The Government Shutdown Is a Cartoonishly Bad—but Still Terrifying—Sequel The Government Shutdown Is a Cartoonishly Bad—but Still Terrifying—Sequel
The latest congressional villains are the GOP’s hard-right nihilists, but their motives for sabotaging the government make no sense.
Sep 19, 2023 / Chris Lehmann
Is Kevin McCarthy Burning Down the House? Is Kevin McCarthy Burning Down the House?
The Republican speaker has caved to the party’s right flank by greenlighting impeachment hearings against President Biden. But an impasse over spending legislation may trigger a s...
Sep 13, 2023 / Chris Lehmann
The GOP’s Ludicrous Claims of “Election Interference” The GOP’s Ludicrous Claims of “Election Interference”
If the rule of law has any coherent meaning, it’s that it applies to all citizens—regardless of the power they hold or any aspirations to power they maintain.
Aug 31, 2023 / Chris Lehmann
Joe the Plumber and His Afterlives Joe the Plumber and His Afterlives
Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, who died on Sunday, seemed like a footnote to the 2008 presidential campaign. But he was an augur of things to come.
Aug 29, 2023 / Chris Lehmann
Ralph Nader’s Newspaper Is a Salvo Against D.C. Media Ralph Nader’s Newspaper Is a Salvo Against D.C. Media
Capitol Hill Citizen is a welcome throwback to a more adversarial model of legislative coverage.
Aug 25, 2023 / Chris Lehmann
The Donald Trump Look-Alike Contest The Donald Trump Look-Alike Contest
At last night’s Republican primary debate, candidates struggled to assume the mantle of the one who wasn’t there.
Aug 24, 2023 / Chris Lehmann
Is Bidenomics Ready for the Campaign Trail? Is Bidenomics Ready for the Campaign Trail?
The president is touting the strength of the economy in his reelection campaign. But there's no guarantee voters will bite.
Aug 21, 2023 / Chris Lehmann
The New Bard of the Right The New Bard of the Right
When a video of his song “Rich Men North of Richmond” went viral, Oliver Anthony claimed he was politically “dead center.” His lyrics say otherwise.
Aug 18, 2023 / Chris Lehmann for The Nation
The Patronizing Moralism of David Brooks The Patronizing Moralism of David Brooks
In a series of recent essays, the New York Times columnist has pronounced all social ills the result of deficient moral fiber among individuals.
Aug 16, 2023 / Chris Lehmann
A Grim Chronicle of Trump’s Corrupt Public Life A Grim Chronicle of Trump’s Corrupt Public Life
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’s wide-ranging indictment of the former president just might stick—not that you’d know it if you read The New York Times.
Aug 15, 2023 / Chris Lehmann