Mitt Romney

Key Democrat criticises Obama’s ad

21 May 2012 |

Newark Mayor Cory Booker, a prominent Democrat enlisted as a surrogate for President Barack Obama’s campaign, criticised the president’s ad campaign that has attacked Mitt Romney’s work at the private equity firm, Bain Capital.

Notebook | US election is capital v labour

21 May 2012 | Robert Samuelson

PRINT: 21 May 2012 | PAGE 54 | NOTEBOOK US election is a capital v labour skirmish

US capitalism is on trial. When Americans vote in November, they will unavoidably choose between two competing visions of capitalism.

Call to cut banks down to size

16 May 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 16 May 2012 | PAGE 51 | Regulation debate is ‘banking hell’

Potter | Nancy Bush has covered Wall Street banks for 30 years. The debate over regulation is so unlike anything she’s seen she calls it “banking hell”.

Paul ends US Republican presidential bid

15 May 2012 |

In an email to supporters, Ron Paul said he would no longer campaign actively in states that have not yet held Republican presidential primaries; he’s out of money.

Obama rakes in $15m in Hollywood

14 May 2012 |

In the days after the president’s change of heart on gay marriage, his re-election campaign raked in $US15 million at a star-filled Holllywood fundraiser. The electoral repercussions, though, may not be as rich.

Congress must navigate rocky fiscal shoals

14 May 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 14 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Congress must navigate rocky shoals

A list of tax increases and spending cuts will cut in if Congress doesn’t get its act together later this year and reschedule them. The withdrawal of 3½ to 5 per cent of GDP could throw a fragile economy back into recession.

Old order under attack

14 May 2012 | Geoffrey Barker

PRINT: 14 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Old order under attack

Political threats to economic austerity policies are rising across Europe.

PE pumps up the PR

14 May 2012 | William Alden

PRINT: 14 May 2012 | PAGE 28 | PE pumps up the PR

The private equity industry’s lobby group has released an educational video portraying buyout firms as friendly business partners which give struggling companies a helping hand.

World briefs

14 May 2012 |

PRINT: 14 May 2012 | PAGE 16 |

Republican White House challenger Mitt Romney, wooing social conservatives, has adamantly rejected same-sex marriage and trumpeted his belief in Christian values and the family.

US economy: the recovery that’s quite depressing

12 May 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 12 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | US economy: the recovery that’s quite depressing

It’s the recovery that doesn’t satisfy, economists at Wells Fargo Securities say. The world’s leading economy is neither stalling, as it did a year ago, nor nearing escape velocity.

High school bullying report bites Romney

11 May 2012 | Robin Abcarian

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney has apologised for an incident of high school bullying in which he reportedly taunted a student who later turned out to be gay.

Romney now opposes gay marriage

11 May 2012 | Michael Barbaro

PRINT: 11 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Romney opposed to gay unions

In endorsing same-sex marriage President Obama has offered voters the sharpest possible contrast with his presumptive Republican opponent Mitt Romney on a social issue that polls show still evenly divides the country.

As America sleeps, Santorum backs Romney

10 May 2012 | Michael Shear

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | As America sleeps, Santorum backs Romney

Smart politicians know how to disclose unwanted news in a way that will get the least possible media coverage.

Endorsements of Mitt Romney remain tepid

07 May 2012 | Seema Mehta

Rick Santorum dropped his presidential campaign nearly a month ago, so a meeting with presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney on Friday would have seemed like the perfect opportunity to endorse Romney.

Jobs slowdown threatens Obama

07 May 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 07 May 2012 | PAGE 13 | Jobs slowdown threatens Obama

At his first big rallies of the presidential campaign, Barack Obama’s message was undercut by data showing the jobs market slowed again in April, and more Americans gave up the search for work.

Obama ducks social security time-bomb

07 May 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 07 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Obama ducks social security time-bomb

Barack Obama would rather not remind America’s voters that Medicare and Social Security are on a road to ruin.

IPO heaven too far for most

05 May 2012 | Ed Pilkington

PRINT: 05 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | IPO heaven too far for most

Facebook will price itself at between $US28 and $US35 a share, paving the way for a giddying valuation of almost $US100 billion when launches its IPO.

Scramble for deal for Chinese activist

05 May 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 05 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Scramble for deal for activist

The status of dissident Chen Guangcheng was uncertain as US officials scrambled to mop up the diplomatic mess and the Obama administration came under fire.

Astute Geithner smoothes the way

04 May 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 04 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Astute Geithner smoothes the way

If the strategic and economic dialogue taking place in Beijing under the cloud of the Chen affair gets anywhere, it could be because of a timely move by Timothy Geithner.

US to call for an even higher yuan

30 April 2012 | Robert Guy

PRINT: 30 April 2012 | PAGE 42 | US to call for an even higher yuan

Beijing may have pushed the yuan to new highs against the US dollar over recent days but that won’t deter US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner from urging a faster pace.

