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Top political stories historic, hysterical
Jan 1st 2013, 00:11

It was the Republican primary win that wasn't. An initial tally gave the Iowa caucuses to Mitt Romney by eight votes, but the final count awarded the win to Rick Santorum, whose early primary campaign put enormous pressure on the former Massachusetts governor.It was the Republican primary win that wasn't. An initial tally gave the Iowa caucuses to Mitt Romney by eight votes, but the final count awarded the win to Rick Santorum, whose early primary campaign put enormous pressure on the former Massachusetts governor.
A federal mandate requiring religiously affiliated institutions, like universities and hospitals, to offer insurance coverage for contraception triggered a politically charged "war on women" fight and generated fierce opposition from the Catholic Church and other groups. The Obama administration later offered a compromise plan.A federal mandate requiring religiously affiliated institutions, like universities and hospitals, to offer insurance coverage for contraception triggered a politically charged "war on women" fight and generated fierce opposition from the Catholic Church and other groups. The Obama administration later offered a compromise plan.
Sandra Fluke is the Georgetown University Law School student who testified before Congress on the need for access to reproductive health care, including contraception. Conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh called her a "slut." Fluke campaigned for President Barack Obama and spoke at the Democratic convention on women's rights. Sandra Fluke is the Georgetown University Law School student who testified before Congress on the need for access to reproductive health care, including contraception. Conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh called her a "slut." Fluke campaigned for President Barack Obama and spoke at the Democratic convention on women's rights.
Rep. Todd Akin touched off controversy with his comments on rape and pregnancy during his bid for U.S. Senate from Missouri. He lost the support of establishment Republicans and fundraisers but stayed in the race before losing on Election Day.Rep. Todd Akin touched off controversy with his comments on rape and pregnancy during his bid for U.S. Senate from Missouri. He lost the support of establishment Republicans and fundraisers but stayed in the race before losing on Election Day.
The Republican presidential primary fight ran into April when Mitt Romney finally overtook Rick Santorum. The road to the nomination included periods when frontrunner status changed hands in the field that included former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, businessman Herman Cain, Rep. Michele Bachmann, former Utah Gov. John Huntsman and Texas Gov. Rick Perry. The Republican presidential primary fight ran into April when Mitt Romney finally overtook Rick Santorum. The road to the nomination included periods when frontrunner status changed hands in the field that included former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, businessman Herman Cain, Rep. Michele Bachmann, former Utah Gov. John Huntsman and Texas Gov. Rick Perry.
Eric Holder became the first sitting U.S. attorney general to be held in contempt of Congress for refusing to turn over certain documents sought by Republicans in their investigation of the botched Arizona-to-Mexico gun-running sting known as "Fast and Furious." Democrats, including members of the Congressional Black Caucus, walked out in protest during the House contempt vote in June.Eric Holder became the first sitting U.S. attorney general to be held in contempt of Congress for refusing to turn over certain documents sought by Republicans in their investigation of the botched Arizona-to-Mexico gun-running sting known as "Fast and Furious." Democrats, including members of the Congressional Black Caucus, walked out in protest during the House contempt vote in June.
The Supreme Court upheld President Barack Obama's healthcare reform initiative in a landmark 5-4 vote in June that supported the politically charged law's individual mandate requiring Americans to purchase health coverage.The Supreme Court upheld President Barack Obama's healthcare reform initiative in a landmark 5-4 vote in June that supported the politically charged law's individual mandate requiring Americans to purchase health coverage.
President Barack Obama announced in June that his administration would stop deporting some young immigrants if they met certain requirements. The annoucement drew scrutiny from the right for usurping congressional procedure and from the left for not going far enough on immigration reform. But many in the immigrant community were relieved.President Barack Obama announced in June that his administration would stop deporting some young immigrants if they met certain requirements. The annoucement drew scrutiny from the right for usurping congressional procedure and from the left for not going far enough on immigration reform. But many in the immigrant community were relieved.
The Supreme Court ruled in June to uphold the Arizona immigration law's most controversial feature -- the "show your papers provision" that allows police to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws. But the decision also dismissed Arizona's right to regulate immigration at the state level - bringing the debate back to square one.The Supreme Court ruled in June to uphold the Arizona immigration law's most controversial feature -- the "show your papers provision" that allows police to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws. But the decision also dismissed Arizona's right to regulate immigration at the state level - bringing the debate back to square one.
After the movie theater massacre in Aurora, Colorado, that killed 12 people and injured 58 others, the campaigns paused to remember the victims. While there were calls from gun-control advocates for a discussion on the issue, both campaigns largely side-stepped the issue. After the movie theater massacre in Aurora, Colorado, that killed 12 people and injured 58 others, the campaigns paused to remember the victims. While there were calls from gun-control advocates for a discussion on the issue, both campaigns largely side-stepped the issue.
Just ahead of the Republican National Convention, Mitt Romney took an overseas trip meant to bolster his foreign policy credentials. But he stumbled. In London, he criticized the efficiency of the London Olympics. He also visited Israel where he angered Palestinians in suggesting Israeli culture was the key to its success. Just ahead of the Republican National Convention, Mitt Romney took an overseas trip meant to bolster his foreign policy credentials. But he stumbled. In London, he criticized the efficiency of the London Olympics. He also visited Israel where he angered Palestinians in suggesting Israeli culture was the key to its success.
