The backgrounds of Mitt Romney and President Obama cause them to mirror each other in many ways, and both men face the specter of longstanding prejudices that no ad, slogan or speech may be able to dispel.

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Campaign Memo: Outsider Status for Obama and Romney

Political blogs went to pot on Friday. The Internet is buzzing after the Washingtonian published a review of Washington Post associate editor David Maraniss’s forthcoming book “Barack Obama: The Story,” including an excerpt about President Obama’s high school clique and their favorite pastime. Read full article > >

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The Choom Gang: President Obama’s pot-smoking high school days detailed in Maraniss book

Unlike past presidents at this stage in the campaign, President Obama has not hesitated to engage his rival.

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Obama Leaps Into Direct Attacks

In an election year in which the economy ranks as Americans’ top concern, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney holds significant advantages over President Obama among white voters who are struggling financially and buffeted by job loss, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll . Read full article > >

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Romney holds key advantages among financially struggling white voters

DES MOINES — President Obama struck back Thursday against criticism from rival Mitt Romney over the spiraling national debt, arguing that his administration has allowed federal spending to grow at the slowest rate in six decades and charging that Romney’s tax policies would run up the tab far faster. Read full article > >

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In Iowa, Obama touts clean energy, hits Republicans and Romney on economic agenda

“Having been in the private sector for 25 years gives me a perspective on how jobs are created that someone who’s never spent a day in the private sector, like President Obama, simply doesn’t understand,” Mitt Romney told Time. Read full article > >

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If Romney’s policies come from business, where do Ryan’s come from?

Attacks by President Obama’s campaign against Mitt Romney’s work in private equity have strained the relationship between Democrats and the financial industry.

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Political Memo: Bain Strategy Against Romney May Have Pitfalls for Obama

Despite lively opposition, Shell, with President Obama’s support, will start test wells in Alaska’s North, in a moment of major promise and considerable danger.

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The Energy Rush: Shell Arctic Ocean Drilling Stands to Open New Oil Frontier

President Obama, speaking at the Air Force Academy graduation, described keeping the armed forces strong in the wake of tight budgets and the end of two wars.

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Military Will Withstand Cuts, Obama Says

Says he supports President Obama’s decision.

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Colin Powell: I Support Gay Marriage

Facebook this week is getting pounded for dropping the ball on mobile . Well, the White House doesn’t want the government to drop it, too. President Obama issued a directive Wednesday that encourages federal agencies to make their Web sites and documents accessible on mobile platforms. Read full article > >

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Government focusing on mobile

At the NATO summit in Chicago, President Obama and leaders of America's NATO allies agreed on an “irreversible” plan to withdraw from Afghanistan. But challenges remain.

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Opinion: Afghan war is far from over

Public opinion continues to shift in favor of same-sex marriage, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll , which also finds initial signs that President Obama’s support for the idea may have changed a few minds. Read full article > >

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After President Obama’s announcement, opposition to same-sex marriage hits record low

PRESIDENT OBAMA isn’t backing down from his campaign ad attacking Mitt Romney’s private equity firm, Bain Capital. Actually, “attack” may be too weak a description for a video that likens Bain to “ a vampire ” and depicts Mr. Romney as a plutocrat who callously destroyed hundreds of steel jobs for his own enrichment. Several prominent members of Mr. Obama’s own party thought the commercial was a bit over the top. (Not to mention highly derivative of previous ones financed by backers of Mr. Romney’s Republican primary rivals.) Read full article > >

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Editorial Board: President Obama wants it both ways on private equity

Craig Becker stepped down from the board in December after serving under a recess appointment by President Obama since March 2010.

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Craig Becker Appointed to A.F.L.-C.I.O. Role