My son has to read the news first thing in the morning on his iPhone and he falls asleep listening to CNN. He always wants to discuss things that are happening in the world. He is very interested in politics and legal issues and debates, but also music and even art. This addiction had led to all kinds of learning that most of the kids his age aren't that interested in--sociology, psychology, economics, etc. Science and technology news have always interested him.
Much political news, especially near an election, is about handicapping the race rather than analyzing the candidates' positions and philosophies. Instead of following "news" incessantly, it is probably more instructive to read original sources, for example the texts of Obama's and Romney's speeches at the conventions and the texts of the party platforms. This will be the first election that my 9yo can at least partially understand. I may have him watch the debates.