Poor growth stunts Obama’s chances

30 April 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 30 April 2012 | PAGE 13 | Growth stunts Obama’s chances

A sharp slowdown in March-quarter growth dashed hopes for a stutter-free year for the United States economy.

Wave of Romney victories forces Gingrich out

27 April 2012 | Michael Shear

PRINT: 27 April 2012 | PAGE 2 | Wave of Romney victories forces Gingrich out

Newt Gingrich told Mitt Romney that he would suspend his presidential campaign next week and begin working to turn out conservative voters for Mr Romney and Republican candidates.

Europe’s crisis poses risks for US: Geithner

27 April 2012 | Cheyenne Hopkins

PRINT: 27 April 2012 | PAGE 2 | European crisis poses risks for US, says Geithner

US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner says the US faces risks from the crisis in Europe and the confrontation with Iran has helped drive up oil prices.

Romney’s path to nomination clears as Gingrich exits

26 April 2012 |

Mitt Romney's path to the Republican nomination has cleared further as former threat Newt Gingrich begins taking steps to shut down his debt-laden campaign and endorse him.

Romney all but gets the nod

26 April 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 26 April 2012 | PAGE 1 | Romney all but gets the nod

Mitt Romney swept five north-eastern states to put the Republican nomination beyond doubt and immediately urged Americans to “hold on a little longer” for the “better America” he promises to deliver if elected President.

It’s time for Romney to sell his skills

23 April 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 23 April 2012 | PAGE 55 | It’s time for Romney to explain

Now that Mitt Romney has the Republican Presidential nomination sewn up, what is he waiting for? When is he going to tack back to the centre and put flesh on broad promises?

Presidential candidates locked in tight race

20 April 2012 | Allison Kopicki

PRINT: 20 April 2012 | PAGE 37 | Candidates locked in tight race

Barack Obama and his Republican presidential rival Mitt Romney are locked in a tight race, with each gathering 46 per cent of support.

Boehner weighs in for Romney

19 April 2012 | Michael Barbaro

PRINT: 19 April 2012 | PAGE 19 | Boehner weighs in for Romney

US House of Representatives Speaker John .Boehner has formally endorsed Mitt Romney as the Republican presidential nominee , throwing the weight of his office behind the former Massachusetts governor roughly a month before the candidate can amass the delegates necessary to make it official.

Mitt Romney, public equiteer

PRINT: Capital | 18 April 2012

Questions about the Republican presidential hopeful’s public equity past continue to dominate primary debates.

Candidates must get real to avoid disaster in US

16 April 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 16 April 2012 | PAGE 55 | Get real and avoid disaster

To prevent a rapidly approaching US economic catastrophe, both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney should stop peddling myths about tax reform.

Romney has healthy respect for politics

14 April 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 14 April 2012 | PAGE 51 | Healthy respect for politics

Mitt Romney has a problem as a presidential candidate: his biggest flaw erases his signature political achievement: healthcare reform.

Romney blames Obama for N Korea launch

13 April 2012 |

US Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney has denounced the launch by North Korea of a long-range rocket and says it underscores the weakness of President Barack Obama.

Obama ally ignites war on women debate

13 April 2012 |

In an election that could be split on gender, a key Democrat strategist blundered by belittling Mitt Romney’s wife, and mother of five sons, for “never working a day in her life”.

Obama, Romney stumble over sums

13 April 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 13 April 2012 | PAGE 37 | Main players stumble over sums

Though President Barack Obama hasn’t deigned to mention his Republican opponent by name yet, his campaign isn’t mincing words.

Web window on the world of voters

13 April 2012 | Jeremy Peters

PRINT: 13 April 2012 | PAGE 2 | Web window on the world of voters

Is the public following Mitt Romney’s campaign online – or the reverse?

Video | Romney vs Obama

12 April 2012 |

How the health of the US economy will define the upcoming presidential race between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.

Will misses target

12 April 2012 | Lindsay Byrnes

PRINT: 12 April 2012 | PAGE 59 | Will misses target

Washington Post columnist George Will in “The right man for Romney” (Opinion, April 10) never strays too close to anything remotely resembling a policy debate. race.

Santorum calls it quits

12 April 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 12 April 2012 | PAGE 18 | Santorum does sums and calls it quits

Potter | Mitt Romney and most Republicans will be breathing a huge sigh of relief at the withdrawal of Rick Santorum from the nomination race.

Now it’s populist v technocrat

12 April 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 12 April 2012 | PAGE 18 | Now it’s populist v technocrat

Americans face a choice between a populist president promising to soak the rich to pay for a fair go for all, and a technocratic challenger pledging sounder economic management.

Now Romney can define race to suit him

11 April 2012 | Ben Potter

Primary elections are useful for winnowing out a field of potential candidates. But once the field is winnowed out and the eventual winner tempered, continuing the battle can only damage the party – and the candidate.

