Did a close ally of the New Jersey governor cause a massive traffic jam on purpose to punish a Democratic foe? The question seems outlandish, but the answers thus far have proven unsatisfactory. read more
In just 19 days, federal emergency unemployment benefits will expire for 1.3 million struggling Americans. The partisan dispute is now coming into sharper focus. read more
Senate Democrats to push for vote on Pres. Obama's nominees to the DC Circuit today. (Washington Post) Though despite filibuster reform GOP Senators may find ways to slow it down. (AP) Sen. Gillibrand sees her military-sex-assault amendment vote slip away. (The Hill) Obama aide who helped push health reform through Congress returns to help implement it. (Washington Post) read more
A red-state Democratic senator this week launched a campaign ad literally waving a Bible around, which led to an unexpected spat between a Republican Senate candidate and his NRSC allies. read more
Tonight, an hour-long look at the life and legacy of the South African leader who became a global icon for equality and democracy. The Rachel Maddow Show returns anew Monday. read more
In response to the former South African president’s death Thursday, several Republican politicians posted standard tributes to Mandela on Facebook today. But not everyone seemed to share the sentiment. read more
In case you thought that now that Healthcare.gov is mostly fixed, conservatives might be winding down the sabotage campaign and reluctantly accepting the reality of Obamacare: Not so much. read more
House Republicans and Senate Democrats are close to agreement on a budget deal. But right now it doesn’t include an extension of unemployment benefits, even though they’re set to expire for at least 1.3 million Americans. read more
Congressional budget negotiators are getting close to a deal (or maybe not). (Huffington Post) 25 House Democrats call on Pres. Obama to stop deportations. (BuzzFeed) A deep dive into what actually made the WWII Memorial close during the government shutdown. (McClatchy) BP's strategy after the Deepwater Horizon disaster: go deeper. (AP) Minnesota archdiocese posts list of priests accused of sexually abusing minors. (AP) read more
Former Rep. Ron Dellums, talks with Rachel Maddow about how pressure from the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 helped end apartheid in South Africa. watch
We are still putting together the guest list for tonight's show, but here are the confirmed guests so far (stay tuned for more): Rohit Kachroo, correspondent for NBC News; Former Rep. Ron Dellums, (D) California, sponsor of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986; Dan Rather, “Dan Rather Reports” on AXS-TV read more
Very few world leaders are able to rise to the level of genuine giants of history. There can be no doubt that Nelson Mandela, through his heroism, sacrifice, and leadership, earned his iconic status. read more
