Political Figures

Payback Payback

High school “not even an acquaintance” David Wildstein says Christie knew of lane closings.                        —News reports Chris Christie is learning the perils that face A person ignoring these words: Since nobody knows just what life holds in store, A wise jock offends not the nerds.

Feb 5, 2014 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Harry Reid Knows Opposing Fast Track Is Smart Policy and Smart Politics

Harry Reid Knows Opposing Fast Track Is Smart Policy and Smart Politics Harry Reid Knows Opposing Fast Track Is Smart Policy and Smart Politics

Opposition to free-trade policies is coming not just from factory towns but from rural regions that could decide some key Senate races in 2014.

Feb 4, 2014 / John Nichols

Katrina vanden Heuvel: What Obama Got Right at the State of the Union

Katrina vanden Heuvel: What Obama Got Right at the State of the Union Katrina vanden Heuvel: What Obama Got Right at the State of the Union

The Nation's editor appeared on All in With Chris Hayes to discuss conservative rebuttals to President Obama's annual address. 

Jan 30, 2014 / Chris Hayes

Obama Called for a ‘Year of Action’ to Fight Inequality. Let’s Make It Happen.

Obama Called for a ‘Year of Action’ to Fight Inequality. Let’s Make It Happen. Obama Called for a ‘Year of Action’ to Fight Inequality. Let’s Make It Happen.

Only continued pressure from grassroots activists will force Washington to do the right thing.

Jan 29, 2014 / The Editors

Bill de Blasio Is Wrong to Pander to AIPAC

Bill de Blasio Is Wrong to Pander to AIPAC Bill de Blasio Is Wrong to Pander to AIPAC

The powerful right-wing lobby doesn’t represent most American Jews, and it’s no longer the only game in town.

Jan 29, 2014 / The Editors

What’s the Deal With Obama’s Starter Retirement Accounts?

What’s the Deal With Obama’s Starter Retirement Accounts? What’s the Deal With Obama’s Starter Retirement Accounts?

More people need to start saving, but are IRAs the best way to do it?

Jan 29, 2014 / George Zornick

State of the Union: Right on Wages, Wrong on Trade

State of the Union: Right on Wages, Wrong on Trade State of the Union: Right on Wages, Wrong on Trade

The president’s “income inequality” address had plenty of strengths, but one big weakness.

Jan 29, 2014 / John Nichols

State of the Union Challenge: Inequality Cannot Be Addressed by “NAFTA on Steroids”

State of the Union Challenge: Inequality Cannot Be Addressed by “NAFTA on Steroids” State of the Union Challenge: Inequality Cannot Be Addressed by “NAFTA on Steroids”

The president is getting a lot right. But he cannot afford to muddle his message tonight.

Jan 28, 2014 / John Nichols

Friendly Advice Friendly Advice

“No more playing the race card.”
       —Sarah Palin’s Twitter advice to Barack Obama One fact that the man can't evade: The race card should never be played. If he's to start making the grade, He'll have to stop being that shade.

Jan 28, 2014 / Column / Calvin Trillin

John Feffer: The Failed Pacific Pivot

John Feffer: The Failed Pacific Pivot John Feffer: The Failed Pacific Pivot

The Obama administration's strategic rebalance is really just a retreat. 

Jan 28, 2014 / John Feffer

x