Two Worlds Post-Boston

So, this seems a good day for comparing the nation's capital's two papers - it's a pretty stark comparison. The single shared story, Syria, has markedly different emphasis - is he "back[ing] off" or "edg[ing] closer"? The Times has Obama backing off, failing, and empty-handed, though they concede he's "still relevant"... (I also like "insists on waiting for international agreement" - the fiend! )

Times

• With rise of drones, neutralizers come into fashion: Hoodies help hide from spies in sky
• Obama backs off Syria 'red line': Insists on waiting for international agreement about chemical arms
• Republicans cite attacks in Benghazi, Boston as Obama security failures
• Obama empty-handed for gun talks in Mexico: Anti-trafficking measures are stalled
• Colorado campus looks for more conservatives: Regents want intellectual diversity
• Teaser: Despite setbacks, Obama still relevant: Asked if he has 'juice' to accomplish agenda, president places blame for shortcomings on Congress
• Teaser: Final arbiter on immigration reform: Business' embrace of E-Verify may speed bill
• Big Photo: More Bloodshed (explosion site in Damascus)

Post

• U.S. edges closer to arming rebels: Decision on Syria likely within weeks: Obama seeks to assert more forceful role in crisis
• Boston suspect's ties overseas scrutinized: Obama defends agencies' actions before attack as FBI widens inquiry
• FDA move on Plan B falls short of court order: Obama administration allows over-the-counter sales for age 15 and up
• China struggles to unlock its huge shale gas potential
• Gun-control forces see 'tipping point': In H.H., Se. Ayotte feels heat over vote against expanded background checks
• Cuccinelli's test: Can he soften image?
• Teaser: Running against history: A Novice contender in Pakistan's May 11 election hopes frustration with entrenched parties helps his chances
• Teaser: Toxic traces: Lab tests found ricin on a dust mask discarded by the man suspected of mailing poisoned letters, an affidavit said
• Big Photo: A passing of the scepter in the Netherlands (King Willem-Alexander and his mother on the balcony)

(I gotta ask: what's with "business' embrace"?)

Two Worlds on a Rainy Morning

Once again, a look into two worlds. One story's the same ... Rubio. Interesting...

WaTimes:

• BUDGET Obama threatens severe cuts if no agreement White House pushes for more tax hikes, but GOP is opposed
• Military warns cuts would create 'hollow force' akin to 1970s
• CAPITOL HILL Graham's hold presses White House on Benghazi CIA, Pentagon picks tied to more disclosure
• REPUBLICANS State of Union role carries risk for Rubio 2016 bid 'on the line'
• ENVIRONMENT Emissions pledge seen within reach More Obama Edicts expected
• Big Photo: Five aircraft carriers in harbor at Norfolk

WaPost:

• Charters' growth raises questions They continue to climb toward enrollment total of traditional schools
• Iran is building militias in Syria A joint effort with Hezbollah | Retaing influence post-Assad seen as goal
• STATE OF THE UNION Looking for an answer, Republicans turn to Rubio
• In Va,, an executioner's changee of heart
• Cyber-spying said to target U.S. business
• Big Photo: Chinese New Year

 

Both worlds, again

February 1 in the papers. Note that the Times continues to use bold rubrics that emphasize the danger of living in America nowadays, while the Post uses them rarely - some days they have none at all, and today only one, while the Times has one on every single story. Also, once again they do not share a single story, though the Post's picture links to a Hagel story inside.

WaTimes:

• NATIONAL SECURITY: Governor halts deal with bomb supplier in Pakistan; Indiana partners in Defense probe
• CABINET: Hagel roughed up by friendly fire; GOP colleagues blast Pentagon pick
• FEDERAL DEBT: Congress gets 3½ months to run up debt
• FOREIGN POLICY: Biden to use Obama's postelection 'flexibility' on weapons with Russia
• PENTAGON: Workers prepare budgets because Congress won't
• TERRORISM: Jihadist threat: Just website bluster? 'Earth-shattering' payback for Mali
• Their big picture: the Hagel hearing

WaPo:

• GUNS IN AMERICA: 2005 law frustrates shooting victims; NRA-backed measure shields firearms makers from liability suits
• Deal on migrants faces big obstacle; The Question Of Citizenship; Tensions rise in both parties at pivotal time
• VA study finds more veterans committing suicide; Iraq, Afghanistan wars no necessarily linked to increase in deaths
• A compelling canvas or a Kateastrophe? Duchess of Cambridge's official protrait draws save criticism, but artist believes in his work
• Johns Hopkins redevelops surrounding area, school
• Their big picture: Hagel 'in the hot seat'

I notice both papers are saying "migrants" when they mean "immigrants". Is this some new trend, perhaps trying to emphasize that many of them go back to their native lands, some even on a regular basis? Because to me, a "migrant" is someone who travels around, usually on a regular circuit, to do seasonal work.

