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September 5, 2012 The former president, who will speak tonight in North Carolina, has played a role in every Democratic National Convention since 1972. Reviewing Clinton's exploits at the past 10 annual confabs offers a set of milestones for his entire career — and recaps 40 years of convention history.

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August 31, 2012 The GOP's "We Built That" theme, which grew out of a gaffe by President Obama, all but took over the Tampa convention. Republicans say this line of attack, legitimate or not, highlights what they say is Obama's true attitude toward business. And they believe they can win by convincing the public that the president doesn't understand where jobs come from.

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August 30, 2012 Rep. Paul Ryan demonstrated in his convention speech that he's a true believer, much like two previous politicians he has sought to emulate: Ronald Reagan and Jack Kemp. Kemp's economic ideas were controversial decades ago, but they've gained new life in the vice presidential nominee's budget plan.

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August 29, 2012 The Republican National Convention is trying to build a bridge to more female voters.

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August 28, 2012 ANALYSIS: The next era of conservative politics is just as likely to be dominated by the insurgents as by the forces that have brought Mitt Romney to his party's presidential nomination.

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August 27, 2012 ANALYSIS: The last surviving purpose of the convention is to reach a vast audience and make an impression. Perhaps the special circumstances of this week will give the Republican presidential contender a unique way to do that.

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August 1, 2012 The governor's choice for U.S. Senate, David Dewhurst, was bulldozed by Tea Party favorite Ted Cruz. The reversal in Perry's fortunes should chasten all who try to predict political outcomes.

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July 18, 2012 More people still oppose the Affordable Care Act, but a narrow majority favor amending it rather than repealing it. The poll also shows President Obama with a 2-percentage-point lead over Mitt Romney, although they're even among voters from 12 battleground states.

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June 29, 2012 Time and again, the court has shaken up American politics with pronouncements no one quite expected, from the rejection of "separate but equal" schools to the striking down of bans on gay sex. And the effects of a landmark decision may only be revealed over time.

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June 6, 2012 Gov. Scott Walker's recall election victory might not seem like it would have much relevance outside the Badger State. But the outcome may embolden other governors to follow Walker's lead and move against public employee unions. It also could boost conservatives and disrupt President Obama's re-election strategy.

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June 6, 2012 Gov. Scott Walker beat back a recall attempt in Wisconsin on Tuesday by doing what he had to do, turning out huge majorities in the Republican enclaves of the state — especially in its eastern half near Lake Michigan.

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June 5, 2012 Wisconsin votes on recalling its governor Tuesday, and much has been made of potential implications beyond the state. But while most registered Wisconsin voters are expected to turn out, they'll be thinking about the stakes for their state, not necessarily the mega issues of the presidential race.

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