Top 10 Political News of 2010

Top 10 Political News of 2010
 by: Gabriel Castle

2010 had been an eventful year for America in politics. The Obama administration continues to face challenges; Democrats and Republicans made triumphs and compromises, and the Tea Party Movement grows stronger. Here's a review of the top 10 news of 2010.

1. Health Care Reform is Signed into Law

Democrats spent a big part of 2009 attempting to pass a comprehensive health care reform. On March 22, 2010, they finally rallied together leading to the reform being passed (within a narrow margin). It was signed by the President four days later. Called the ObamaCare, it is undoubtedly the most significant health care reform in decades.

2. Sarah Palin Mania

The former Vice-President candidate has become the most visible Republican in the country. Since 2009, Sarah Palin has refined her ability to generate media attention and popularity and has become a considerable political clout. She made headlines both in a positive and negative light, and comes only second to Obama for being the most followed American politician today.

3. Afghanistan

In 2010, America lost the lives of 497 soldiers in the war in Afghanistan. However, the story failed to gather the appropriate public attention. This news is definitely important, but it seems the significance is lost to an American public that’s already too tired of the conflict and the continuing loss it brings.

4. The Bush Tax Cuts

Amidst criticisms from the progressives, President Obama reached a compromise with Republicans to extend tax cuts for the wealthy for an additional two years. In return, the GOP grants Obama a 13 month extension of unemployment benefits plus a number of provisions.

5. SB1070 Controversy

After the Arizona Legislature passed the controversial illegal immigration enforcement bill SB1070 in April, the Obama administration sued the state before the new law could be enacted, contending that the legislation encroached upon the federal government's jurisdiction to control the state's pesky illegal immigration problem.