In a press conference (Politico) at a campaign stop in Pennsylvania with Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney came out in favor of extending low interest rates on student loans in an appeal to young voters, many of whom are facing economic uncertainty. Read more »

In a U.S. presidential campaign that has already focused on trade and economic conflict with China, Washington and Beijing could also soon be in conflict on China’s ties to North Korea and provide more fodder on the campaign trail. Read more »

President Obama’s chief campaign strategist, David Axelrod, says the economy is “moving in the right direction,” with last quarter’s job creation and manufacturing numbers the best they have been in years. Axelrod made the Sunday morning talk show rounds, appearing on both Meet the Press (NBC) and State of the Union (CNN). Read more »

President Barack Obama and GOP frontrunner Mitt Romney are taking on immigration as they compete for the hearts and minds of Latino voters this fall.

And the DREAM Act, which would provide a path to citizenship to undocumented immigrant kids, has become central to the debate in recent weeks as Romney grapples with an alternate plan (Politico) from Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio. Read more »

Republican frontrunner Mitt Romney added Richard A. Grenell to his presidential campaign staff as national security and foreign policy spokesman Thursday, according to the Washington Post‘s Phillip Rucker. Read more »

With increased violence and growing voter dissatisfaction putting Afghanistan in the spotlight, Republican frontrunner Mitt Romney’s position on the war is coming under more intense scrutiny (NYT) as the primary winds down. Read more »

With the race likely down to President Obama and GOP frontrunner Mitt Romney, their differences on their foreign policy is getting more attention.

Conor Friedersdorf in The Atlantic says differences between a future Romney or Obama foreign policy is largely “unknowable.” Read more »

The first round of nuclear talks with Iran exposes President Barack Obama’s difficult election-year position (TIME). He faces dealing with an obstinate Iran, an accusatory Israel, voters who do not want to see more U.S. military action, and heavy criticism from Republicans in Congress and likely general election opponent Mitt Romney. Read more »

With voters feeling the pinch of $4 gas, President Barack Obama proposed new measures Tuesday to reduce oil market manipulation with hopes stiffer penalties will stave off false price fluctuations. Read more »

President Obama could soon be pushed into to an impossible position for an election year on Syria. Though a ceasefire agreement was reached weeks ago and was supposed to go into effect April 10, violence in Syria has continued and even spread, which could force the U.S.’s and allies’ hand on military intervention even though voters oppose it. Read more »