Adieu, Michele Bachmann Adieu, Michele Bachmann
Gigantic tears into our eyes now well As we prepare to say farewell, Michele. We pliers of the small-joke trade are grieving. We so regret to hear that you are leaving. Oh, sure, we often managed to make merry With gaffes by Sarah Palin or by Perry. And Cain was grand; with Trump we had a ball. But you, Michele, were wackiest of all.
Jun 5, 2013 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Another Week in the White House Another Week in the White House
The IRS has made a mess That brings the White House many stresses. They need distractions, which they’ve got— Alas, though, those are other messes.
May 22, 2013 / Column / Calvin Trillin
A Week in the White House A Week in the White House
Benghazi and the IRS Already had the White House vexed. Plus Justice snooped on AP’s phones. A plague of locusts may be next.
May 15, 2013 / Column / Calvin Trillin
A Question A Question
For years we’ve been willing to conquer a place That’s nurtured, abetted or aided The radical terrorist threatening us. Should Cambridge, then, now be invaded?
May 8, 2013 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Barbara Bush on White House Dynasties Barbara Bush on White House Dynasties
We’ve had enough Bushes, the matriarch said. We certainly don’t need another. And Jeb, who was meant to have George’s at-bat, Smiles weakly once more at his mother.
May 1, 2013 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Criticism of Obama’s Failure to Get a Background Check Bill Passed in the Senate Criticism of Obama’s Failure to Get a Background Check Bill Passed in the Senate
Disdain is what he has for brawls; The nitty-gritty’s what he shuns. Kid gloves are what he’s fighting with Against some people armed with guns.
Apr 24, 2013 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Moving On Moving On
Now Syria's descending into hell And Kim Jong-un again is acting out. Then there's Iran. It's hard now to recall Just what that thing in Cyprus was about.
Apr 10, 2013 / Column / Calvin Trillin
ADHD Diagnoses Rise Sharply ADHD Diagnoses Rise Sharply
So hyperactivity’s now on the rise, Though overprescribing is also suspected. Could this be a hyperactivity plague? At least we know Congress has not been affected.
Apr 3, 2013 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Republican Brawl Republican Brawl
First Palin said that Rove had spent a lot Of other people’s money, and had got For all of that a largely losing slate— Suggesting Rove’s gone past his sell-by date. So Rove, in search of subtle ways to hit her, Implied that she’d turned out to be a quitter. Then John McCain, with careful choice of words, Said Rand and Cruz behaved like “wacko birds.” O’Reilly said that Bachmann’s speech was trite. We can’t choose sides, since everyone is right.
Mar 27, 2013 / Column / Calvin Trillin
One Issue That Seems to Be Getting Bipartisan Support in the Senate One Issue That Seems to Be Getting Bipartisan Support in the Senate
When Cruz begins a crude bombard, He speaks with reckless disregard. So even those who share his views Tend not to want to shmooze with Cruz.
Mar 20, 2013 / Column / Calvin Trillin