Politics

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In this image taken from video, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, Syrian rebels capture a helicopter air base near Damascus, Syria, the capital, after fierce fighting on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Ugarit News via AP video)

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Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak speaks to the media in Tel Aviv on Monday, Nov. 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

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President Obama gestures as he answers a question during a news conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

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Sen.-elect Ted Cruz of Texas is one of several tea partyers elected to serve in the new Congress, which welcomes 12 rookie members of the Senate and at least 81 new House members. (Associated Press)

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Sens.-elect Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts (left) and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, both liberal Democrats, are part of the new Congress that saw the loss of centrist veterans in both parties. “Congress seems to be going in the opposite direction of the country, just as the country is screaming for solutions to gridlock,” says Democratic strategist Phil Singer. (Associated Press)

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President Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy greet Hispanic activists at Houston’s Rice Hotel on Nov. 21, 1963. Historians say Kennedy’s appearance at the event was probably the first time a U.S. president officially acknowledged Hispanics as an important voting bloc. (Associated Press)

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**FILE** With a backdrop of women for effect, President Obama speaks about the choice facing women in the election during a campaign event on Oct. 19, 2012, at George Mason University in Fairfax. For the first time in research dating back to 1952, the candidate whom the most men chose — Republican nominee Mitt Romney — lost. More women voted for Mr. Obama. (Associated Press)

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“Congress has an obligation to find out who made these decisions, and for what purpose, and then hold agencies accountable for any misuse of taxpayer funds,” said Sen. Tom Coburn, Oklahoma Republican. (Associated Press)

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“If she is sent out to speak to the American people on what happened in Benghazi, she is obligated to do more than look at ... five sentences of unclassified talking points.” - Rep. Peter T. King, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, New York Republican

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“This is about four dead Americans. This is about a national security failure. I blame the president above all others.” - Sen. Lindsey Graham, South Carolina Republican (Associated Press)

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“I’d be glad to have the opportunity to discuss these issues with her. [She has to explain why she asserted that] al Qaeda has been decimated in her statement … They’re on the rise in the Middle East.” - Sen. John McCain, Arizona Republican (Associated Press)