Free Republic

House Speaker John Boehner is insisting tax increases are "off the table" in negotiations with the Obama administration and congressional Democrats on extending the federal debt limit. The Ohio Republican tells NBC's "Today" show "everything else is on the table." Boehner (BAY'-nur) appeared a day after telling the Economic Club of New York he wants trillions of dollars in spending cuts as part of legislation allowing the government to continue borrowing beyond the current $14.3 trillion cap.

SINGAPORE – The U.S. has ruled out a military strike against Iran's nuclear program any time soon, hoping instead negotiations and United Nations sanctions will prevent the Middle East nation from developing nuclear weapons, a top U.S. defense department official said Wednesday. "Military force is an option of last resort," Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy said during a press briefing in Singapore. "It's off the table in the near term." The U.S. and its allies fear Tehran is using its nuclear program to build arms. Iran denies the charges, and says its program only aims to generate electricity....

NEW YORK (AP) — Charles Gibson's producer says no issue is off the table for Sarah Palin's first TV interview as a vice presidential candidate, which ABC is hoping it can air in part on Thursday. Republican vice presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, addresses supporters during a campaign rally in Lee's Summit, Mo., Monday, Sept. 8, 2008. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia) Gibson will travel to Alaska and will probably speak to Palin at least twice. The challenge for ABC will be making excerpts available in time for "World News" Thursday, which Gibson must broadcast live from that state at 2:30...