BostonGlobe.com Political Headlines - December 17, 2012

• Obama vows urgent try to stem violence: Speaking to hundreds of mourners assembled at Newtown High School, the president promised to use his full power to find ways to prevent future shootings. Globe reporters Maria Sacchetti and Martine Powers outline.

• John Kerry seen as well trained for world stage: The senator will have decades of international experience to draw on if he becomes the next secretary of state. Globe Washington bureau reporter Bryan Bender profiles.

• Greater oversight is needed in shrouded immigration courts: The vagaries of the system in which illegal immigrants can be detained are testimony of the need to modernize the way such people are handled in this country. Globe editorial staff writes.