The IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism Index fell 1.4 points, or 3%, in March, at 45.4 compared to 46.8 in February. This month's reading puts the index 3.1 points below its 12-month average of 48.5 but 1 point above its reading of 44.4 in December 2007 when the economy entered into the recession. It's 5.7 points below its all-time average of 51.1.

Health Care: The Democrats have two problems with their reform plan: One, they have sell it to the public, and two, they have to convince the public that the plan is so good, it's OK to skirt Senate rules to pass it.

Lawmakers who back the health care bill are hurting their re-election chances, according to a new IBD/TIPP poll released Monday.

Health Reform: Democrats promise their plan will improve care at lower cost while thinning the ranks of the uninsured. How will they do this with fewer doctors?

Health Reform: As promised, the White House has unveiled the latest tweaks in its plan to take over the U.S. medical care system. Both parties in Congress should beware: You vote for it, you own it.

The nation seems polarized, Washington is gridlocked, Republicans don't want anything to do with the president's policies, and even Democrats, who control Congress by big margins, can't pass long-sought initiatives. What gives?

Health Care: The president has unveiled a reform plan of his own ahead of Thursday's bipartisan summit. But it's no better than the lousy Democratic proposals that Americans have already dismissed.

The Obama plan appears to be based on the bills that were passed last year in the House and in the pre-Scott Brown Senate. While it leaves out the public option that was included in the

Obama Touts Stimulus Progress

Recent election victories and polling data suggest 2010 will be a very good year for Republicans. But that doesn't mean voters like the GOP.

As Iran on Thursday celebrates the 31st anniversary of its Islamic Revolution, Americans overwhelmingly agree on one thing — the country cannot be allowed to have nuclear weapons.