Ross Barkan

Ross Barkan is a Nation contributing writer. He also writes a column on national politics for The Guardian and is a contributing writer at New York magazine.

National Guard patrol at a subway station in New York on March 6, 2024.

Why Are Armed Troops in NYC Subways? Why Are Armed Troops in NYC Subways?

Kathy Hochul made a grave miscalculation by further militarizing a city she doesn’t live in or understand.

Mar 14, 2024 / Ross Barkan

Representative Jamaal Bowman celebrates the return of Co-op City in the Bronx to his district.

New York's Long Congressional Redistricting Nightmare Finally Comes to an End New York's Long Congressional Redistricting Nightmare Finally Comes to an End

Liberals and leftists hoping for a sure path to retaking the House may be disappointed, but Democrats should still do well. And voters and incumbents each gain valuable clarity.

Mar 4, 2024 / Ross Barkan

Ukrainian soldiers pass by a volunteer bus burning after a Russian drone hit it near Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine, on November 23, 2023.

It’s Time to Negotiate With Russia It’s Time to Negotiate With Russia

Diplomacy will be ugly, but peace must be the ultimate goal.

Dec 21, 2023 / Ross Barkan

Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams, 2021, laughing

Blink and You Missed It: NYC Mayor Eric Adams Was Accused of Sexual Assault—and Nothing Happened Blink and You Missed It: NYC Mayor Eric Adams Was Accused of Sexual Assault—and Nothing Happened

Why the big yawn by the media over this particular allegation against New York’s scandal-surrounded mayor might actually be a sign of mature judgment.

Dec 14, 2023 / Ross Barkan

Fetterman greets Rabbi Myers, Tree of Life

Senator John Fetterman Is a Progressive Icon, a Republican Hate Figure—and a Pro-Israel Pinup Senator John Fetterman Is a Progressive Icon, a Republican Hate Figure—and a Pro-Israel Pinup

The Pennsylvania Democrat has long bucked convention on everything from legalizing marijuana to the Senate dress code. But his views on Israel/Palestine risk alienating his base.

Nov 14, 2023 / Ross Barkan

Writer Jonathan Lethem poses for a photo against a gray background

Jonathan Lethem Returns to the Scene of the Crime Jonathan Lethem Returns to the Scene of the Crime

In his new novel, the bard of Boerum Hill interrogates the brutal truths of gentrification.

Oct 27, 2023 / Ross Barkan

Can New York Make Deadbeat Dolan Stop Freeloading at Madison Square Garden?

Can New York Make Deadbeat Dolan Stop Freeloading at Madison Square Garden? Can New York Make Deadbeat Dolan Stop Freeloading at Madison Square Garden?

If the city and state can’t prevent the Knicks owner from barring his critics, perhaps they can at least shut down his sweetheart tax subsidy.

Feb 21, 2023 / Ross Barkan

Kathy Hochul’s Nomination of Hector LaSalle Is a Self-Inflicted Wound

Kathy Hochul’s Nomination of Hector LaSalle Is a Self-Inflicted Wound Kathy Hochul’s Nomination of Hector LaSalle Is a Self-Inflicted Wound

Nominating a Latino conservative as chief judge might have seemed like a clever triangulation. Instead, New York's governor has only underlined the limits of her power.

Jan 5, 2023 / Ross Barkan

Elon Musk and his Twitter profile.

Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Twitter Files? Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Twitter Files?

Just because the mainstream media decided to ignore them doesn’t mean the files aren’t newsworthy—or important.

Dec 20, 2022 / Ross Barkan

Lee Zeldin and Kathy Hochul participate in a debate hosted by Spectrum News NY1.

Why Isn’t Kathy Hochul Running Away With Her Race for Reelection? Why Isn’t Kathy Hochul Running Away With Her Race for Reelection?

Republican Lee Zeldin is pro-Trump, anti-choice, and running in a state Joe Biden carried by 23 percent—yet recent polls put him within the statistical margin of error of pulling o...

Oct 27, 2022 / Ross Barkan

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