Richard Kreitner

richardkreitner

Richard Kreitner is a contributing writer and the author of Break It Up: Secession, Division, and the Secret History of America's Imperfect Union. His writings are at richardkreitner.com.

A 150-Year Critique of the Electoral College

A 150-Year Critique of the Electoral College A 150-Year Critique of the Electoral College

As far back as the 1870s, The Nation opposed the existence of the Electoral College as "so grotesque as to be almost ludicrous.”

Nov 28, 2024 / Richard Kreitner

Lessons From the Birth of Modern Opinion Polling

Lessons From the Birth of Modern Opinion Polling Lessons From the Birth of Modern Opinion Polling

As George Gallup pioneered new methods of surveying the public, The Nation opined on their dangers—and democratic possibilities.

Oct 24, 2024 / Column / Richard Kreitner

Assassination Nation

Assassination Nation Assassination Nation

The Nation magazine was founded in the startled wake of Abraham Lincoln’s murder—the first presidential assassination in the country. It wouldn’t be the last.

Sep 3, 2024 / Richard Kreitner

Protesters clash with the National Guard outside the Democratic National Convention on August 28, 1968.

The 1968 Democratic National Convention, Then and Now The 1968 Democratic National Convention, Then and Now

The Nation warned readers early on that the 1968 convention would be a debacle.

Aug 22, 2024 / Richard Kreitner

“The Measure Should Not Be Called the Johnson Bill, but the Ku Klux Klan Bill”

“The Measure Should Not Be Called the Johnson Bill, but the Ku Klux Klan Bill” “The Measure Should Not Be Called the Johnson Bill, but the Ku Klux Klan Bill”

When Congress passed the Immigration Act of 1924 a century ago, The Nation issued a prescient warning to its readers.

Aug 12, 2024 / Richard Kreitner

John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon stand at podiums during one of their four debates in 1960.

The Lost Lessons of the First Televised Presidential Debates The Lost Lessons of the First Televised Presidential Debates

In 1960, The Nation asked a collection of thinkers and critics to grapple with the significance of the televised debates between Nixon and Kennedy. Here’s what they said.

Jun 27, 2024 / Column / Richard Kreitner

A Message From 1930: Zion Cannot Be Built on Bayonets

A Message From 1930: Zion Cannot Be Built on Bayonets A Message From 1930: Zion Cannot Be Built on Bayonets

A hope for a more just future echoes across the decades from the pages of The Nation magazine.

Jun 19, 2024 / Richard Kreitner

American author, screenwriter, and satirist Terry Southern (1924–1995).

Why Terry Southern Was “the Most Useful Writer” in America Why Terry Southern Was “the Most Useful Writer” in America

The satirist, Nation critic, Dr. Strangelove cowriter, and “eggheaded prankster” was born exactly 100 years ago, and his work remains as relevant as ever.

May 1, 2024 / Column / Richard Kreitner

Unhappy Birthday: NATO Is 75 Years Old Today

Unhappy Birthday: NATO Is 75 Years Old Today Unhappy Birthday: NATO Is 75 Years Old Today

The Cold War alliance long ago outlived its usefulness. But then Nation contributors have been skeptical since the beginning.

Apr 4, 2024 / Richard Kreitner

US history: Civil War: Emancipation Proclamation

Did the Constitution Pave the Way to Emancipation? Did the Constitution Pave the Way to Emancipation?

In his new book, The Crooked Path to Abolition, James Oakes argues that the Constitution was an antislavery document.

Oct 6, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Richard Kreitner

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