Politics News

A new poll says that Americans consider Rush Limbaugh the nation's most influential conservative voice -- by a wide margin. According to the poll, which was conducted by "60 Minutes" and Vanity Fair, Limbaugh easily trounced such competitors as Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin and Dick Cheney.

Oprah Winfrey will interview President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama as part of a primetime special to air Dec. 13 on ABC.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will try to bring his party together in the Senate to get health care reform legislation to the president's desk as debate starts. But it won't be easy. Some Democrats threaten to jump ship over the bill's abortion coverage. Others say they won't vote for it unless there's a public option.

A Senate report says U.S. troops had the ability to capture Osama bin Laden in December 2001, when American military officials pulled back on any massive pursuit of the terrorist leader. The report also finds that failing to catch bin Laden sparked the Taliban's resurgence in Afghanistan and the internal strife roiling Pakistan.

President Barack Obama plans to lay out his new strategy for Afghanistan in a Tuesday night address from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He's expected to announce his decision to deploy more than 30,000 troops to the war-torn country.
Sphere: Will NATO Allies Back New Strategy? | Obamas Hold First State Dinner
Politics Daily: Public Split on Afghan Buildup Plan

When asked about President Barack Obama's new plan to send around 34,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan, respondents in a new CNN/Opinion Research poll were split on the idea, with 50 percent in favor of it and 49 percent opposed.
Sphere: Will NATO Allies Back New Strategy?
More Coverage: Obama to Lay Out Afghan Plan on Tuesday Night