IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Let Me Start: Political stories driving the day

The House of Representatives finally takes up the first part of the Hurricane Sandy aid package to help those devastated by the October superstorm.
Members of the 113th Congress bow their heads in prayer as they convene in the Capitol in Washington January 3, 2013. In the wake of bruising fights in their own ranks over the \"fiscal cliff\" and aid for victims of superstorm Sandy - Republicans in the...
Members of the 113th Congress bow their heads in prayer as they convene in the Capitol in Washington January 3, 2013. In the wake of bruising fights in their...

The House of Representatives finally takes up the first part of the Hurricane Sandy aid package to help those devastated by the October superstorm. House Speaker John Boehner was shamed into the vote by Northeastern Republicans like Rep. Peter King and Gov. Chris Christie, after putting it off for months. How many Republicans will vote against the bill, and how will they defend their vote?

Former Congressman Barney Frank tells Morning Joe he wants to be appointed to fill in as Senator when John Kerry takes over as Secretary of State. But Frank says he won't run in the special election.

Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords travels to Newtown, CT, for a private meeting with families who lost loved ones in the Sandy Hook school massacre.

Politico reports the Republican party is scrambling to fix its 'primary problem' —where the party's nominating process either pushes candidate too far to the right (like Mitt Romney) or nominates unelectable candidates (Todd Akin & Richard Mourdock.)

Newt Gingrich warns the GOP against playing politics with the debt ceiling.

And Hillary Clinton tops Gallup's annual list of most admired woman for the record 17th time. No other woman has finished first for as many years as the Secretary of State. President Obama finished first on the men's list for the fifth time.