Deadline Poet

The McCain-Feingold Bill The McCain-Feingold Bill

McCain and Feingold seem to have Big Mo: Soft money could now face a total ban. Which means some folks who've bought pols in the past Need now select a different purchase plan...

Apr 5, 2001 / Column / Calvin Trillin

On the Bush Administration Rescinding Stricter Limits on Arsenic in Drinking Water On the Bush Administration Rescinding Stricter Limits on Arsenic in Drinking Water

Yes, arsenic's in what we drink. That's not as scary as you think. Sure, hidden in the stroganoff It's used for knocking people off. But in your water it's OK. That's what t...

Mar 30, 2001 / Column / Calvin Trillin

On Bush Breaking His Campaign Pledge To Limit Carbon Dioxide Emissions* On Bush Breaking His Campaign Pledge To Limit Carbon Dioxide Emissions*

Yes, W. once took the view That CO2 is bad for you. He says he's had a turnabout: We make this stuff when breathing out, So dangerous is what it's not. From lobbyists you le...

Mar 22, 2001 / Column / Calvin Trillin

On the White House Dress Code On the White House Dress Code

The President's demanding proper dress-- A tie, a coat, a shine on shoes or boots. Some citizens may find this a relief: We've now returned to government by suits.

Mar 15, 2001 / Column / Calvin Trillin

A Scholarly Analysis of Dick Cheney’s Role in the George W. Bush Administration A Scholarly Analysis of Dick Cheney’s Role in the George W. Bush Administration

Though Bush the Elder was convinced His boy was now a man, he Decided, just to hedge his bet, To furnish him a nanny. Attentive parents always have A way of keeping tr...

Mar 8, 2001 / Column / Calvin Trillin

A Democratic Lullaby to Bill Clinton A Democratic Lullaby to Bill Clinton

As Bush finds backs to pat and hands to shake, The Democrats can't seem to buy a break. The opposition doesn't coalesce, Because the spotlight's on the Clinton mess, A ...

Feb 23, 2001 / Column / Calvin Trillin

A Short Course on Getting a Presidential Pardon While a Fugitive From Justice A Short Course on Getting a Presidential Pardon While a Fugitive From Justice

Apply a little grease (Denise). Then buy yourself an in (Jack Quinn).

Feb 15, 2001 / Column / Calvin Trillin

One Bush Scenario One Bush Scenario

With Democrats he must entice, he Has proven good at making nicey. So now, if everyone relaxes, He'll sharply cut all rich folks' taxes And help the oil biz and tobacco And nominate some right-wing wacko As Justice--qualified, he'll promise, Like Daddy did with Clarence Thomas. The Democrats will fold in batches, And light cigars with White House matches.

Feb 8, 2001 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Lessons Drawn From the Marc Rich Pardon Lessons Drawn From the Marc Rich Pardon

As proven by this pardon, Two facts of life prevail: The rich have got the money And everything's for sale.

Feb 1, 2001 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Adieu (Sort of) to Bill Clinton Adieu (Sort of) to Bill Clinton

We'd say goodbye to Clinton, Bill, Who always was a rascal, still Accomplished much, before he tripped (He couldn't keep his trousers zipped) And after, too. His gifts were g...

Jan 26, 2001 / Column / Calvin Trillin

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