Category Archives: Columns

The U.S. Constitution doesn’t mention political parties – but it does mention journalists. This was not an oversight. The country’s founders understood that freedom of the press spurs informed civic debate and accountability for people in power – both of … Continue reading →

On this Fourth of July, we need to say clearly that the American flag belongs to us all. In the past, this would have been self-evident. But there’s been an attempt to hijack the American flag for partisan purposes, to … Continue reading →

Democrats had achievements to run on. But we were overwhelmed by a variety of factors. I had a diffrent perspective on the 2024 election than I did on the past few I’ve covered as a journalist—because this time, I was … Continue reading →

As we’ve been reminded by the fight in Indiana, supporters of discrimination have always cloaked their views in appeals to personal liberty. Once upon a time, a restaurant owner refused to serve people who were different. He said he did … Continue reading →

If the party wants to regain power, it should look back to the message from Bill Clinton. “Too many of the people that used to vote for us, the very burdened middle class we’re talking about, have not trusted us … Continue reading →

America is in danger of “sleepwalking into a dictatorship,” according to former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney. This somnambulant stroll towards the cliff is self-induced. Instead of being invigorated by the prospect of defending our democracy from a candidate who already … Continue reading →

Drill down on all the hipster conventional wisdom and the core complaint is earnestness. With number one albums across four decades, their very success undercuts the rebellious edge that’s at the heart of rock n roll. To their critics, they … Continue reading →

The streets of New York are filled with ghosts these days. It is spring outside, but the sidewalks are empty and the streets feel haunted. Only sirens pierce the silence. Some of the familiar faces will come back when this … Continue reading →

It’s easy to slag off big cities when you’re running for the red state nomination. It’s an urban vs. rural rivalry that goes back to Hamilton and Jefferson. But Ted Cruz misfired big time when he tried to get cheers … Continue reading →

Cuba’s communist dictator is finally dead. Good riddance. His apologists live on but they will look foolish in the rearview mirror of history. When a five-decades-long dictator dies, it is customary to hear analysts offer up the following kind of … Continue reading →