Will Mitt Romney take the plunge again?
Two sources inside Mitt Romney's inner circle tell CNN that while Romney isn't planning a presidential bid, he's listening to a lot of people who want him to get in the race - although he remains skeptical himself.
"A lot of people in Romneyland are rooting for him to get in," says one source. "He's not one of them."
Another source close to Romney puts it this way: "I wouldn't bet on it, but I wouldn't bet either."
The key, these sources say, is that Romney wants to see a Republican candidate who can win the White House. So there's a willingness to wait to see who will run for the GOP nomination. While these sources say that, as of today, it's not likely Romney would run, it can't be ruled out entirely - and if the early seeding were to produce a weak field, Romney might be in a position to be a late entrant.
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Bob Gates was ‘very uncomfortable’ with prisoner swap idea in 2011
(CNN) – Then-Secretary of Defense Bob Gates was “very uncomfortable” with the idea of a Guantanamo prisoner swap for Bowe Bergdahl when it was raised in 2011, a former senior Defense Department official familiar with Gates’ thinking told CNN.
The “fundamental discussion,” the source said, “was over the notion of negotiating with terrorists and hostage takers.” It was a position, the source confirmed, that was shared by then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and then-CIA Director Leon Panetta-a powerful triumvirate.
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More money headed to Florida race
Washington (CNN) – The Chamber of Commerce, which is vowing to be more aggressive this election year, is planning to buy more ads in next month's contentious special election in Florida, a source familiar with the Chamber's activities told CNN.
In a couple of days, the Chamber will air new ads with a message of checks and balances on behalf of Republican Dave Jolly. Jolly is facing Democrat Alex Sink, Florida's former chief financial officer and the 2010 Democratic gubernatorial nominee, in the March 11th election to fill the remainder of the term of Rep. Bill Young, who died last October.
Some in administration encouraged on Obamacare
Washington (CNN) - The White House, which has been set back on its heels for months due to the botched rollout of the Affordable Care Act, is voicing some real optimism about the recent uptick in enrollment numbers, as well as the demographic trends.
“We’re very encouraged, because this is trending in the right way,” says a senior administration official. “The fact that millions have signed up is good—and it also makes it more likely that others will sign up.”
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Romney not intending to make another presidential run
Washington (CNN) – A prime seat at the Super Bowl. A flattering documentary. A funny turn on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.” No doubt about it: Mitt Romney has been back in the spotlight recently. But does it all add up to him making a third run for the Republican presidential nomination?
No, according to multiple sources close to the 2012 Republican presidential nominee.
While the ex-candidate is clearly enjoying all the good karma - which comes amid a bad month for Chris Christie —sources close to Romney say the nascent draft-Mitt idea, such as it is, is organic and not coming from him or his wife, Ann, or anyone close to them.
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Borger: Is Chris Christie too petty for the White House?
(CNN) - It's a cliche of American presidential politics - the president we elect is always a reaction to what came before. As in: Nixonian shenanigans eventually gave rise to Jimmy Carter's self-righteousness. Clintonesque parsing gave way to George W. Bush's plain speaking. Bush's plain speaking begat Barack Obama's lofty speechifying.
Oversimplified? Yes. But true nonetheless.
FULL STORYJersey City mayor suggests meetings were canceled over politics
(CNN) - A series of e-mails obtained by CNN show that Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop – a Democrat who considered endorsing Gov. Chris Christie for reelection but declined to do so – questioned whether important meetings with state officials were canceled because of his political decision.
Having been informed of meeting cancellations simultaneously after he chose not to endorse Christie in 2013, Fulop wrote in an e-mail to a senior Port Authority official appointed by the governor expressing his frustration.
Kean: Christie doesn't answer the main questions
Washington (CNN) – Former New Jersey Republican Governor Tom Kean tells CNN that Chris Christie's statement on the George Washington bridge controversy leaves unanswered questions and isn't enough to settle the matter.
"He's not accepting responsibility," Kean told CNN. "He doesn't answer any of the main questions."
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Shirley MacLaine opens up on JFK, Rat Pack
Washington (CNN) - Shirley MacLaine’s career spans six decades – on stage, in the movies and as an author detailing beliefs on everything from reincarnation to life on other planets.
This weekend she will be one of the stars receiving the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors for their contributions to American culture.
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White House, insurers locked in unhappy marriage
(CNN) - In the irony that has become part of health care reform, the White House and the insurance companies find themselves in “not the happiest of marriages, but one that will have to last,” according to a senior administration official.
The insurance companies, as we know, were not happy about today’s events. But neither, says this official, was the White House.
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