A Shaky Start for Jeb Bush A Shaky Start for Jeb Bush
“He has been torn between defending and distancing himself from George W. Bush.” —The New York Times Jeb’s path was thought an easy stroll, But George has made it steeper…
Jun 17, 2015 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Martin O’Malley Announces Martin O’Malley Announces
So Martin O’Malley will no longer dally. He says he will sally right into that valley Where Hillary Clinton assuredly strides. Emboldened, O’Malley believes he can rally Enough troops to tally a winning finale And vanquish Ms. Clinton—and Bernie besides.
Jun 2, 2015 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Fiorina Talks. Iowa Swoons. Will It Last? Fiorina Talks. Iowa Swoons. Will It Last?
—Front-page head, The New York Times
May 27, 2015 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Solving Jeb Bush’s Last Name Problem Solving Jeb Bush’s Last Name Problem
The name that got you everything so far May leave your presidential quest destroyed. So change it! Just pick any name at all— Though Cheney is one name you might avoid.
May 20, 2015 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Joe Biden, Undiscussed Joe Biden, Undiscussed
Now, nobody talks about Joe. Remember when those in the know Said Joe had the mojo to go To primaries where he might slow The Hillary Clinton Big Mo, Despite how well she gathers dough? Now, nobody asks if he’ll throw His hat in the ring—yes or no. He’s treated as if he’s Joe Blow. Now, nobody talks about Joe.
May 13, 2015 / Column / Calvin Trillin
One Christie Aide Pleads Guilty, Two Are Indicted in Bridgegate Case One Christie Aide Pleads Guilty, Two Are Indicted in Bridgegate Case
The Christie camp says that this isn’t a loss: With Chris in the dark, aides tried pleasing the boss. One reason that doubts about Chris haven’t eased: What was it that made them believe he’d be pleased?
May 5, 2015 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Bush as Bigfoot Bush as Bigfoot
“Bush’s considerable assets so far have done little to reshape the early polls or keep others out of the race. If anything, it’s the opposite.” —The Washington Post When Jeb’s bid was starting to kindle, The field was predicted to dwindle. Now most pols agree: How tough can he be? He can’t even scare Bobby Jindal.
Apr 29, 2015 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Republican Contenders Stream into New Hampshire Republican Contenders Stream into New Hampshire
Obama they live to denounce. But Hillary’s who they must trounce. An awkward conundrum occurs: Is everything his fault or hers?
Apr 22, 2015 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Marco Rubio Declares Marco Rubio Declares
By coming in the race before Jeb Bush He shows he’s not in Bush’s hands just putty. And facing Paul and Cruz, his slogan’s clear: “Vote Marco Rubio— A Tad Less Nutty”
Apr 14, 2015 / Column / Calvin Trillin
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love ‘Nation’ Readers How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love ‘Nation’ Readers
On a Nation cruise, the maritime adventure I usually refer to as “Lefties at Sea,” I used to take it for granted that some of the guests were troubled by my presence.
Mar 23, 2015 / Feature / Calvin Trillin