Column

Movie poster with the word Metropolis is red letters

The Political Lessons of Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis” The Political Lessons of Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis”

The 1927 film raises the question, “Who will mediate between our head and our hands?”

Oct 4, 2022 / Column / David Bromwich

Queen Elizabeth on a one-pound note

Queen Elizabeth Was No Mere Symbol Queen Elizabeth Was No Mere Symbol

But after her death, fury erupted at those who refused to whitewash her legacy.

Sep 29, 2022 / Column / Kali Holloway

We Need to Use the Word “Women” When Talking About Abortion

We Need to Use the Word “Women” When Talking About Abortion We Need to Use the Word “Women” When Talking About Abortion

But we can’t let TERFs hijack the conversation. Luckily, there’s an easy solution!

Sep 21, 2022 / Column / Alexis Grenell

King Charles III speaks as now-Queen Camilla sits beside him at Westminster Hall.

The New King The New King

As prince, King Charles tried not to act Like some aloof high-muck-a-muck. He spoke his mind, like common folk. So please feel free to call him Chuck.

Sep 20, 2022 / Column / Calvin Trillin

President Joe Biden delivering a primetime speech at Independence National Historic Park, Philadelphia, September 1, 2022.

Democracy’s Fair-Weather Friends in the Mainstream Media Democracy’s Fair-Weather Friends in the Mainstream Media

Their churlish response to President Biden’s Labor Day speech shows how the reflexive centrism of mainstream press overrides any concern for the truth.

Sep 20, 2022 / Column / Jeet Heer

What Will It Take to Stymie Right-Wing Supervillain Leonard Leo?

What Will It Take to Stymie Right-Wing Supervillain Leonard Leo? What Will It Take to Stymie Right-Wing Supervillain Leonard Leo?

With the help of $1.6 billion, the man who helped engineer the conservative takeover of the courts is about to wreak serious havoc.

Sep 7, 2022 / Column / Elie Mystal

A member of the Secret Service is seen in front of the home of former President Donald Trump at Mar-A-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida on August 9, 2022

Overheard From Those Going Through the Boxes Found in Trump’s Basement Overheard From Those Going Through the Boxes Found in Trump’s Basement

“Some hamburger menus (with stains) seem to be Right next to our plans for the South China Sea. “ “I’ve just come across some old bills—all still owed.” “I wonder if this is the nu…

Sep 6, 2022 / Column / Calvin Trillin

The Democratic Party Shouldn’t Be a Gerontocracy

The Democratic Party Shouldn’t Be a Gerontocracy The Democratic Party Shouldn’t Be a Gerontocracy

Half the US population is under 40—someone born during the Truman administration can barely grasp what life is like for them.

Sep 2, 2022 / Column / Katha Pollitt

Young Thug on stage at SXSW

When Rap Lyrics Become Incriminating Speech When Rap Lyrics Become Incriminating Speech

The use of their songs in criminal cases has had dire consequences for hip-hop musicians.

Aug 24, 2022 / Column / Kali Holloway

Trump

Youthfulness Youthfulness

There’s talk of Biden’s age, but not of Trump’s. So how’s The Donald’s youthfulness conveyed? When he begins to bully or he whines, He sounds as if he’s still in second grade.

Aug 23, 2022 / Column / Calvin Trillin

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