Calvin Trillin

Verse Columnist

Calvin Trillin is The Nation’s “deadline poet.”

Former vice president Mike Pence

Trump on Pence as Mob Constructs Gallows Trump on Pence as Mob Constructs Gallows

No calls for dispersal, just insults to Pence Was what Trump relayed to the crowd he harangued. He called Pence disloyal and things worse than that. No thanks to his boss did Mike…

Aug 9, 2022 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Joe Biden, left, fist bumps with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Royal Palace.

Mohammed bin Salman Mohammed bin Salman

He ordered the murder, our own report said, But we remain true to the oil he commands: Joe Biden decided to fist bump the man, As if a clenched fist hides the blood on one’s hands.

Jul 26, 2022 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Election Night at the Trump White House

Election Night at the Trump White House Election Night at the Trump White House

’Twas said that finding wise advice Was something Donald Trump had mastered. So who’d he listen to that night? Just Rudy Giuliani, plastered.

Jun 28, 2022 / Column / Calvin Trillin

A Charitable View of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee

A Charitable View of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee A Charitable View of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee

She’s done the speeches and the waves. As royals go, she’s been a dilly. For all this time, she’s done her job, It’s not her fault the job is silly.

Jun 14, 2022 / Column / Calvin Trillin

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The Next Move The Next Move

“Republican lawmakers this year passed an unprecedented bevy of bills targeting the authority of state and local election officials, a power grab that might allow partisan legislat…

May 31, 2022 / Column / Calvin Trillin

To the Hypocrite Go the Spoils

To the Hypocrite Go the Spoils To the Hypocrite Go the Spoils

Mitch McConnell refused to schedule hearings on the nomination of Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court on the novel rationale that a presidential election was too close, and he the…

May 17, 2022 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Le Pen’s Third Try for the Presidency Fails

Le Pen’s Third Try for the Presidency Fails Le Pen’s Third Try for the Presidency Fails

You ran again and then you ran again, And still the French did not elect Le Pen. They knew you could have done a lot of harm If number three turned out to be the charm. We hope the…

May 3, 2022 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Tom Cotton slightly smiling in a black suit

Tom Cotton, Legal Scholar Tom Cotton, Legal Scholar

Tom Cotton, a man with two Harvard degrees, attacked Ketanji Brown Jackson for representing a defendant accused of terrorism. —news reports Tom Cotton doesn’t seem to be aware That…

Apr 19, 2022 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Tucker Carlson

Tucker Carson on the War in Ukraine Tucker Carson on the War in Ukraine

“Kremlin memo urged media to use Tucker Carlson clips” —The Guardian There are no autocrats he can’t abide, So Carlson seems to be on Putin’s side. Thus, Russian television runs hi…

Apr 5, 2022 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Sanctioning Oligarchs

Sanctioning Oligarchs Sanctioning Oligarchs

Yes, Putin’s Russian oligarchs have lots Of London mansions, not to mention yachts. A yacht that’s seized brings pressure hard to bear— Unless, of course, that Russian has a spare.

Mar 22, 2022 / Column / Calvin Trillin

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