Republicans face a good Buffetting

11 April 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 11 April 2012 | PAGE 12 | Republicans face a good Buffetting

President Barack Obama is laying the foundations for a renewed attack on his Republican opponents on the subject of tax fairness, in a bid to paint them as out of touch with ordinary Americans.

The right support act for Romney

10 April 2012 | George Will

PRINT: 10 April 2012 | PAGE 54 | The right man for Romney

The Republicans need a strong vice-presidential candidate.

Gingrich says Romney to win nomination

10 April 2012 | Richard Rubin

PRINT: 10 April 2012 | PAGE 12 | Gingrich says Romney to win nomination

Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich said his rival Mitt Romney is “far and away” the most likely candidate to win the Republican nomination.

US election approaches Crossroads

10 April 2012 | Jim Rutenberg

PRINT: 10 April 2012 | PAGE 12 | US election approaches Crossroads

American Crossroads, the biggest of the Republican “super PACs”, is planning to begin its first major anti-Obama advertising blitz of the year, a moment the Obama re-election campaign has been girding for and another sign that the US general election is starting in earnest.

No room to hide in this race

05 April 2012 | Ben Potter

Mitt Romney wasted no time in shifting his sights onto President Barack Obama, accusing him of last-minute policy changes and of running a ‘hide-and-seek’ campaign.

Obama takes aim at Romney

05 April 2012 | Jim Rutenberg

PRINT: 05 April 2012 | PAGE 13 | Obama takes aim at Romney

Mitt Romney tightened his grip on the Republican nomination with primary victories in Wisconsin, Maryland and the District of Columbia, and, more significantly, had his first direct engagement with President Obama.

Romney wins primary hat trick

04 April 2012 |

Republican Mitt Romney has pulled off a stunning hat-trick, winning the Wisconsin presidential primary on top of victories in Maryland and Washington, US media has projected.

Confident Romney focuses on Obama

04 April 2012 | Philip Rucker

PRINT: 04 April 2012 | PAGE 48 | Confident Romney focuses on Obama

To watch Mitt Romney campaign across Wisconsin the past few days has been to wonder whether the Republican primary is still going on.

Santorum vows to soldier on

03 April 2012 | Philip Rucke

PRINT: 03 April 2012 | PAGE 16 | Santorum vows to soldier on

Rick Santorum insists he will remain in the Republican presidential race for the long haul, defying pressure from party elders to coalesce around front-runner Mitt Romney and focus on the autumn contest against Barack Obama.

Romney looks to the right for his VP

03 April 2012 | Chris Cillizza

PRINT: 03 April 2012 | PAGE 16 | Romney looks right for his VP

Mitt Romney won’t make his vice presidential pick for a few months yet. But if history is any guide, we already know who he will choose: a conservative.

A Romney win a loss for Fed? Think again

02 April 2012 |

For all the derision US Republican presidential hopefuls have heaped on the Federal Reserve, a November win by lead contender Mitt Romney would likely change little at the US central bank, at least in the short term.

Obama leads Romney by nine points

02 April 2012 |

US President Barack Obama has opened a nine-point lead over Republican presidential frontrunner Mitt Romney in the country's top dozen battleground states, a new poll has found.

Obama has millions in mind

02 April 2012 | Kate Andersen Brower

PRINT: 02 April 2012 | PAGE 14 | Obama has millions in mind

President Barack Obama, seeking to raise $US2 million in campaign funds in Vermont and Maine, has told supporters there may be more at stake in the US election this year than in his victorious run to the White House in 2008.

President faces chorus of critics over ‘flexibility’ remark

30 March 2012 | Donna Cassata

PRINT: 30 March 2012 | PAGE 40 | President faces chorus of critics over ‘flexibility’

With President Barack Obama back on US soil, the criticisms of his remarks to the Russians about post-election flexibility on missile defence came fast and furious.

World briefs

29 March 2012 |

PRINT: 29 March 2012 | PAGE 20 |

Growth in loans to households and companies in the 17-nation euro area slowed in February as a cooling economy curbed demand for credit.

Romney camp spends big on attack ads

29 March 2012 | Heidi Przybyla

PRINT: 29 March 2012 | PAGE 18 | Romney camp spends big on attack ads

A new ad airing in the run-up to the April 3 Wisconsin primary replays footage of Rick Santorum saying he doesn’t “care what the unemployment rate’s going to be” and accuses him of voting against national right- to-work legislation.

Gingrich scales back presidential campaign

28 March 2012 |

US Republican Newt Gingrich is dramatically curtailing his campaign schedule, laying off about a third of his staff and dismissing his campaign manager.

The party may be over Santorum

28 March 2012 | Jeff Zeleny

PRINT: 28 March 2012 | PAGE 54 | Pressure mounts on Santorum to quit

The question being posed by Republicans is not whether Rick Santorum intends to press forward with his candidacy, but whether he should.

