AP – For all his problems with the economy, President Barack Obama is getting unexpected help from a Republican Party that seems incapable of capitalizing on its advantages.

Original post:
Analysis: GOP’s struggle on taxes gives Dems hope
(AP)

PRINCETON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is still not running for president. A group of Iowa campaign contributors traveled to New Jersey to persuade the first-term Republican governor to change his mind and take on President Barack Obama in 2012. Christie, his wife and political advisers had the group of seven donors and activists over for dinner at the governor’s mansion in Princeton. According to several people who attended, Christie told Iowa energy company executive Bruce Rastetter — the force behind the meeting — that a run for the Oval Office is not something Christie and his family have begun contemplating. As a consolation, Christie did accept an invitation to speak at an education conference in July hosted in Iowa by Gov. Terry Branstad.

Excerpt from:
Christie Tells Iowa Donors He’s Still Not Running

AP – President Barack Obama is satisfied that the United States can safely end its combat role in Iraq at the end of this month and meet the deadline for removing all U.S. troops from the country by the end of 2011, White House officials said Wednesday.

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White House: US on track to end Iraq combat role
(AP)