urged Congress to cut workers’ wages. Of course, the news headlines did not report it as such. However, make no mistake: The president’s call for mandatory paid sick leave would simultaneously cut workers’ pay. The president proposes requiring businesses to offer seven days paid sick leave to their workers. That sounds great….James Sherk -
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Obama’s Support Among Military Hits Low Point
Military support for President Obama is at its lowest point since he took office. According to a new poll, since 2009, Obama has incurred a 57 percent drop in his approval rating by military personnel. At the same time, Obama’s support among the civilian population is improving, as his overall approval rating jumped five points…Ben Smith -
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Obama’s New Cuba Policy Kicks in Friday. What You Need to Know.
The Obama administration Friday will begin carrying out the first major initiative in its policy to normalize relations with Cuba, most significantly, making it easier for Americans to travel to the island. Among the new U.S. regulations: American citizens can bring home small amounts of Cuban cigars. Under new Treasury and Commerce Department regulations announced…Josh Siegel -
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33 Policies Obama Should Talk About in State of the Union 2015
President Obama will give his annual State of the Union address on Jan. 20. Heritage experts identified 33 policies in areas ranging from the economy to religious liberty that the president should consider for his 2015 address. Economy Energy Foreign Policy and National Security Marriage and Religious Liberty Spending and Entitlements Unions Economy 1. Advance…Romina Boccia -
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Conservatives Echo Obama’s State of the Union Spoilers With Ideas of Their Own
One week before President Obama is set to deliver his State of the Union address, lawmakers gathered at The Heritage Foundation for the Conservative Policy Summit to outline their policy roadmap for the 114th Congress. Hosted by Heritage Action for America, a sister organization of the think tank, the conference ran in conjunction with the…Melissa Quinn -
- Opinion
Obama Administration Proposes Expanding Government-Funded Preschool, Replacing No Child Left Behind
Education Secretary Arne Duncan urged a revamp of the “tired” and “prescriptive” law currently known as No Child Left Behind today, calling for a law that replaces NCLB with one that includes “more money” than is currently authorized. Duncan urged Congress to increase spending, ensure educational “equity” and to include preschool as a component of…Lindsey Burke -
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As Obama Vows to Nix Keystone Pipeline, Here’s a History of Presidential Veto Power
Minutes into the beginning of the 114th Congress last week, before any bill left either chamber, the White House vowed to veto legislation approving construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. “If this bill passes this Congress, the president wouldn't sign it,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest told reporters Tuesday. That showdown could come soon….Philip Wegmann -
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Cartoon: How In Touch With Voters Obama Is
From Genevieve Wood's column, a look at the issues some readers hope President Obama won't use his "gift" on if Congress passes changes: Your responses to my question last week asking what campaign promises you most wanted the new Congress to fulfill were very telling. What many conservatives want they fear they are not going…Glenn Foden -
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Leave the SUV, Take the Prius: Obama Warns ‘Gas Prices Are Gonna Go Back Up’
The U.S. economy looks bullish as the price of oil plummets and employment numbers bounce back. But President Obama is advising consumers to be cautious, warning that the price of gas will soon be rising once again. Speaking to the Detroit News this week, the president offered some financial planning advice. “I would strongly advise…Philip Wegmann -
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On Day One of New Congress, Obama Vows to Veto Keystone XL Pipeline
The White House said today that President Obama would veto the Keystone XL pipeline bill, which is supported by more than 60 U.S. senators. “If this bill passes this Congress, the president wouldn’t sign it,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said in a press conference. The project, which would transport more than 800,000 barrels of…Kelsey Bolar -
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Krauthammer Blasts Obama Administration on Human Rights, Cuba Deal
As part of last month’s deal between Washington and Havana, Cuba agreed to release 53 political prisoners that had been detained for their criticism of the Castro regime. The Washington Post reports that both governments “refuse to publicly name the prisoners,” and that their release “was not a precondition for renewing diplomatic ties.” But, the…Kate Scanlon -
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High-Ranking Democrat Blasts Obama’s ‘Secret Diplomacy’ With Cuba
President Obama will have trouble appointing an ambassador to Cuba following his decision to normalize relations with the Communist government, predicts the outgoing Democratic chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. On Sunday, Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., told CNN that past actions on the part of the Obama administration would make it “very difficult to…Philip Wegmann -
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McConnell: Obama ‘Not Going to Like’ Republican Congress’ Agenda
Incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell today laid out the priorities for the new Republican-controlled Congress, promising to challenge President Obama with bills “he’s not going to like.” In an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union,” McConnell, R-Ky., said he would advance Republican priorities such as approving the Keystone XL pipeline. He also said…Josh Siegel -
- Opinion
The Private Sector, Not Obama, Created This Recovery
It only took six years, but we’re finally starting to see the U.S. economy kick into gear. This isn’t a story of government-directed growth, but the opposite—Washington’s role in the economy starting to shrink after years of Obama administration activism. The private sector is starting to take over. Let’s start with the positive news. Economic…Stephen Moore -
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How Obama’s Cuba Deal Hurts Cubans
President Obama’s decision to make nice with Cuba’s repressive, anti-American regime creates a great number of losers. Topping the list, of course, are the people of Cuba. They are starting from a bad place, lacking fundamental freedoms. And Obama negotiated no promises from the Castro brothers to ease up on the repression. That leaves Cubans…James Carafano -
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What Obama, Eric Holder and the Rest of Us Could Learn from the Magna Carta
With the president and Congress out of town, Washington, D.C. is very quiet during the holidays, without the long lines one normally sees at museums and capitol attractions. So it was a good time last week to take my family to see a wonderful exhibit at the Library of Congress, jointly sponsored by the Federalist…Hans von Spakovsky