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 new 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.

House majority leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) announces that he is pulling out of the race to become speaker following a House Republican Conference meeting on Capitol Hill on Thursday evening, October 12, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

The House GOP Is Irretrievably Broken The House GOP Is Irretrievably Broken

It couldn’t happen to a more deserving group of people. The problem is that their dysfunction could break the country, too.

Oct 13, 2023 / Joan Walsh

Kevin McCarthy speaking to two reporters in the Capitol.

The Perils of My Kevin The Perils of My Kevin

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy averted a government shutdown with massive help from Democrats. Will he save his job the same way?

Oct 2, 2023 / Joan Walsh

The US Capitol against a blue sky with yellow Caution tape in the foreground.

You Made Your Bed, My Kevin. Now Toss and Turn in It. You Made Your Bed, My Kevin. Now Toss and Turn in It.

McCarthy’s desperation to keep the House speakership is driving the country toward shutdown. And he isn’t doing too well himself.

Sep 29, 2023 / Joan Walsh

A close-up photo of the face of the Henrietta Lacks statue, with a hand on the statue's shoulder in the background.

The Immortal Life of Dr. Roland Pattillo The Immortal Life of Dr. Roland Pattillo

The man who preserved the legacy of medical hero Henrietta Lacks died in May, but big media missed the story. I couldn’t.

Sep 27, 2023 / Obituary / Joan Walsh

Jann Wenner seated onstage, speaking.

Jann Wenner’s Blinkered Rock ’n’ Roll Revolution Jann Wenner’s Blinkered Rock ’n’ Roll Revolution

He built an empire on the foundations laid by Black musicians—but fails entirely to recognize that.

Sep 22, 2023 / Joan Walsh

A close-up photo of Rupert Murdoch in a navy suit jacket and white shirt.

Rupert Murdoch Leaves News Corp on His Own Terms Rupert Murdoch Leaves News Corp on His Own Terms

And that’s a disgrace.

Sep 21, 2023 / Joan Walsh

A close-up shot of Kevin McCarthy in a hallway speaking to reporters.

Kevin McCarthy Isn’t Up to This Battle. But Neither Is Anyone Else. Kevin McCarthy Isn’t Up to This Battle. But Neither Is Anyone Else.

All that protects McCarthy right now is the tiny but effective coat of armor he wore in January: No one else can get a majority vote.

Sep 14, 2023 / Joan Walsh

Joe Biden at an outdoor podium raising his hand and wearing sunglasses.

The Biden Panic Stops Now! The Biden Panic Stops Now!

The facts behind it are disputed and it’s a terrible look for Democrats–and for progressives who vote that line. Just stop.

Sep 7, 2023 / Joan Walsh

Donald Trump staring at the camera.

Will Trump’s 4th Arrest Tip the Scales? Will Trump’s 4th Arrest Tip the Scales?

Instead of hurting his poll numbers, Trump’s indictments have sucked the oxygen out of the Republican primary race. Will this latest indictment be any different?

Aug 24, 2023 / Joan Walsh

Fani Willis at center, at a podium, flanked by her colleagues.

The Promise of Justice in Fani Willis’s Indictment The Promise of Justice in Fani Willis’s Indictment

Don’t overlook the deep historical significance in the fact that it’s in Fulton County, Ga., that Trump might meet his most dramatic comeuppance.

Aug 15, 2023 / Joan Walsh

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