Santorum win won’t complicate race

26 March 2012 | Katharine Seelye

PRINT: 26 March 2012 | PAGE 43 | Santorum win won’t complicate race

Rick Santorum easily won the Louisiana Republican primary Saturday night, capturing a deeply conservative state with a hefty portion of the kind of evangelical Christian voters who have helped him claim victories in 10 other states.

Romney’s win in Illinois a key moment

22 March 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 22 March 2012 | PAGE 20 | Romney’s Illinois win a key moment

Mitt Romney scored a big win in the Republican presidential primary in the midwestern state of Illinois, tightening his grip on the nomination.

What they said

22 March 2012 |

PRINT: 22 March 2012 | PAGE 20 | What they said

“I am running for president because I have the experience to get us out of this mess.” Mitt Romney

Marching on to a date with destiny

22 March 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 22 March 2012 | PAGE 20 | Marching on to a date with destiny

By the time the Republican presidential nomination is sealed, the date of the Illinois primary may well be seen as pivotal.

Romney forges further ahead of Santorum

21 March 2012 | Ben Potter

Mitt Romney has won a decisive victory in the Republican primary in Illinois, stretching his lead in the all important delegate count and making it extremely difficult for Rick Santorum to bridge the gap.

Video | US budget wars

21 March 2012 |

Washington correspondent Ben Potter discusses the US Republican’s house budget reply and how Mitt Romney’s tracking in the primaries.

Romney set for primary romp in Illinois

21 March 2012 |

White House hopeful Mitt Romney looks set for a primary romp in President Barack Obama's home state which will bring the plodding Republican nominating race a step closer to the finish line.

Obama disowns De Niro First Lady joke

21 March 2012 |

President Barack Obama's re-election campaign distanced itself from a joke by Robert de Niro about a white First Lady returning to the White House.

Bank stress tests smooth way for return of US bailout cash

21 March 2012 | Ian Katz

PRINT: 21 March 2012 | PAGE 51 | Stress tests smooth way for return of bailout cash

US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is getting a boost from the Federal Reserve as he seeks to recoup taxpayer money used to bail out banks during the financial crisis.

Romney unbeatable if he wins Illinois

21 March 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 21 March 2012 | PAGE 51 | Romney unbeatable if he wins Illinois

Republican front-runner Mitt Romney is poised to scoop up the lion’s share of Illinois’ 69 delegates today and extend his lead over his main rival, Senator Rick Santorum.

Puerto Rico right behind Romney

20 March 2012 | Jeff Zeleny

PRINT: 20 March 2012 | PAGE 13 | Puerto Rico falls to Romney

Mitt Romney hailed his victory in the Puerto Rico primary as another step in a slow march to the Republican presidential nomination, a winning streak he is aggressively working to extend in Tuesday’s Illinois primary.

Moderate heartland changes its tune

20 March 2012 | Monica Davey

PRINT: 20 March 2012 | PAGE 13 | Moderate heartland changes its tune

llinois has been known for choosing Republicans of a moderate brand. So for Mitt Romney, a primary here — with the symbolism of Obama’s backyard — would seem a welcome, natural fit.

Romney wins in Puerto Rico

19 March 2012 |

Updated | Mitt Romney has won another primary race to pick a Republican nominee to take on President Barack Obama in November elections.

Illinois primary looms for Santorum

19 March 2012 | Richard Oppel

PRINT: 19 March 2012 | PAGE 13 | Illinois tough for Santorum

As Rick Santorum steps up to tomorrow’s primary in Illinois, the goal is to keep the momentum alive from last week’s victories in Alabama and Mississippi.

Republicans at war in land of Lincoln

19 March 2012 | John McCormick

PRINT: 19 March 2012 | PAGE 13 | Republicans at war in land of Lincoln

As Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum intensified their push for votes in Illinois, President Barack Obama used a fundraising trip to his hometown of Chicago to poke fun at the contentious Republican race.

Libs’ poor timing on Costello

16 March 2012 | Geoff Kitney

PRINT: 16 March 2012 | PAGE 5 | Peter’s fair-weather friends

Peter Costello might have thought to himself as his former colleagues lavished praise on him: “Why didn’t they say that when I needed it most?”

Bain distances itself from founder Romney

15 March 2012 | Peter Lattman

PRINT: 15 March 2012 | PAGE 23 | Bain distances itself from founder Romney

.Bain Capital has sent a letter to its investors that for the first time addresses the presidential campaign of the private equity firm’s founder, Mitt Romney, and defends its record on job creation.

Gingrich ‘wishful thinking’

15 March 2012 | Trip Gabriel

PRINT: 15 March 2012 | PAGE 23 | Gingrich ‘wishful thinking’

Hoping for one more rebirth, Newt Gingrich was bitterly disappointed, losing two primaries in the South, where he had staked his claim. He will find it increasingly difficult to argue that he is the candidate Republicans are seeking in 2012.

