The New Republic

Rick Santorum is still weathering criticism for saying last weekend that President Obama is a “snob” for wanting more Americans to go to college. READ MORE >>

High oil prices have given Republicans the opportunity to do some Obama-bashing on energy. READ MORE >>

“The Artist” was the favorite at last night’s Academy Awards: In addition to winning the Oscar for Best Picture (the only silent film to win since the ceremony’s very first year), the movie also snagged the awards for Best Director and Best Actor. READ MORE >>

Federal prosecutors have filed charges against a superintendent of Upper Big Branch Mine, the West Virginia coal mine where an explosion killed 29 people in 2010. The superintendent, who is the highest-ranking official to face criminal charges so far, is accused of interfering with the work of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). His actions allegedly helped cover up several safety violations at the worksite. READ MORE >>

Today, President Obama will propose cutting the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 28 percent—a move that has reportedly been in the works for a couple of years, but which is also timed to increase the president’s reelection prospects. Business groups and Republicans frequently complain that the U.S. READ MORE >>

In order to cover the cost of extending the payroll tax cut, Congress has made a significant policy decision in an unrelated field: It has chosen to auction off spectrum. The move will raise revenue and help ensure efficient allocation of limited spectrum—a resource increasingly in demand due to the growing use of devices like smartphones and iPads. READ MORE >>

As tensions between Israel and Iran have grown in the past few weeks over the latter’s nuclear ambitions, the press has been asking how the U.S. might react to Israeli military action—or whether the U.S. might itself get involved. How do Americans feel about different military scenarios vis-à-vis Iran? READ MORE >>

Last night, an 11-pound Pekingese named Malachy took the top prize at the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Malachy’s win brought some attention to this slightly obscure breed of toy dog. In the wake of all the fame and glory of the Best in Show prize, is America about to experience a Pekingese craze? READ MORE >>

Today, state media in Tehran declared a halt to oil exports to six European countries, apparently in retaliation for recent EU measures aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program. (A conflicting statement from the country’s oil ministry, however, is creating confusion about whether the export cutoff will actually occur.) If the oil stoppage goes forward, what impact will it have on Europe? READ MORE >>

Today, President Obama met with Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, the likely successor to current president Hu Jintao. The vice president’s travels in the United States are heavy on ceremony and high-level meetings: He’s being hosted by Vice President Biden, he met with President Obama in the Oval Office, he had lunch with Secretary of State Clinton, and he’s scheduled for a Pentagon visit and a cross-country tour (accompanied by Biden). READ MORE >>