Clint Eastwood took advantage of his prime speaking spot at the Republican National Convention to say - well, we're not sure we remember. We were too focused on the empty chair he decided to talk to instead. The routine was viewed as the lone glitch in an otherwise smooth convention for Romney. Some later questioned the campaign's decision to put Eastwood on before Mitt Romney's acceptance speech later that night.Clint Eastwood took advantage of his prime speaking spot at the Republican National Convention to say - well, we're not sure we remember. We were too focused on the empty chair he decided to talk to instead. The routine was viewed as the lone glitch in an otherwise smooth convention for Romney. Some later questioned the campaign's decision to put Eastwood on before Mitt Romney's acceptance speech later that night.
Center-stage at the Democratic National Convention, former President Bill Clinton brought down the house with what some political strategists called the political speech of his career. He also did what many criticized Barack Obama for failing to do - communicate Obama's vision for the next four years.Center-stage at the Democratic National Convention, former President Bill Clinton brought down the house with what some political strategists called the political speech of his career. He also did what many criticized Barack Obama for failing to do - communicate Obama's vision for the next four years.
The attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, that killed Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans triggered fierce political controversy over how the armed assault came about. It influenced the potential nomination of U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice to become secretary of state. Rice, who was the Obama administration's early point person for explaining those events in Libya, withdrew her name from consideration in December.The attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, that killed Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans triggered fierce political controversy over how the armed assault came about. It influenced the potential nomination of U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice to become secretary of state. Rice, who was the Obama administration's early point person for explaining those events in Libya, withdrew her name from consideration in December.
In 2004, 22% of Americans voted early and that rate rose to 34% in 2008, according to Paul Gronke, professor of political science who founded and runs the Early Voting Information Center at Reed College in Oregon. The number was expected to rise to 40% of the electorate in 2012 - and President Barack Obama's campaign knew it. Its early voting strategy included get-out- the-vote efforts starting with early voting in September. Even Obama voted early, becoming the first sitting president to do so.In 2004, 22% of Americans voted early and that rate rose to 34% in 2008, according to Paul Gronke, professor of political science who founded and runs the Early Voting Information Center at Reed College in Oregon. The number was expected to rise to 40% of the electorate in 2012 - and President Barack Obama's campaign knew it. Its early voting strategy included get-out- the-vote efforts starting with early voting in September. Even Obama voted early, becoming the first sitting president to do so.
The Obama campaign's grassroots efforts, fueled by data-crunching intelligence, was credited in part with his re-election on November 6. The campaign ammassed a wealth of information on voters in 2008 that it used to its advantage to turn out voters battleground states this time. The Romney campaign's turnout effort got a much later start and was further impacted by a lengthy primary campaign.The Obama campaign's grassroots efforts, fueled by data-crunching intelligence, was credited in part with his re-election on November 6. The campaign ammassed a wealth of information on voters in 2008 that it used to its advantage to turn out voters battleground states this time. The Romney campaign's turnout effort got a much later start and was further impacted by a lengthy primary campaign.
At last count, general election spending totaled $4.2 billion - and some estimates are as high as $6 billion. That's sharply up from the $3.8 billion in 2008, making this year's presidential race the most expensive to date. The rise of super PACs ushered in a spending frenzy with some individuals betting tremendous sums on their candidates.At last count, general election spending totaled $4.2 billion - and some estimates are as high as $6 billion. That's sharply up from the $3.8 billion in 2008, making this year's presidential race the most expensive to date. The rise of super PACs ushered in a spending frenzy with some individuals betting tremendous sums on their candidates.
Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney came out swinging in the first debate while President Barack Obama was off his game. It was a debate performance that gave new life to Romney's campaign. But Obama came back in the second meeting with more drive. Afterward, Obama joked: "As some of you may have noticed, I had a lot more energy in our second debate. I felt really well-rested after the nice long nap I had in the first debate."Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney came out swinging in the first debate while President Barack Obama was off his game. It was a debate performance that gave new life to Romney's campaign. But Obama came back in the second meeting with more drive. Afterward, Obama joked: "As some of you may have noticed, I had a lot more energy in our second debate. I felt really well-rested after the nice long nap I had in the first debate."
Superstorm Sandy slammed into the East Coast just days before Election Day, bringing floodwaters and leaving millions without power. The New Jersey Shore was especially hard hit. Gov. Chris Christie was a top Romney surrogate who praised President Barack Obama's response to the storm. Some said the move hurt Romney with voters but Christie later told ABC's Barbara Walters that he had no regrets about praising Obama.Superstorm Sandy slammed into the East Coast just days before Election Day, bringing floodwaters and leaving millions without power. The New Jersey Shore was especially hard hit. Gov. Chris Christie was a top Romney surrogate who praised President Barack Obama's response to the storm. Some said the move hurt Romney with voters but Christie later told ABC's Barbara Walters that he had no regrets about praising Obama.
