Joan Walsh

National Affairs Correspondent

@joanwalsh

Joan Walsh, a national affairs correspondent for The Nation, is a coproducer of The Sit-In: Harry Belafonte Hosts The Tonight Show and the author of What’s the Matter With White People? Finding Our Way in the Next America. Her most recent book (with Nick Hanauer and Donald Cohen) is Corporate Bullsh*t: Exposing the Lies and Half-Truths That Protect Profit, Power and Wealth In America.

CBS News chief Bari Weiss at a White House Correspondents’ Dinner pre-party in Georgetown on April 24.

Fire Bari Weiss! Fire Bari Weiss!

Which is worse, her political malevolence or her incompetence?

Jun 8, 2026 / Joan Walsh

Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner at a “Fighting Oligarchy” tour event in Portland, Maine, on May 25, 2026.

Graham Platner and the Rise of White-Male Identity Politics Graham Platner and the Rise of White-Male Identity Politics

Platner’s rocket to stardom reflects something ugly that’s developed, not only on the right but the left as well.

Jun 5, 2026 / Joan Walsh

In the Race to Succeed Nadler, Micah Lasher Says Fighting Trump Is Not Enough

In the Race to Succeed Nadler, Micah Lasher Says Fighting Trump Is Not Enough In the Race to Succeed Nadler, Micah Lasher Says Fighting Trump Is Not Enough

The state assemblyman wants to go to Congress to take on MAGA, but says that Democrats need to show Americans that they are “gonna make their lives better. Quickly.”

Jun 3, 2026 / Joan Walsh

Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, who is running for the Democratic nomination for Senate, runs towards the stage after receiving the DFL endorsement during the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party Convention in Rochester on May 30, 2026.

Minnesota’s Peggy Flanagan Wins the DFL Nomination for a Senate Seat Minnesota’s Peggy Flanagan Wins the DFL Nomination for a Senate Seat

Her opponent, Representative Angie Craig, campaigned for the DFL nod for months, but declared she would no longer seek its endorsement two days before the party convention.

Jun 2, 2026 / Joan Walsh

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band in concert at Nationals Park on May 27, 2026, in Washington, DC.

Bruce Springsteen Gave Us Exactly What We Need Right Now Bruce Springsteen Gave Us Exactly What We Need Right Now

His just-finished tour was a cleansing, healing experience—and a morale-boosting call to arms for everyone fighting for our democracy.

Jun 2, 2026 / Joan Walsh

Flanagan at a vigil for Renée Good in St. Paul on January 9, days after Good was killed by a federal agent.

Peggy Flanagan Is Running for the Senate to “Avenge Minnesota” Peggy Flanagan Is Running for the Senate to “Avenge Minnesota”

The lieutenant governor of the state is ramping up her Democratic Senate primary campaign as her state battles Trump’s brutal assault.

May 12, 2026 / Feature / Joan Walsh

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger at an event in Woodbridge, promoting the redistricting measure that was on the ballot in April.

On Redistricting, Will Virginia Democrats Surrender, or Get Creative? On Redistricting, Will Virginia Democrats Surrender, or Get Creative?

Democrats must stop conceding that the only answer for various racist voting laws is that Democrats just have to vote more and harder and better.

May 11, 2026 / Joan Walsh

Cait Conley, now a candidate in New York’s 17th Congressional District, at a Politico conference on AI in September 2024.

3 Female Front-Runners Challenging NY’s Mike Lawler Make This a Race to Watch 3 Female Front-Runners Challenging NY’s Mike Lawler Make This a Race to Watch

A decorated Army veteran, a Working Families Party candidate and a longtime liberal politician and activist make the Democratic primary in Hudson Valley’s CD-17 riveting.

Apr 24, 2026 / Joan Walsh

Pope Leo XIV, during his flight to Algeria on April 13, 2026, responds to questions regarding President Donald Trump's recent statements.

Trump’s Deranged, One-Way Feud With Pope Leo Trump’s Deranged, One-Way Feud With Pope Leo

He’s finally met someone he can’t bully.

Apr 13, 2026 / Joan Walsh

Donald Trump talks with reporters on the South Lawn during the White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday, April 6, 2026.

This Madman Is Pulling Us to the Brink of Armageddon This Madman Is Pulling Us to the Brink of Armageddon

Trump’s genocidal threat against Iran is one of the most vile and dangerous things an American president has ever done.

Apr 7, 2026 / Joan Walsh

x