Poll: High initial approval for Obama’s State of the Union address

President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address was well received by viewers according to a poll from CBS News. The online poll of 500 people conducted minutes after they watched the speech found that 91 percent approved of the president’s performance.

Most of the Supreme Court’s conservative wing to skip State of the Union

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Huckabee way ahead in new 2012 poll, but Pawlenty has best showing yet

There may be indications that former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is moving away from a 2012 presidential campaign, according to a new poll from Public Policy Polling. While former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty placed fifth, the poll brought positive news: His best-ever 8 percent showing suggests to PPP that he “could be starting to gain some traction.”

Jon Stewart challenges Pawlenty on ‘tyranny’ rhetoric

During Tim Pawlenty’s interview on The Daily Show last night, Jon Stewart pressed the former governor to defend or reject government-as-tyranny language — particularly regarding President Obama’s policies — that has come to dominate the right wing of the Republican party through the tea party movement.

Pawlenty takes gentle jab at Palin in NYT interview

Turning his focus to the national stage after leaving Minnesota’s governor’s office, Tim Pawlenty is making his way through numerous high-profile interviews. He appeared on both Good Morning America and The View on Tuesday morning, and on Monday he sat down with The New York Times for an interview addressing a wide number of topics, ranging from Afghanistan to health care reform.

Pawlenty on possible Bachamnn prez bid: ‘It’s a free country’

Ever since his name was first floated as a possible vice-presidential candidate in 2008, it has been expected that former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty would run for president in 2012. But Wednesday another Republican from Pawlenty’s home state indicated that she is also contemplating entering the field. Rep. Michele Bachmann is headed to Iowa this month and considering her 2012 options.

‘Personhood’ battles continue in new year with Republican legislatures

WASHINGTON — A favorable enthusiasm gap heading into the 2010 midterm elections signaled a marquee year for Republicans and conservative interest groups across the country. But one side of the conservative coalition received disappointing results: anti-choice advocates. But despite setbacks in 2010, such activists will remount efforts to pass pro-life initiatives, including “Personhood” amendments, in the new year.

Franken: Net neutrality is the ‘most important free speech issue of our time’

In an editorial titled “The Most Important Free Speech Issue of Our Time,” Sen. Al Franken lays out the reasons why it is necessary for the government to intervene in the operations of how consumers are delivered internet access:

As a source of innovation, an engine of our economy, and a forum for our political discourse, the Internet can only work if it’s a truly level playing field. Small businesses should have the same ability to reach customers as powerful corporations. A blogger should have the same ability to find an audience as a media conglomerate.

Jimmy Carter: U.S. will soon be ready to elect gay president

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter said in a recent interview with Big Think that he believes the country is at a point where it will soon be acceptable to elect a gay president. “I think the entire…

Pawlenty demonizes public employee unions in Wall St. Journal op-ed

Outgoing Gov. Tim Pawlenty has a new-found love of the written word. His first book, “Courage to Stand” is scheduled to be released in a little under a month, and he has taken to a string of editorial pages as he angles to open his campaign for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.