Santorum wins in the South

14 March 2012 | Jeff Zeleny

PRINT: 15 March 2012 | PAGE 23 | Santorum wins in the South

Rick Santorum captured twin victories in the Alabama and Mississippi primaries, overcoming the financial advantages of Mitt Romney and the Southern allegiances to Newt Gingrich.

Under attack, Bain gets defensive

14 March 2012 | PETER LATTMAN

Bain Capital sent a letter to its investors late Tuesday that for the first time addressed the presidential campaign of the private equity firm’s founder, Mitt Romney, and defended its record on job creation.

Obama sells vision of nation that makes things

14 March 2012 | Julianna Goldman

PRINT: 14 March 2012 | PAGE 49 | Obama sells vision of nation that makes things

President Barack Obama wants voters to know that not all chief executive officers are created equal. Some excel at manufacturing jobs, while others succeed in making money.

Obama stumbles over fuel hurdle

14 March 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 14 March 2012 | PAGE 49 | President stumbles over fuel hurdle

The White House has stepped up efforts to present Barack Obama as a “pro-energy”’ president as his approval ratings slid in the face of higher petrol prices.

Republicans fight it out in the deep South

14 March 2012 | Ben Potte

PRINT: 14 March 2012 | PAGE 49 | Republicans fight it out in the deep South

Republican presidential candidates slugged it out ahead of the Alabama and Mississippi primaries, as polls showed a tight race between Southern son Newt Gingrich and front-runner Mitt Romney.

Romney tells US south: I can beat Obama

13 March 2012 |

Republican frontrunner Mitt Romney has argued ahead of Mississippi and Alabama primaries that he can beat President Barack Obama.

No Newt in Rick’s picture

13 March 2012 | Jeff Zeleny

PRINT: 13 March 2012 | PAGE 15 | No Newt in Rick’s picture

With two key primaries on the horizon, US presidential hopefuls Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich have sharpened their attacks against Mitt Romney, while tensions between both men are also rising.

Vacancy open for moral high ground

12 March 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 12 March 2012 | PAGE 55 | Vacancy for moral high ground

Two weeks ago Rush Limbaugh touched off a storm by calling a student who gave evidence to Congress about contraception a “slut” and a “prostitute”.

Santorum just won’t go away

12 March 2012 | Ewen MacAskill

PRINT: 12 March 2012 | PAGE 13 | Santorum just won’t go away

Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum has easily won the Kansas caucuses to consolidate his status as the main rival to front-runner Mitt Romney.

No easy road for Republican champion

10 March 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 10 March 2012 | PAGE 13 | No easy road for Republican champion

If Super Tuesday was a struggle for Republican presidential front runner Mitt Romney, the rest of March looks like the trials of Odysseus.

Gingrich told to quit contesting vote

09 March 2012 | Lisa Lerer

PRINT: 09 March 2012 | PAGE 37 | Gingrich told to drop out of the race

“It’s time for conservatives to say, ‘Look, we’re going to rally behind one candidate’,” senior Santorum strategist John Brabender, told reporters in Ohio.

Republicans beating war drums: Obama

08 March 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 08 March 2012 | PAGE 25 | Republicans beating war drums: Obama

US President Barack Obama contrasted the responsibilities he bears as commander in chief of the world’s most potent military force with the freedom enjoyed by Republican presidential candidates, as he sharply criticised “those beating the drums of war”.

Romney digs in for war of attrition

08 March 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 08 March 2012 | PAGE 21 | Romney digs in for war of attrition

Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential front-runner who entered Super Tuesday looking for a knock-out punch, instead left pledging a war of attrition as he clawed his way ahead of arch-rival Rick Santorum in the prize state of Ohio.

If he survives battered candidate syndrome . . .

08 March 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 08 March 2012 | PAGE 21 | If he survives battered candidate syndrome . . .

Lacking a knockout punch to put the Republican race beyond doubt, Mitt Romney is instead fighting hand-to-hand combat with Rick Santorum.

Video | Romney limps on

07 March 2012 |

Mitt Romney has perhaps an unbeatable lead in the delegate count after Super Tuesday, says Washington correspondent Ben Potter, but he has not come close to decisively winning the nomination race.

Super Tuesday simplifies nothing

07 March 2012 | Ben Potter

Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential front-runner, pledged a war of attrition as he clawed his way ahead of arch-rival Rick Santorum in the bellwether state of Ohio.

Loose lips sink ships, Obama reminds Republicans

07 March 2012 |

Barack Obama contrasted the heavy responsibilities he bears as commander in chief of the world’s most potent military force with the freedom enjoyed by Republican presidential candidates.

Santorum wins Tennessee primary

07 March 2012 |

White House hopeful Rick Santorum has won the Republican presidential primary in Tennessee, while Mitt Romney has won three other states.

