On Losing the First Debate On Losing the First Debate
Donald Trump claims that someone may have broken his microphone on purpose, and that Lester Holt asked unfair questions.—News reports A blowhard’s ID is revealed by one sign: How q…
Oct 6, 2016 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Transparency Transparency
Two million Wells Fargo customers had accounts opened in their names without their knowledge. —News reports A body cam shows what cops do. For that we all give thanks. But now we n…
Sep 29, 2016 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Dangerous Rhetoric Dangerous Rhetoric
Hate crimes against Muslims up 78 percent. —News reports So what could have caused this precipitous rise— This increase in arson and hate-based assault? If Islamophobic remarks pav…
Sep 22, 2016 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Trump’s Black Outreach Trump’s Black Outreach
He now tells black folks at a church That he’s the savior who’s been sent to them. He’s loved black people all his life— Although not quite enough to rent to them.
Sep 8, 2016 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Trump Team Strategy? Trump Team Strategy?
For moderates, we’ll bring in Bannon, The loosest sort of alt-right cannon. And even if that tactic fails, We’ll win the gals with Roger Ailes. The only thing this campaign lacks I…
Aug 25, 2016 / Column / Calvin Trillin
What Trump Supporters May Be Thinking What Trump Supporters May Be Thinking
A man who goes ballistic At trivial rebukes Is just the sort of person One wants in charge of nukes.
Aug 11, 2016 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Unsubstantiated Roger Ailes Rumor Unsubstantiated Roger Ailes Rumor
The phrase that made his female anchors wince Was “Kiss me, and I’ll turn into a prince.”…
Jul 28, 2016 / Column / Calvin Trillin
After a Week of Killings After a Week of Killings
The tensions are rising, and anger is, too. But Congress does not seem alarmed. Its leaders are confident. They’ve got a plan: Make certain that everyone’s armed.
Jul 14, 2016 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Brexit Divorce Proceedings Brexit Divorce Proceedings
Stunned Britons say, “This all takes time. It may be years before we’re through.” “What’s done is done,” the EU says, “We’d like to see the back of you.”…
Jun 30, 2016 / Column / Calvin Trillin
An Explanation of Trump’s Explanation of His Attack on Judge Curiel An Explanation of Trump’s Explanation of His Attack on Judge Curiel
If you’ve been thinking Donald Trump Is racist, boorish, crude, It turns out that it’s you at fault: You’ve simply misconstrued.
Jun 16, 2016 / Column / Calvin Trillin