Contemplating the Republican Presidential Field, Late-Night Comics Lament Contemplating the Republican Presidential Field, Late-Night Comics Lament
So Trump is out. We’ve lost our best buffoon— We’ll surely miss that gaseous air balloon. Oh sure, there’s Newt. Though Newt jokes once were great, They’re getting old. He’s past his sell-by date. Chris Christie was the one we hoped they’d draft. Yes, in our fondest daydreams people laughed As we eyed Christie’s body, fore and aft, Comparing him to William Howard Taft. But Christie has insisted he’ll not run. Is anybody left who’s any fun? Oh Lord, please hear our prayers. We’re on our knees. At least just leave us Sarah Palin—please.
Jun 1, 2011 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Three Poems by Ange Mlinko Three Poems by Ange Mlinko
"After Sappho (The Volcano)," "The Children's Museum," "Threading the Q"
May 31, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Ange Mlinko
Remembering Gil Scott-Heron Remembering Gil Scott-Heron
Gil Scott-Heron's political legacy was vast and his connections to social movements deep.
May 28, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Peter Rothberg
Ed Schultz, Laura Ingraham, a Crude Word, a Classy Apology Ed Schultz, Laura Ingraham, a Crude Word, a Classy Apology
It was a bad week for a good man, but the MSNBC host will be back to give voice to working men and women.
May 27, 2011 / Books & the Arts / John Nichols
Mitch Daniels Announces That He Will Not Run for President Mitch Daniels Announces That He Will Not Run for President
We bid Mitch Daniels fond adieu, And say, “Mitch, we admire you For saying that what you love best Is family, and not this quest.” Most candidates, without a doubt, Seem best to us when they drop out.
May 26, 2011 / Column / Calvin Trillin
The Monster and Monterrey: The Politics and Cartels of Mexico’s Drug War The Monster and Monterrey: The Politics and Cartels of Mexico’s Drug War
When organized crime and drug violence came to Monterrey, the city turned to the military for help. It was a choice many would come to regret.
May 25, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Nik Steinberg
Heroine Blues: On Dorian Lynskey and Sara Marcus Heroine Blues: On Dorian Lynskey and Sara Marcus
Whoever sings them and however great they sound, rebel songs can't do your fighting for you.
May 25, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Franklin Bruno
Solving The Nation’s Cryptic Crosswords Solving "The Nation"’s Cryptic Crosswords
Newly revised and expanded (April 15, 2015).
May 25, 2011 / Joshua Kosman and Henri Picciotto
Bob Dylan’s Top Ten Protest Songs Bob Dylan’s Top Ten Protest Songs
Bob Dylan turns 70 on Tuesday. To mark the occasion I've assembled a list of what I consider his top ten protest songs with accompanying videos.
May 19, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Peter Rothberg
Strauss-Kahn Lightens Gingrich’s Baggage Strauss-Kahn Lightens Gingrich’s Baggage
Yes, Gingrich, our yard-sale Don Juan, Perked up at the news of Strauss-Kahn: Compared with a rape charge, some feel, Philandering’s not a big deal: Affairs, for which Newt has repented, Involved only those who’d consented. But still his campaign’s going south: His foot still gets stuck in his mouth.
May 18, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Calvin Trillin