After almost a full 12 months of campaigning, hundreds of hours on the road and billions of dollars spent on the election, President Barack Obama was re-elected with 51% of the popular vote. He also won 332 of the 270 electoral college votes needed to return to the White House for another four years. After almost a full 12 months of campaigning, hundreds of hours on the road and billions of dollars spent on the election, President Barack Obama was re-elected with 51% of the popular vote. He also won 332 of the 270 electoral college votes needed to return to the White House for another four years.
General David Petraeus rocked the Obama administration just after the election by resigning his post as director of the CIA. It was revealed that the former four-star general had had an affair with his biographer, Paula Broadwell.General David Petraeus rocked the Obama administration just after the election by resigning his post as director of the CIA. It was revealed that the former four-star general had had an affair with his biographer, Paula Broadwell.
Redistricting is credited with strenthening House strongholds for Republicans, but it also claimed the seats of several GOP incumbents in states like California, Florida and Illinois. Among those not returning to Congress in January is Rep. Allen West of Florida, a tea party darling. His loss was partly due to a redrawn district.Redistricting is credited with strenthening House strongholds for Republicans, but it also claimed the seats of several GOP incumbents in states like California, Florida and Illinois. Among those not returning to Congress in January is Rep. Allen West of Florida, a tea party darling. His loss was partly due to a redrawn district.
For the first time in the nation's history, women and minorities will hold the majority of the Democratic House seats, according to an analysis by Bloomberg News. Those members represent what is being called the new American electorate - a quilt of minority voters that is increasingly identifying with the Democratic Party while the GOP retains mostly white voters. The nation's changing electorate led Republicans to call for more outreach to wormen and minorities in the days following the election. For the first time in the nation's history, women and minorities will hold the majority of the Democratic House seats, according to an analysis by Bloomberg News. Those members represent what is being called the new American electorate - a quilt of minority voters that is increasingly identifying with the Democratic Party while the GOP retains mostly white voters. The nation's changing electorate led Republicans to call for more outreach to wormen and minorities in the days following the election.
Mitt Romney's GOP presidential nomination was supposed to usher in the "Mormon Moment." By all accounts, however, Romney avoided talk about his faith outside of poginant moments. Still, Romney's role in the church was held up by campaign surrogates as a testament to his character.Mitt Romney's GOP presidential nomination was supposed to usher in the "Mormon Moment." By all accounts, however, Romney avoided talk about his faith outside of poginant moments. Still, Romney's role in the church was held up by campaign surrogates as a testament to his character.
Reports that Syria might be preparing to use chemical weapons against rebels in that country's nearly two-year civil war, triggered alarms worldwide. The Obama administration warned Syria that such a move would trigger U.S. action. The administration took a big step in December by recognizing the leading Syrian opposition coalition as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people. The move, however, doesn't mean Washington will be arming them anytime soon.Reports that Syria might be preparing to use chemical weapons against rebels in that country's nearly two-year civil war, triggered alarms worldwide. The Obama administration warned Syria that such a move would trigger U.S. action. The administration took a big step in December by recognizing the leading Syrian opposition coalition as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people. The move, however, doesn't mean Washington will be arming them anytime soon.
It's the combination of spending cuts and hikes in revenue that could bring the United States to its knees in the new year. And it's the microcosm of the ideological struggle that has brought Congress to its knees for the past two years. Will President Barack Obama and Congressional Republicans come to a deal on whether to raise taxes on the wealthiest 2%? Or will the country go over the proverbial cliff? It's the combination of spending cuts and hikes in revenue that could bring the United States to its knees in the new year. And it's the microcosm of the ideological struggle that has brought Congress to its knees for the past two years. Will President Barack Obama and Congressional Republicans come to a deal on whether to raise taxes on the wealthiest 2%? Or will the country go over the proverbial cliff?
20-year-old Adam Lanza's shooting rampage that killed 20 children, six elementary school employees, and his own mother in Connecticut mid-December shocked the nation. Like the movie theater shooting in Aurora earlier this year, the tragedy in Newtown reignited calls to reinstate the 1994 assualt weapons ban and add stricter gun controls. Days after the shooting, President Obama delivered a speech asking for Congress to vote on changing gun control measures in the new year. The NRA pushed back saying that arming teachers could have saved the childrens' lives. 20-year-old Adam Lanza's shooting rampage that killed 20 children, six elementary school employees, and his own mother in Connecticut mid-December shocked the nation. Like the movie theater shooting in Aurora earlier this year, the tragedy in Newtown reignited calls to reinstate the 1994 assualt weapons ban and add stricter gun controls. Days after the shooting, President Obama delivered a speech asking for Congress to vote on changing gun control measures in the new year. The NRA pushed back saying that arming teachers could have saved the childrens' lives.
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  • A fair number of political moments in 2012 ranged from ridiculous to inexplicable
  • But in an election year, the top stories are the obvious ones
  • Some of the top stories were small pieces in what determined the 2012 election
  • Others were those that portend what might happen down the road