Momentum swings in Romney’s favour

07 March 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 07 March 2012 | PAGE 13 | Momentum swings in Romney’s favour

Mitt Romney heads into today’s 10-state Republican presidential nomination contest hoping to build on recent victories and establish himself as the only viable candidate to take on US President Barack Obama in November.

Romney’s Super Southern turnaround

06 March 2012 | Ben Potter

Could a Super Tuesday win be brewing in Tennessee that would give Romney a bit more “Southern cred” and momentum in the Republican presidential nomination race?

Senior Republicans endorse Romney

06 March 2012 | Katharine Seelye

PRINT: 06 March 2012 | PAGE 17 | Republicans

Representative Eric Cantor, a Republican from Virginia and the majority leader in the House of Represenatives , endorsed Mitt Romney for the Republican presidential nomination, giving the former governor of Massachusetts important backing from a leading legislator known for his fiscal conservatism.

US can’t afford more gridlock

05 March 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 05 March 2012 | PAGE 55 | US can’t afford more gridlock

The despair of some Republicans at their party’s aimlessly off-point nomination race is metamorphosing into a ‘save the furniture’ plan.

Cheers Mr President

05 March 2012 |

PRINT: 05 March 2012 | PAGE 52 | Cheers, Mr President

No proof is needed that the Republican primary season in the US is driving people to drink. Topaz Bar in Washington DC has designed a special Super Tuesday cocktail list by American liquor impresario Rico Wisner, modelled on the remaining presidential hopefuls.

Republicans enter day of reckoning

05 March 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 05 March 2012 | PAGE 53 | Republicans enter day of reckoning

Super Tuesday is the biggest day in the Republican presidential nomination race.

Israel’s US backers get strident

05 March 2012 | Mark Landler

PRINT: 05 March 2012 | PAGE 12 | Israel’s US backers get strident

Israel’s most powerful American advocates are mounting an extraordinary campaign to pressure President Barack Obama into hardening US policy toward Iran.

The voters won’t forget

02 March 2012 | John Hewson

PRINT: 02 March 2012 | PAGE 54 | The voters won’t forget

Labor or Liberal, leadership contests are always fraught. But none has been as ugly as the recent Gillard-Rudd stoush.

World briefs

02 March 2012 |

PRINT: 02 March 2012 | PAGE 44 |

Mitt Romney has won a non-binding vote of Republican activists who turned out for precinct caucuses across Wyoming during the past two weeks.

Albanese backs Swan’s attack on wealthy

02 March 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 02 March 2012 | PAGE 1 | Swan lashes billionaires’ influence

Updated | The federal opposition has dismissed Treasurer Wayne Swan’s attack on vested interests and the wealthy business elite as a form of class warfare.

Video | Romney returns to the top

01 March 2012 |

US correspondent Ben Potter on Mitt Romney’s return, following a very tough primary battle against Rick Santorum in the working class heartland of Michigan.

Romney wins in Michigan

01 March 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 01 March 2012 | PAGE 24 | Romney wins in Michigan

Clawing his way to a narrow victory in a fiercely contested Michigan Republican Presidential primary, Mitt Romney averted a boilover at the hands of fiery insurgent Rick Santorum.

Storming Santorum wimps out in Michigan

01 March 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 01 March 2012 | PAGE 24 | Storming Santorum wimps out

The Republicans can put away the razor blades: none of the most dire predictions about the Michigan primary came true.

Romney adds Michigan to his victories

29 February 2012 | Ben Potter

Clawing his way to victory with two thirds of the counted in the crucial Michigan Republican primary, Mitt Romney’s win was a vital one for his presidential campaign.

Attacks won’t alter US strategy in Afghanistan, says Pentagon

29 February 2012 | Viola Gienger

PRINT: 29 February 2012 | PAGE 49 | Pentagon sticks to its guns on strategy

The US has reaffirmed its strategy in Afghanistan, despite casualties.

Republican hopefuls risk ideological own goal

29 February 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 29 February 2012 | PAGE 15 | Republicans risk ideological own goal

Leading Republican candidates are opposed to bailouts and industry assistance, but this ideological position may hurt them in a key state primary.

A predictable race? Think again

28 February 2012 | Ben Potter

The race against Barack Obama may seem more stable than the see-sawing competition to become Republican candidate, but there’s no certainty yet.

PE giant shopping for partners

28 February 2012 | James Eyers

PRINT: 28 February 2012 | PAGE 46 | PE giant shopping for partners

Competition for private equity funding is intense. So the pitch to local investors by the offshore private equiteers targeting the deep, Australian superannuation pool can be instructive, given their insight into limited partner thinking around the world.

Romney moves ahead in Michigan race

28 February 2012 | Clea Benson

PRINT: 28 February 2012 | PAGE 15 | Romney moves ahead in Michigan race

Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney predicted that he would win the primary election in his home state of Michigan as polls show him moving ahead of rival Rick Santorum.

