Current News & Politics

• Bill Ayers talks back Sarah Palin called him a terrorist, Barack Obama called him an acquaintance. A Salon editor who knew Ayers back when talks to the ex-Weather Underground member turned Republican talking point.
  By Walter Shapiro
• Can Republicans come back from their "thumpin'"? Three conservatives plot the future of the GOP, and handicap the chances of Sarah Palin and other 2012 contenders.
  By Thomas Schaller
• Awaiting Obama's top lieutenants Will it be Chuck Hagel, or even Hillary Clinton, for secretary of state? Will Bob Gates stay at the Pentagon? Obama's national security team remains mostly top secret.
  By Walter Shapiro
• Obama's plans for probing Bush torture President Bush could pardon officials involved in brutal interrogations -- but he may also face a sweeping investigation under the new president.
  By Mark Benjamin

Table Talk

What will McCain do now?

How can we get the economy back on track?