Independent Nation gives you the day’s five essential reads for independents and centrists:
1. “Obama’s Ominous Surprises,” in Newsweek.David Frum on how Obama will handle the crises around the corner.
2. “Post-Campaign Super-PAC Cash Still Flowing to Consultants,” at Bloomberg.Months after the election, super-PAC founders give themselves a big payback.
3. “On the Fiscal Cliff, Republicans Got Nothin’,” at The Daily Beast.Daniel Gross on the GOP’s astounding lack of a counteroffer to the Dems.
4. “Is Immigration Reform Just Talk?” at The Daily Beast.The proposed Achieve Act is a start toward moving beyond posturing and Band-Aids, says Mark McKinnon.
5. “Will Playing Nice Pay Off for GOP in Filibuster Fight?” at Roll Call.Will John McCain play the elder statesman on filibuster reform?
Send stories for the Independent Rundown to Matt DeLuca at matt.deluca@newsweekdailybeast.com. Follow him on Twitter: @DeLucaMattS.