Media Analysis

Who let the cats out? Republican vice-presidential nominee J.D. Vance.

J.D. Vance’s Hatred of Cat Ladies Is Weirder and More Dangerous Than You Think J.D. Vance’s Hatred of Cat Ladies Is Weirder and More Dangerous Than You Think

Patriarchy, plutocracy, and ethnonationalism fuel the vice-presidential candidate’s bizarre slur.

Jul 26, 2024 / Jeet Heer

Workers digging a hole to install a cable

Working-Class Americans Prefer a “Hand Up” to a “Handout” Working-Class Americans Prefer a “Hand Up” to a “Handout”

Working- and middle-class Americans take pride in their work. If Democrats want to win their votes, they need to acknowledge and appeal to that pride, not dismiss or patronize it....

Jul 23, 2024 / Column / Erica Etelson

The torch has been passed: Vice President Kamala Harris with President Biden at the White House in May.

By Withdrawing in Favor of Kamala Harris, Joe Biden Proves That Only the GOP Is a Personality Cult By Withdrawing in Favor of Kamala Harris, Joe Biden Proves That Only the GOP Is a Personality Cult

Democrats acted as a proper political party, while Republicans remain in thrall to a dangerous authoritarian.

Jul 22, 2024 / Jeet Heer

Reflected on a mirror, then–Vice President Joe Biden speaks during an event to unveil a report with analysis related to Recovery Act investments in innovation, science, and technology on August 24, 2010, at the South Court Auditorium of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, DC.

The Democrats Have a Two-Biden Problem The Democrats Have a Two-Biden Problem

And so does the president. As he decides his future, Joe Biden has to come to terms with the war within himself.

Jul 19, 2024 / Jeet Heer

Do People Think the Economy Is Bad Because the Media Failed, or Because the Economy Is Actually Bad?

Do People Think the Economy Is Bad Because the Media Failed, or Because the Economy Is Actually Bad? Do People Think the Economy Is Bad Because the Media Failed, or Because the Economy Is Actually Bad?

Two experts look at the data come to very different conclusions about the state of the US economy.

Jul 19, 2024 / The Debate / Dean Baker and Wesley Bignell

Aaron Bushnell

Aaron Bushnell Told Us Why He Self-Immolated—Why Didn't We Believe Him? Aaron Bushnell Told Us Why He Self-Immolated—Why Didn't We Believe Him?

When a dissident’s political act is reduced to a set of personal maladies, his or her message can be all too easily massaged away.

Jul 18, 2024 / Nan Levinson

Republican vice presidential candidate and US Senator J.D. Vance speaks to Fox News anchor Sean Hannity on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

J.D. Vance, a Born-Again Trumpist, Offers a Political Jackpot for Democrats J.D. Vance, a Born-Again Trumpist, Offers a Political Jackpot for Democrats

Trump’s running mate has a history of embracing rancid positions to rise to the top.

Jul 17, 2024 / Jeet Heer

Joe Biden delivers a nationally televised address from the Oval Office of the White House on July 14, 2024.

Biden Condemns Political Violence Without Whitewashing Trump Biden Condemns Political Violence Without Whitewashing Trump

The president deftly avoids the trap of surrendering his critique of MAGA lawlessness.

Jul 14, 2024 / Jeet Heer

Donald Trump is rushed offstage during a rally on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania.

In the Wake of the Trump Shooting, We Need Clarity—and Caution In the Wake of the Trump Shooting, We Need Clarity—and Caution

The best way to fend off conspiracy theories and instability is by emphasizing the need for solid facts.

Jul 13, 2024 / Jeet Heer

Joe Biden speaks at an event launching the Ukraine Compact at the 2024 NATO Summit on July 11, 2024, in Washington, DC.

Why Aren’t We Talking About the Great News on the Economy and Crime? Why Aren’t We Talking About the Great News on the Economy and Crime?

The Democrats have a winning election message—but do they have the right messenger?

Jul 12, 2024 / Jeet Heer

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