After the Inauguration in two worlds

Day after the Inauguration front page comparison - today both papers ran little teasers for inside stories in the middle of the page as well as at the bottom; I usually ignore the latter, but decided to include the former. I think my fave has to be the 'Obama uses the Constitution' one - the fiend!

WaTimes:

• A 'Limitless' Vision:  President lays out liberal agenda for second term
• Abortion battle rages 40 years after Roe decision: Protests planned in Washington
• Bipartisanship makes a brief Hill appearance
• Obama vows to protect gay rights, climate
• Obama uses the Constitution as basis for his aggressive plans
• Libya: Republicans expects Clinton's clarity on Benghazi
• Teasers: Skies over Capitol scanned; Is Biden prepping for '16?
• Big picture: The Mall during the Inauguration

WaPost:

• 'We must act': Second term begins with a sweeping agenda for equality
• Speech heralds a bolder style of leadership
• Obama invokes the words of the Founders
• Race in America: A more open, and complex, conversation
• The first lady adds substance to fashion style
• Teasers: When the couch just won't do; Bystanders for a day; An address and its broad themes; Stars, dancing and snacking
• Big picture: The president and Mrs Obama walking along Pennsylvania Avenue

Same City...

And it's time once again for "Same City, Different Worlds"

WaTimes:

• CABINET: After long wait, Kerry finally gets chance to head State: Confirmation seems certain
• OIL: Environmentalists versus workers: Keystone pipeline decision will shape Obama's legacy
• TERRORISM: Bloodshed in Algeria shows reach of terrorists: Fate of American hostages unknown
• HEALTH CARE: Contraception mandate hits legal hurdles: Conflicting rulings set course for high court
• WHITE HOUSE: Gun control advocates say Obama is too late
• MILITARY: Close deployments, divided families: 'Indescribable emotions' as a shrinking fleet takes toll
• The big photo: work near Winona, Texas on the Keystone XL Pipeline, also a map

WaPost:

• 15 D.C. public schools to close: Move, spurred partly by underenrollment, could save $8.5 million
• In hostage crisis, a deadly rescue: Foreign allies criticize Algerian raid: Fate of American captives is unclear
• Health care propels region's job growth
• Armstrong confesses to doping
• Obit: Pauline Phillips 1918-2013 'Dear Abby' became a confessor and a friend
• A fake girlfriend and a credulous Web: Did Manti Te'o want to believe in Lennay Kekua? Did we need to?
• The big photo: A girl and her brother playing in the snow in Mississippi

Today, the single shared story, with its differing stresses, is in the same place - upper right corner.

Different worlds?

Just in case you thought yesterday was an anomaly... this time, two stories the same though again the treatments are very different. (Also, what bad timing on the yay! guns! story...)

Times:

• Backers of gun rights hit some big targets: DC now alone with total ban
• Battered by Benghazi, Rice withdraws as State candidate
• Edging closer to the 'fiscal cliff': Obama, Boehner mum after talks
• Workers abused by immune diplomats: Enslavement, rape reported
• Right-to-work proponents demand justice for violence
• their big photo: Boehner pointing to his chart

Post:

• Longer lives shift landscape of disease: Landmark health study finds a world sharing America's afflictions
• Rice pulls out of running: Kerry in line to be secretary: Charges over Libya proved too distracting
• Obama, Boeher talk but reach no deal on 'cliff'
• White House, nonprofit groups battle over tax deductions
• Critics slam GOP states over health exchanges
• Syria took steps to activate chemical arms
• their big photo: North Korea's Kim celebrates satellite launch

Like different countries...

It's like they are from different countries. Only one story in common - and that one treated differently - on Washington's two papers' front pages today, l-to-r above and below the fold:

Times:

• Top medal denied twice to Marine: Panetta says questions remain on heroic action in Iraq
• N Korea launch increases threat of weapons: takes step close (sic) to long-range nukes
• Complaining but not quitting: Federal workers choose security despite tepid job satisfaction
• For Obama, trimmings all on holiday schedule: Not cutbacks on parties, golf
• Mayor sees middle class in revolt if tax rates rise: Obama gets help spreading message
• Jeb Bush: Right to work will attract business
• their big color photo: moody silhouette shot for federal worker piece

Post:

• Syria fires ballistic missiles at rebels: US says regime is using 'desperate' tactics as opposition advances
• Fed ties rates to jobs, inflation: Historic step by Central Bank
• $1.2 billion more in reduced DC tax valuations: Settled court appeals in 2012 cut commercial property assessments
• At federal agencies, survey finds sagging job satisfaction
• Obit: Joe L Allbritton, Media magnate cultivated influential connections
• their big color photo: RGIII gets back on practice field