Calvin Trillin

Verse Columnist

Calvin Trillin is The Nation’s “deadline poet.”

Donald Trump in Portsmouth

Trump’s Defense Against Groping Accusations Trump’s Defense Against Groping Accusations

He has respect for women, so
 He couldn’t be at fault— Plus some accusers are, he says, Too ugly to assault.

Oct 20, 2016 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Donald Trump Thumbs

Hot-Mic Tape Brings Late-Inning Defections Hot-Mic Tape Brings Late-Inning Defections

The tape set some Republican Endorsers to revising Their stand on Trump, as if it showed Them anything surprising. When boy to boy, The Donald brags Of women he’d “seduced,” Surpri…

Oct 13, 2016 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Donald Trump

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

Wells Fargo

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

muslim_hate_speech_rtr_img

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 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

Roger Ailes

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

Trump Baton Rouge

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

Roger Ailes, President of Fox News

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

Mural Against Gun Violence

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

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