Books and Ideas

Sallow, Queer, Sagacious: Lincoln Through the Ages Sallow, Queer, Sagacious: Lincoln Through the Ages

A new anthology of essays captures the many faces of Lincoln over the decades.

Mar 11, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Brenda Wineapple

I’m Sorry, Rush I’m Sorry, Rush

A musical tribute to a big fat idiot.

Mar 11, 2009 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Norman Thomas Norman Thomas

The Nation follows Norman Thomas as he campaigns for the presidency on the Socialist ticket in 1928. While he had no chance of winning, his campaign was seen as a success.

Mar 11, 2009 / Feature / McAlister Coleman

Barack Becomes ‘The Rock Obama’ Barack Becomes ‘The Rock Obama’

Ba 'Rock' Obama (played by Dwayne Johnson) regulates out-of-line Senate Republicans in this sketch out of Rahm Emanuel's daydream

Mar 9, 2009 / Video / Saturday Night Live

Rush Limbaugh’s Michael Steele Trap Rush Limbaugh’s Michael Steele Trap

Steele, with some electroshock guidance from Limbaugh, gives an interview on the GOP's new strategy.

Mar 9, 2009 / Video / Saturday Night Live

Overreacting to Obama’s Budget Overreacting to Obama’s Budget

Jon Stewart surveys the crackpot coverage of President Obama's record-breaking budget.

Mar 6, 2009 / Video / The Daily Show

Ceaselessly Opportuning: On Barbara Guest Ceaselessly Opportuning: On Barbara Guest

Barbara Guest's Collected Poems showcase her knack for catching sight of time in its act of escaping one's grasp.

Mar 5, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

A Nazi Zelig: Jonathan Littell’s The Kindly Ones A Nazi Zelig: Jonathan Littell’s The Kindly Ones

The Kindly Ones, Jonathan Littell's fictive memoir of a Nazi SS officer, is intentionally sickening and an unquestionably brilliant success.

Mar 5, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Samuel Moyn

Bobby Jindal Bombs Bobby Jindal Bombs

Everything the GOP does these days turns to comedy.

Mar 4, 2009 / Column / Calvin Trillin

The Politics of Pain The Politics of Pain

It is conceivable that torture will go on spreading underground until it is strong enough to break out once more and redouble the embitterments of classes and of races. If so, mank...

Mar 2, 2009 / Books & the Arts / V.G. Kiernan

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