Best of politics 2013: Looking back on a tumultuous year

(CNN) - It was the best of times, it was the worst of times – a year of dizzying highs and abysmal lows; heroic wins and crushing losses; filibusters, feuds, and flubs; and even a few precious moments of compromise.

So what moments defined 2013? And which will set the stage for the new year?

National Review senior editor Ramesh Ponnuru, host of The Washington Post's "In Play" Jackie Kucinich, and CNN political commentator and Democratic strategist Donna Brazile share their picks for the biggest mistakes of 2013, the most inspiring moments, and name a few rising political stars.