They have a lot bigger fish to fry, Nicole. You need not worry.

If our Republican friends are so deeply and principally opposed to federal spending after running up $5 trillion in debt, let them opt out.

The president wants to move forward. He seems to have less of a retribution streak in him than almost any politician I've come across. I think it's good for the country.

I think Mark also has the right take, which is, as a senator, respected senator, former Democratic majority leader, he gets a lot of benefit of doubt, I think, from his colleagues.

The notion that they need to pay retention bonuses, as the man said in Jessica Yellin's piece, is preposterous.

The quickest way -- every economist agrees -- to jolt the economy is to put money into unemployment benefits.

Elections have consequences.

The percentage of Americans who consider themselves Republicans is at a 20-year low; the percentage of Americans who consider themselves Democrats, a 20-year high.

There's new Gallup data out that says the percentage of Americans who consider themselves Republicans is at a 20-year low, the percentage of Americans who consider themselves Democrats a 20-year high.

To paraphrase his inaugural address, he extended his hand and they returned with a clinched fist. It's a big mistake for the Republicans. They are on the wrong side of this deal.

The quickest way, every economist agrees, to jolt the economy is to put money into unemployment benefits.

He now has to begin to lead. I thought the speech was muscular and marshal. And now he has got to take us and lead us.