Washington (CNN) -- Picking the top 10 moments of an election year is like finding your favorite grain of sand on the beach -- there is an impossible number of possibilities.

Take catchphrases that became boomerangs -- President Barack Obama's "If you've got a business, you didn't build that." Or GOP challenger Mitt Romney's "I like being able to fire people who provide services to me."

Or when cast members stole the spotlight: Sandra Fluke's telling House Democrats that "I'm an American woman who uses contraception. Let's start there." Or Romney's top adviser Eric Fehrnstrom telling CNN, "It's almost like an Etch A Sketch. You can kind of shake it up, and we start all over again."

And a fair number of moments ranging from ridiculous to inexplicable:

Clint Eastwood challenging an empty chair at the Republican National Convention: "I'm not going to shut up, it's my turn." Or Obama trying make "Romnesia" a buzzword. Or Romney attempting to do the same with "Obamaloney."

So many moments; so much nonsense.

But there were game-changers, too -- moments that shook up the race, made history and made our Top 10 list.

10. Wisconsin recall vote

The wild ride to Election Day
Top ten political moments of 2012
Media's 2012 report card

It was seen at the time as a proxy race for November. Wisconsin's Republican Gov. Scott Walker was in a showdown with organized labor over budget cuts and collective bargaining power. Turns out the end result was no bellwether for the presidential election. Walker won, the first governor in U.S. history to survive a recall election.

9. Chris Christie's praise for Obama

Republican Gov. Chris Christie's full-on embrace of Obama for helping Superstorm Sandy-ravaged New Jersey came days before the election and had no noticeable effect on the presidential race. But some Republicans think Christie didn't have to be that effusive. And they'll remember if his name pops up in 2016.

8. 'Legitimate rape'

From the "Say what?" category comes a combo team -- Missouri Senate candidate Todd Akin and Richard Mourdock of Indiana.

Akin in an interview cited some questionable biology: "If it's a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down."

Mourdock cited a higher power: "Life is that gift from God. I think that even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something God intended to happen."

Republican dreams to take control of the Senate dwindled throughout the year, but Akin and Murdock, who both lost, pretty much shut that door in a couple of sentences.

7. Self-deportation

Two words from Mitt Romney during the primary reverberated all the way through to November -- the issue was his plan to keep employers from hiring undocumented workers:

"People who have come here illegally won't be able to find work. And over time, those people would tend to leave the country, or self-deport," he said during a debate in Florida.

The concept of self-deportation by undocumented workers was not by itself responsible for Romney's dismal showing among Hispanics, but it surely greased the skids.

6. The '47 percent'

Also in the category of moments for which you could get a mulligan, there was Romney secretly taped at a Boca Raton, Florida, fundraiser saying, "There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what. All right, there are 47 percent who are with him, who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims."

Romney later called his remarks completely wrong. They also caused the deepest self-inflicted wound of the election.

5. Romney picks Ryan as running mate

On the flip side, Romney's VP day may well have been the best moment of his campaign -- the selection of U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan excited conservatives in a way Romney himself had not.

4. Obama blows first debate

How many moments are there in an hour and a half? The president lost all of them in the first debate.

The pictures tell the story of a man who phoned it in, panicking his supporters and providing an opening for Romney.

3. Supreme Court upholds Obamacare

A Supreme Court decision upholding the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act -- if that doesn't strike you as political, consider what would have happened on the campaign trail if the high court had struck down the president's signature first-term achievement.

2. Obama endorses same-sex marriage

The first president to endorse same sex-marriage was a daily double moment: good politics aimed at an activist wing of his party base, and most certainly history.

1. Obama wins re-election

The number one political moment of the year is easy during elections.

For auld lang syne, cue the confetti and say goodbye to 2012 and all its moments -- historical ... and hysterical.

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