Romney steals lead in bitter feud

27 February 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 27 February 2012 | PAGE 13 | Romney steals lead in bitter feud

Republican establishment favourite Mitt Romney clawed his way back to the front of the Michigan presidential primary race as he went blow for blow with insurgent Rick Santorum in the last days of the state’s campaign.

Desperately seeking . . . a white knight

25 February 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 25 February 2012 | PAGE 51 | Desperately seeking . . . a white knight

Republicans fear their presidential primary race will drag on inconclusively for months. Mitt Romney appears to have the right stuff, but is it enough to beat his Republican rivals let alone President Barack Obama?

Competing US tax plans fuel debate

24 February 2012 | Philip Rucker

PRINT: 24 February 2012 | PAGE 20 | Competing US tax plans fuel debate

Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama released duelling tax overhaul proposals, touching off a fresh election year debate over the federal deficit and the taxes paid by wealthy individuals and companies.

Romney tax deals aired

24 February 2012 | Jesse Drucker

PRINT: 24 February 2012 | PAGE 20 | Romney deals aired

The candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, whose full name is Willard Mitt Romney, was named after the chain’s founder, J. Willard Marriott.

Santorum attacked over voting record

24 February 2012 | Lisa Lerer

PRINT: 24 February 2012 | PAGE 20 | Santorum attacked over voting record

Republican presidential contender Rick Santorum faced a series of attacks on his congressional voting record as rivals Mitt Romney and Ron Paul targeted him during a debate in Arizona.

Romney challenges Santorum in TV debate

23 February 2012 |

Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum, who has emerged as Romney's leading challenger in the Republican presidential race, have clashed over taxes and spending in possibly the final debate of the campaign to challenge President Barack Obama.

Romney backers cough up

22 February 2012 | Kristin Jensen

PRINT: 22 February 2012 | PAGE 14 | Romney backers cough up

Restore Our Future, a US political action committee supporting Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, raised $US6.6 million last month.

China puts brakes on car plant options

22 February 2012 | Mark Skulley

PRINT: 21 February 2012 | PAGE 7 | China puts brakes on car plant options

China has ended incentives for new car manufacturers, a step which will likely advantage car companies already building cars in the country, including General Motors.

Tea Party myths won’t win the White House

20 February 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 20 February 2012 | PAGE 55 | Tea Party myths won’t win the election

The Republican Party is in a panic over its shambolic presidential primaries. The more they tear into each other, the better Barack Obama looks.

Lunch with Katherine Woodthorpe

18 February 2012 | Colleen Ryan

PRINT: 18 February 2012 | PAGE 56 | Katherine Woodthorpe’s pitch

Private equity’s greatest advocate has a background in sales and that’s just as well given the industry’s tainted reputation.

Mitt Romney’s dark corners

17 February 2012 | Michael Tomasky

PRINT: 17 February 2012 | PAGE 11 | COMPLEX MITT ROMNEY

The Republican Party’s leader in the race for the White House won’t have a trouble-free run.

Santorum takes lead in Republican race

15 February 2012 | Kristin Jensen

PRINT: 15 February 2012 | PAGE 13 | Santorum takes lead in Republican race

Republican presidential contender Rick Santorum has vaulted into a front-runner’s position ahead of Mitt Romney, in a poll that also shows both losing to President Barack Obama in hypothetical match-ups.

Obama’s election pitch

15 February 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 15 February 2012 | PAGE 13 | Obama launches election pitch

President Barack Obama is seeking an extra $US2.1 trillion ($1.96 trillion) from rich Americans and large companies to pay for an election-year budget.

Maine win revives Romney campaign

13 February 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 13 February 2012 | PAGE 10 | Maine win revives Romney campaign

Rick Santorum put Mitt Romney back on his heels with wins in three states, but a narrow in Maine has given Mr Romney a boost.

Mitt Romney wins Maine caucus

12 February 2012 |

Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney won a non-binding nominating contest in the northeastern state of Maine on Saturday with 39 per cent of the vote, the head of state Republican party said.

Conservatives cry out for a leader

11 February 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 11 February 2012 | PAGE 13 | Conservatives plead for a leader

The mood at the US’s annual gathering of conservatives is sombre – they haven’t achieved the budget cuts their Congressmen were elected to get, their candidates are tearing each other apart and Obama’s approval ratings are rising.

Three strikes but Romney OK

10 February 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 10 February 2012 | PAGE 20 | Three strikes but Romney OK

How much did losing three states to Rick Santorum on Tuesday damage Republican presidential frontrunner Mitt Romney?

Santorum takes three states

08 February 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 08 February 2012 | PAGE 15 | Santorum sweeps three states

Rick Santorum upended the Republican presidential nomination race with a clean sweep of three states, checking front runner Mitt Romney.

