If all the recent wrangling over the fiscal cliff has revealed anything, it's how tense and strained President Obama's relationship is with Republicans in Congress.

POL-congress-grand-bargain

It was a common refrain during the House and Senate late-night votes to avert the fiscal cliff. Senator after senator, congressman after congressman lamented the fact that the legislation didn't "do more," "go bigger" or that it was "far from perfect." Political watchers believed the fiscal cliff negotiations were the perfect time for President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner to hatch a "grand bargain" -- a deal that would have included both large increases in tax revenue and major cuts in government spending. At the time, both men looked better positioned to deliver a bipartisan plan. Boehner seemed to have a firmer hand on his caucus leading up to the talks, and the president was coming off a hard-fought re-election win. Those hopes, however, proved empty.

POL-BTN-2013-Politics

The year 2013 promises to be an interesting one politically -- with two governors races that will be closely watched, the very real possibility of another special Senate election in Massachusetts, a possible debate in Washington over immigration reform as the political clout of Latinos continues to grow, and a planned push by Democrats for gun control measures. By the numbers, here's a look ahead at politics in 2013.

POL-Political-5-Things-2013

OK. The budget deficit, the debt ceiling, and tax reform are givens. We know that those battles will continue to be in the political spotlight throughout 2013. But what else will be front and center in the New Year Here are five other things to keep your eyes on.

FINANCIAL

MONEY-hopelessly-unemployed-workers (with art)

Employers may be hiring, but there's another big problem with the job market that isn't being tracked as closely: the hopelessly unemployed.

MONEY-debt-ceiling

Brinksmanship over the debt ceiling could make the fiscal cliff standoff look like child's play.

MONEY-Fiscal-Cliff-Payroll-Taxes

Everyone's paycheck is about to take a hit, and it's not the boss' fault. But some business owners say it's a tough talk to have.

MONEY-young-adults-budget-cuts-loans

Young adults in America have reason to like the fiscal cliff deal, but they aren't celebrating yet.

MONEY-bully-work-prestige-dominance

If you want to reach the top at work, it's better to be feared than liked, according to a new study.

MEDICAL

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