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Subscribe to RSSPresident Obama heads to Capitol Hill to meet with House Republicans, but perhaps too much is made of so-called "charm offensives." The structure and numbers of divided government are far more important. NBC's Mark Murray and Domenico Montanaro discuss.
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VIDEO: First Read Minute: Big budget battles
The budget debate continues as President Obama heads to Capitol Hill this week to meet with lawmakers as House Republicans and Senate Democrats are expected to unveil their budgets.VIDEO: First Read Minute: All eyes on CPAC
NBC's Mark Murray reports all political eyes will be fixed on the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) next week. This year's notable speakers include many potential 2016 candidates and past presidential candidates. However, there is one popular Republican leader who was not invited to address the conference: Chris Christie.
Video edited by NBC's Natalie Cucchiara.
VIDEO: First Read Minute: Jeb Bush leaves door open - real or P.R. 101?
In interviews promoting his new book, former Florida governor Jeb Bush is not ruling out a 2016 bid and is adjusting his position on a pathway to citizenship.
Video edited by NBC's Ali Weinberg.
VIDEO: First Read Minute: Washington, in need of a timeout
Republicans are set to punt the fiscal fight over a government shutdown to September. Both sides are out of gas and have come to a truce – for now – to avoid a government shutdown over the budget March 27, when the latest continuing resolution to fund the government expires. Mitt Romney emerged for an interview Sunday, and may have revealed why he had trouble winning in both of his presidential runs with just one line. NBC's Mark Murray and Domenico Montanaro discuss.VIDEO: First Read Minute: The sequester: What's next?
NBC's Mark Murray and Domenico Montanaro discuss the sequester, what happens next, and whether there will be compromise. Answer: Not likely.
VIDEO: First Read Minute: No incentive for compromise
With one day left until the sequester kicks in, NBC's Mark Murray and Domenico Montanaro take a look at how we got to this point.VIDEO: First Read Minute: For whom the sequester tolls
NBC's Mark Murray breaks down the latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll numbers that show the sequester fight has taken a toll on everyone, including the American public. The poll also shows President Obama's approval rating is down two points since last month, and the Republican party currently about as popular as Carnival Cruise Lines.
Video edited by NBC"s Natalie Cucchiara
VIDEO: First Read Minute: A busy Tuesday
President Obama travels to the shipbuilding community of Newport News, VA to warn of sequester cuts, Senators Lindsay Graham and John McCain head to the White House to discuss immigration, and voters head to the polls in Illinois to fill the vacant seat left by disgraced former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. NBC's Domenico Montanaro reports.
Video edited by NBC's Natalie Cucchiara
First Read Minute: The Blame Game
By Natalie CucchiaraAs both congressional Republicans and the Obama White House continue to blame one another in the sequester debate, it is more likely the automatic spending cuts will go into effect later this week, NBC's Mark Murray and Domenico Montanaro report.
VIDEO: First Read Minute: Hagel likely to be confirmed
NBC's Mark Murray and Domenico Montanaro report Defense Secretary nominee Chuck Hagel may finally get the 60 votes needed to overcome a Republican filibuster and be confirmed next week.VIDEO: First Read Minute: Blame games and posturing
NBC's Mark Murray and Domenico Montanaro note there is no movement toward a compromise to avert the sequester's deep domestic and defense cuts. Right now, it's all about the blame game. And the immigration debate rages on, as Sen. John McCain faces a tough crowd back home in Arizona.