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Friday, December 30, 2011

Politics In 60 Seconds

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Friday, December 30, 2011

Greetings,

Good riddance to 2011. The year in politics was characterized by high-drama and mostly-low stakes in Washington. Everyone wanted to raise the debt-ceiling, but it was a fight. Everyone wanted to extend the pay-roll tax cut, but that was a fight too.

Prepare for a 2012 where Congress fades into the background, and the nation enters its judgment on Barack Obama's presidency.

Here's a simple year-end treat. Some of the best White House photographs of 2011.

Here is the rest of what you need to know.

THE REPUBLICAN RACE:

The last anti-Romney? It's Rick Santorum. How has he done that? Rather simply. He has practically lived in Iowa for the past year. He speaks directly to the moral, social, and financial challenges of middle-class families. And even if his social conservatism is a bit strong even for many Republicans, he is a squeaky clean politician.

And as Business Insider's Jon Terbush points out, candidates who may be doing poorly in national polls can rocket into front-runner status with a strong showing in Iowa.

THIS DAY IN POLITICS:

On December 20, 1988,U.S. President Reagan and Vice President Bush were subpoenaed to testify at the Iran-Contra hearings of Oliver North.

TWEET OF THE DAY:

On his last day at Politico, Ben Smith gives us another reason why candidates tear up:

Ben Smith Tweet