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Originally published February 2, 2012 at 9:16 PM | Page modified February 2, 2012 at 9:33 PM
Obama discusses faith, policies
President Obama drew on the Bible and his interpretation of the Christian faith Thursday to deliver a critique of his chief Republican rival's economic program.
WASHINGTON — President Obama drew on the Bible and his interpretation of the Christian faith Thursday to deliver a critique of his chief Republican rival's economic program.
Speaking to about 3,000 people at the annual National Prayer Breakfast, Obama emphasized the importance of his Christian beliefs in his politics and personal life, arguing that his efforts to raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans, promote health-insurance changes, help families with college tuition and send troops to prevent human-rights abuses in Uganda were grounded in his faith.
"I think to myself, if I'm willing to give something up as somebody who's been extraordinarily blessed, and give up some of the tax breaks that I enjoy, I actually think that's going to make economic sense," Obama told the audience. "But for me, as a Christian, it also coincides with Jesus' teaching that 'for unto whom much is given, much shall be required.' "
Romney 'misspoke' about poor people
RENO, Nev. — Mitt Romney says he misspoke when he said he was not very concerned about poor people.
In an interview Thursday with Nevada political reporter Jon Ralston, Romney said his comments were an accidental "misstatement" of a position that he's repeated throughout his presidential campaign.
The front-runner in the GOP nomination race said Wednesday in a CNN interview that he was "not very concerned about the very poor" because they have an "ample safety net."
Romney has repeatedly said he's focused primarily on helping middle-class Americans hurt by the bad economy.
Romney now says that he gives "thousands of interviews" and that he simply got it wrong.
Roseanne Barr throws hat in ring
Roseanne Barr is running for the Green Party's presidential nomination.
The actress-comedian said Thursday that she's a longtime supporter of the party and looks forward to working with people who share her values. She has submitted paperwork to the Green Party for her candidacy. The party's presidential nominee will be selected at a convention in Baltimore in July.
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