The Far Right Contemplates the Republican Front-Runner The Far Right Contemplates the Republican Front-Runner
It seems that now we’re stuck with Mitt. Reciting right-wing holy writ, He still sounds moderate, a bit. Although it’s nothing he’ll admit, A healthcare plan’s his biggest hit. (The thought of that gives us a fit.) And born-agains, from where they sit, Still state their firm belief, to wit: As Christians, Mormons aren’t legit. We’ve said for months, “This man’s not it.” We wish that Palin hadn’t split. We wish that Perry weren’t a nit (His pilot light is not quite lit). Because, it seems, we’re stuck with Mitt.
Oct 12, 2011 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Mr. Friedman, Meet Mr. Obama Mr. Friedman, Meet Mr. Obama
The New York Times columnist faults President Obama for failing to do… exactly what he did.
Oct 12, 2011 / Column / Eric Alterman
CEO CEO
Hewlett-Packard CEO, fired after disastrous eleven-month reign, gets $13 million in termination benefits. —news reports One job’s a job I never would forgo. That job, of course, is being CEO. According to the customs now prevailing, It pays a lot—and pays you more for failing. It must be nice to have a job wherein You cannot lose, for if you lose you win.
Oct 5, 2011 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Awlaki Assassination Puts Obama Above the Law Awlaki Assassination Puts Obama Above the Law
Welcome to the Drone Empire, in which the president's executioners can kill without legal restraint.
Oct 5, 2011 / Column / Alexander Cockburn
Ban Birth Control? They Wouldn’t Dare… Ban Birth Control? They Wouldn’t Dare…
Wake up, sleepyheads: the antichoicers are coming for contraception.
Oct 5, 2011 / Column / Katha Pollitt
The Search The Search
The far right looked for someone who’d befit The ticket—that is, someone not named Mitt But someone who could strongly lead the nation Without the faintest whiff of moderation. Chris Christie thought about it, then said nyet, And Bachmann was the quickest flopper yet. It looked like Perry was the right’s white hope, But now they’re saying Perry’s just a dope. So who will they convince now to get in? The time is short. Their bench is looking thin.
Sep 28, 2011 / Column / Calvin Trillin
The Obama Presidency Invites Contempt The Obama Presidency Invites Contempt
Is this a politician who, when faced with recalcitrant opposition, would rather switch than fight?
Sep 27, 2011 / Column / Eric Alterman
DSK’s Best-Case Scenario DSK’s Best-Case Scenario
Well, yes, he had sex with the maid, he said She came in and he took his pleasure. And then with his daughter he had some lunch— A family scene we can treasure.
Sep 21, 2011 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Whispers of Jackie O Whispers of Jackie O
The former first lady speaks from beyond the grave—and shows how far we’ve come (and haven’t).
Sep 21, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Katha Pollitt
Black President, Double Standard: Why White Liberals Are Abandoning Obama Black President, Double Standard: Why White Liberals Are Abandoning Obama
Electoral racism may be dead, but is there a more subtle form of racism at work in the white flight from Obama?
Sep 21, 2011 / Column / Melissa Harris-Perry