Election debates

Republican vice presidential candidate Senator JD Vance participates in a debate at the CBS Broadcast Center on October 1, 2024, in New York City.

After a Shaky Start, Walz Reveals the Fascist Behind the Curtain After a Shaky Start, Walz Reveals the Fascist Behind the Curtain

In the vice-presidential debate, JD Vance was every bit the polished Yale Law alum, but his canned bromides turned foul in the end.

Oct 2, 2024 / Chris Lehmann

Vice President Kamala Harris, right, and former president Donald Trump during the second presidential debate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.

Trying to Outflank the GOP on China Is a Mistake  Trying to Outflank the GOP on China Is a Mistake 

Why China bashing is a dead end for Democrats.

Sep 12, 2024 / Jake Werner

Donald Trump debates Kamala Harris for the first time during the presidential election campaign at the National Constitution Center on September 10, 2024, in Philadelphia.

How to Humiliate a Narcissist How to Humiliate a Narcissist

In last night’s debate, Kamala Harris goaded Trump into ever-higher levels of disgrace by targeting his bottomless vanity.

Sep 11, 2024 / Chris Lehmann

Former US president Donald Trump and US Vice President Kamala Harris are shown on screen in the spin room during the second presidential debate in Philadelphia on September 10, 2024.

With Her Rope-a-Dope Strategy, Kamala Harris Baited Trump Into Scaring Swing Voters With Her Rope-a-Dope Strategy, Kamala Harris Baited Trump Into Scaring Swing Voters

Last night’s debate will help give Democrats an edge. But strengthening the base remains crucial.

Sep 11, 2024 / Jeet Heer

Joe Biden and Donald Trump side-by-side picture

Biden Can Trounce Trump in Tonight’s Debate. Here’s How. Biden Can Trounce Trump in Tonight’s Debate. Here’s How.

Biden has a perfect chance to look past Trump’s ranting and hammer home one key proposal: taxing the rich to protect our social services.

Jun 27, 2024 / John Nichols

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Joe Biden hold a joint press conference at the Masseria San Domenico on the sidelines of the G7 Summit hosted by Italy on June 13, 2024.

10 Questions for the Candidates 10 Questions for the Candidates

On US foreign policy, the war in Ukraine, and US-Russia relations.

Jun 27, 2024 / James Carden and Katrina vanden Heuvel

2024 Republican presidential candidates Doug Burgum, from left, Chris Christie, Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, Senator Tim Scott and former US vice president Mike Pence during a debate hosted by Fox Business Network in Simi Valley, Calif., on September 27, 2023.

The GOP Debate Was a Sorry Spectacle The GOP Debate Was a Sorry Spectacle

When Ron DeSantis is trying to keep things dignified, you know the show has gone off the rails.

Sep 28, 2023 / Sasha Abramsky

vivek ramaswamy speaks at FOX news republican primary debate

The Limits of Vivek Ramaswamy’s Racist Con Game The Limits of Vivek Ramaswamy’s Racist Con Game

While the emerging GOP star benefits from the right’s version of affirmative action, his ugly response to the Jacksonville shootings shows the cost—and constraints—of his strategy.

Aug 28, 2023 / Jeet Heer

Asa Hutchinson at the Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee on August 23, 2023.

The Conservatives Who Read the Constitution— and Found It Disqualifies Trump The Conservatives Who Read the Constitution— and Found It Disqualifies Trump

Asa Hutchinson is the only Republican presidential candidate with the courage to discuss the 14th Amendment.

Aug 28, 2023 / John Nichols

Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis, and Vivek Ramaswamy at the first GOP 2024 presidential debate in Milwaukee on August 23, 2023.

The Scariest Lie at the GOP Debate Wasn’t About Donald Trump The Scariest Lie at the GOP Debate Wasn’t About Donald Trump

The debate confirmed two things: that climate denial is thriving in the GOP, and that these candidates will do absolutely nothing to save the planet.

Aug 24, 2023 / John Nichols

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