Leslie Savan

Leslie Savan, author of Slam Dunks and No-Brainers and The Sponsored Life, writes for The Nation about media and politics.

Donald Trump

Has Trump Made Political Ads Obsolete? Has Trump Made Political Ads Obsolete?

His first TV spot was standard racist fear-mongering, as cheesy as a Trump hotel lobby. Meanwhile, Jeb Bush has spent over $100 million on ads, only to reach a humiliating 3.3-perc...

Jan 8, 2016 / Leslie Savan

Chris Christie Says He’d Shoot Down Russian Planes and Trigger War

Chris Christie Says He’d Shoot Down Russian Planes and Trigger War Chris Christie Says He’d Shoot Down Russian Planes and Trigger War

But even if we wanted World War III, would we want it run like New Jersey?

Dec 18, 2015 / Leslie Savan

Donald Trump

Trump Wins Even If ‘Time’ Magazine Doesn’t Name Him Its ‘Person of the Year’ Trump Wins Even If ‘Time’ Magazine Doesn’t Name Him Its ‘Person of the Year’

The Person of the Year will be announced on Wednesday—and this year it really matters.

Dec 8, 2015 / Leslie Savan

Please Let the Shooter Be on the Other Guy’s Team!

Please Let the Shooter Be on the Other Guy’s Team! Please Let the Shooter Be on the Other Guy’s Team!

We can't help but think that—but only one team gets top-notch fear mileage.

Dec 4, 2015 / Leslie Savan

Believe It: Trump Can Defeat Hillary

Believe It: Trump Can Defeat Hillary Believe It: Trump Can Defeat Hillary

The Paris attacks have made the demagogue even stronger.

Nov 20, 2015 / Leslie Savan

Am I the Only Person Who Thinks Larry David Wasn’t Funny on Trump’s ‘SNL’?

Am I the Only Person Who Thinks Larry David Wasn’t Funny on Trump’s ‘SNL’? Am I the Only Person Who Thinks Larry David Wasn’t Funny on Trump’s ‘SNL’?

Shouting “Trump’s a racist!” helped inoculate Trump—and SNL—from seeming racist.

Nov 10, 2015 / Leslie Savan

2 New Movies About Why the Powerful Are Trying to Kill Journalism

2 New Movies About Why the Powerful Are Trying to Kill Journalism 2 New Movies About Why the Powerful Are Trying to Kill Journalism

Truth and Spotlight put media at the heart of American democracy and make you wonder about its decline.

Nov 4, 2015 / Leslie Savan

Live, From New York, It’s a Poke in the Eye for Latinos!

Live, From New York, It’s a Poke in the Eye for Latinos! Live, From New York, It’s a Poke in the Eye for Latinos!

Make Saturday Night Live (almost) great again—dump Trump.

Oct 23, 2015 / Leslie Savan

Sorry, Fellow Bernie Fans: Maybe Hillary Really Did Win the Debate

Sorry, Fellow Bernie Fans: Maybe Hillary Really Did Win the Debate Sorry, Fellow Bernie Fans: Maybe Hillary Really Did Win the Debate

Did the mainstream media turn a blind eye to Bernie’s big win? It’s not that simple.

Oct 16, 2015 / Leslie Savan

I Want My Progressive TV! What If MSNBC Dumps the Left?

I Want My Progressive TV! What If MSNBC Dumps the Left? I Want My Progressive TV! What If MSNBC Dumps the Left?

The cable answer to Fox News is slowly shrinking from the fight. Can digital outlets fill the void?

Oct 7, 2015 / Feature / Leslie Savan

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