Paul closes in on Gingrich  —  There has been some major movement in the Republican Presidential race in Iowa over the last week, with what was a 9 point lead for Newt Gingrich now all the way down to a single point.  Gingrich is at 22% to 21% for Paul with Mitt Romney at 16% …

House Passes Extension of Cut to Payroll Taxes  —  WASHINGTON — Defying a veto threat from President Obama, the House on Tuesday passed a bill extending a cut in Social Security payroll taxes for 160 million Americans for another year.  But the Democratic majority in the Senate vowed to reject …

Amanpour to Leave ABC's ‘This Week’ and Rejoin CNN  —  Updated Christiane Amanpour is leaving the anchor chair of ABC's “This Week” and returning to her old network home, CNN, as the anchor of an evening newscast on CNN International.  —  The changes, confirmed Tuesday evening …

GINGRICH FLASHBACK: ‘PROGRESSIVE’ FDR WAS ‘GREATEST PRESIDENT OF THE 20TH CENTURY’ (PLUS - SEIU'S ANDY STERN IS VISIONARY UNION LEADER!)  —  Scroll down for the video — or read this first:  —  I've always liked the feisty tone Newt Gingrich brings to debate.

Newtzilla to the rescue  —  Many feel that a Gingrich victory might be scarier than a GOP defeat.  His chances may depend on how desperate voters feel about the state of the nation.  —  Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich poses …

Obama Team Likes Prospect of Long Republican Fight  —  President Obama and his allies are keenly aware of the challenges on the horizon in his re-election bid, but one development entirely out of their control is bolstering their spirits: The prospect of a drawn-out Republican nominating fight between Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich.

All-American Mess  —  I'd bet that TLC's All-American Muslim is a pretty dull show that borders on hagiography.  But I still don't get why anyone would get so mad about it.  As I understand it, the show depicts Muslim families as more moderate, more American than some stereotypes.  Is that really so horrible?

NTSB recommends full ban on use of cell phones while driving  —  Washington (CNN) — Federal accident investigators Tuesday called for a nationwide ban on the use of cell phones and text messaging devices while driving.  —  Study: Half of young people text, drive

For immediate release  —  Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in November suggests that the economy has been expanding moderately, notwithstanding some apparent slowing in global growth.  While indicators point to some improvement in overall labor market conditions, the unemployment rate remains elevated.

Opinion: Obama would rather be university professor than president  —  After observing President Obama for the last three years, it has become obvious to me that the President might prefer to be a university professor rather than do the job he holds today.  While he may not realize that he feels …

The Graph That Proves Economic Forecasters Are Almost Always Wrong  —  As the saying goes: “It's hard to make predictions.  Especially about the future.”  Thirty years ago, it was obvious to everybody that oil prices would keep going up forever.  Twenty years ago, it was obvious that Japan would own the 21st century.

If I Were A Poor Black Kid  —  President Obama gave an excellent speech last week in Kansas about inequality in America.  —  “This is the defining issue of our time.”  He said.  “This is a make-or-break moment for the middle class, and for all those who are fighting to get into the middle class.