A series of pictures that depicts a story line or single theme devoted to U.S. politics or a U.S. politician. 12 photos maximum.

[still_multi portfolio=”no” place=”first” slider_number=”22″ name=”Melina Mara” affiliation=”The Washington Post” title=”Vice President Joe Biden: Just Call Me Joe…” description=”Vice President Joe Biden: Just Call Me Joe… Two Weeks with Vice President Joe Biden Vice President Joe Biden at work simply being Joe. From fighting for gun control legislation, meeting with violence against women advocates and civil rights leaders in Selma… Joe never met a stranger.”] [still_multi portfolio=”no” place=”second” slider_number=”23″ name=”Melina Mara” affiliation=”The Washington Post” title=”From Private to Public: New Interior Director Sally Jewell” description=”From Private to Public: New Interior Secretary Sally Jewell Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell is well known for being the CEO of REI. She was also an engineer in the oil industry and worked in finance. Jewell is mountaineer. Climbing Mount Rainier 7 times, as well climbing other peaks around the world.”] [still_multi portfolio=”no” place=”third” slider_number=”24″ name=”Evan Vucci” affiliation=”Associated Press” title=”The Test” description=”SYNOPSIS- President Barack Obama began 2013 basking in the glow of his reelection victory against Republican challenger Mitt Romney. But the year quickly turned into one of the most difficult tests of Obama’s presidency. NSA contracter Edward Snowden leaked documents showing the depth and breadth of the NSA surveillance program, a budget fight with Congressional Republicans led to a government shutdown, the rollout of his signature legislation, the Affordable Care Act, was delayed by problems with the website, the crisis in Syria continued, the economy continued to improve at a sluggish pace, questions of Afghanistan’s fate after U.S. withdrawal remain, and many of the items on his reelection agenda- immigration reform, tax reform, gun control, and climate change- are stalled. How Obama responds to the tests that 2013 brought will determine the legacy of his presidency. With such a short time before the next election cycle begins, 2014 may become the most important year of his administration.”] [still_multi portfolio=”no” place=”excellence” slider_number=”25″ name=”Gabriella Demczuk” affiliation=”The New York Times” title=”Washington’s dark days” description=”On Oct. 1, 2013, the U.S. government shutdown. A budget fight between the Congressional Republicans and President Obama left thousands of federal employees furloughed and national parks across the country closed, losing millions of dollars in revenue. With the debt ceiling quickly approaching and Congress unable to reach a deal, it looked as if America would fall into yet another economic disaster. “] [still_multi portfolio=”no” place=”excellence” slider_number=”26″ name=”Nikki Kahn” affiliation=”The Washington Post” title=”Gabby’s comeback” description=”Gabby Giffords, former Arizona Democratic Congresswoman, whose miraculous recovery from a point-blank gunshot wound to her head inspired the nation, is the emotional counterweight to the NRA, one of the most powerful lobbies in Washington. “I’ve seen great courage when my life was on the line. Now is the time to come together,’ she urges. ‘Be responsible. Be bold, be courageous.’ Giffords and her husband Mark Kelly have been outspoken supporters of stricter gun laws. With Second Amendment rights, they say, come responsibilities. “]