Jobs, housing turn Obama’s job into a high-wire act

08 February 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 08 February 2012 | PAGE 61 | Jobs, housing turn Obama’s job into a high-wire act

European crises aside, US economic policymaking is critical to setting the course for growth and recovery or a return to recession.

Obama leads Romney in poll

08 February 2012 | Roger Runningen

PRINT: 08 February 2012 | PAGE 20 | Obama leads Romney in poll

President Barack Obama’s approval rating has climbed to 50 per cent and a majority of voters for the first time favour Mr Obama over former Mitt Romney.

Gingrich scrambles to save campaign

07 February 2012 | Chris McGreal

PRINT: 07 February 2012 | PAGE 17 | Gingrich denies he’s in strife

Newt Gingrich scrambled on Monday to keep his presidential bid alive after a heavy defeat in the Nevada caucus, vowing as a conservative to hound frontrunner Mitt Romney to the last.

US housing: Obama’s ticking time-bomb

06 February 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 06 February 2012 | PAGE 53 | US housing: Obama’s ticking time-bomb

The situation has been dire since the global financial crisis struck, especially so in the south. Rescues have been promoted but the mood’s still bleak.

Romney’s race is hard to run

06 February 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 06 February 2012 | PAGE 55 | Romney’s race is hard to run

Ben Potter - The Republicans have a chance of knocking off Barack Obama after one term.

Momentum swings Romney’s way

06 February 2012 | Jim Rutenberg

PRINT: 06 February 2012 | PAGE 10 | Momentum swings Romney’s way

Mitt Romney handily won the Nevada caucuses on Saturday, solidifying his status as the front runner and increasing his momentum.

Jobs surge spells hope for Obama

06 February 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 06 February 2012 | PAGE 1 | Jobs surge spells hope for Obama

A bumper crop of jobs in January sparked renewed confidence in the US economic recovery and drove the blue-chip Dow Jones to its highest close since before the collapse of Lehman Bros.

If an economist were president of the US

04 February 2012 | Anna Bernasek

PRINT: 04 February 2012 | PAGE 53 | If an economist were president

Larry Kotlikoff’s message is simple: politicians have made a mess of things and can’t be trusted to fix the major economic problems confronting the US.

Romney Trumped in bizarre meeting

04 February 2012 | Ewen MacAskill

PRINT: 04 February 2012 | PAGE 13 | Romney Trumped in bizarre meeting

Donald Trump has endorsed presidential candidate Mitt Romney in an event of no importance but one that successfully diverted media attention from the other candidates only two days before the Nevada caucuses.

Video | Romney wrests back initiative

02 February 2012 |

Washington correspondent Ben Potter says Mitt Romney is now on the front foot and readying for a presidential race.

Undermined by idiocracy

02 February 2012 | John Quiggin

PRINT: 02 February 2012 | PAGE 62 | Undermined by idiocracy

John Quiggin | With its scepticism of science, and revelations of financial improprieties, the Republican Party is digging its own grave.

Florida puts Romney way out in front

02 February 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 02 February 2012 | PAGE 15 | Florida puts Romney way out in front

Mitt Romney’s campaign is back on the rails, putting to rest lingering concerns that this most moderate of the Republican candidates may be unable to rally conservatives behind him.

Republican leader can take nothing for granted

01 February 2012 | Analysis

PRINT: 02 February 2012 | PAGE 15 | Republican leader can take nothing for granted

Republicans fretting about the bitter and personal campaigns in South Carolina and Florida need to get things in perspective. The election is 10 months away.

Romney retakes lead in Florida primary

01 February 2012 | Ben Potter

Updated | Mitt Romney strolled towards a crushing win over his bitter rival, Newt Gingrich, in the Florida Republican primary after a nasty campaign marked by negative TV advertising.

Bowled over: from super to sideshow

01 February 2012 | Alan Stokes

PRINT: 01 February 2012 | PAGE 51 | Bowled over: from super to sideshow

This is the week that the future of America and the free world will be decided ... when the New England Patriots take on the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI.

Candidates look beyond Florida poll

01 February 2012 | Philip Rucker

PRINT: 01 February 2012 | PAGE 12 | Candidates look beyond Florida poll

With Mitt Romney poised to win a commanding victory in Florida’s Republican presidential primary on Wednesday Australian time, the candidates have repositioned themselves for the contests to follow.

Has Florida fallen for Romney?

31 January 2012 | Ben Potter

In Florida, one of the epicentres of the US housing crisis, Mitt Romney has opened up a double-digit poll lead among voters.

Romney has big lead in Florida

31 January 2012 | Ewen MacAskill

PRINT: 31 January 2012 | PAGE 12 | Romney has big lead in Florida

The Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich appears to be heading for defeat in the Florida primary.

Romney, Gingrich barnstorm Florida

29 January 2012 |

Presidential hopefuls Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich barnstormed Florida on Saturday, in the closing days of a bitter race for the biggest state yet in the Republican nominating contest.