The Transformation of William Barr The Transformation of William Barr
His past, they said, was proof that he Would be a pretty straight AG. But, going down a different road, he Became Trump’s most corrupted toady. The words that he forgot are these:…
Nov 12, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Why Trump Released a Transcript That Revealed Him Committing a Crime Why Trump Released a Transcript That Revealed Him Committing a Crime
The call, he said, was proved proper. He’s called it “perfect” all along. That’s just more proof, if more were needed: He can’t distinguish right from wrong.
Oct 29, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin
On Trump Asking China to Investigate the Bidens On Trump Asking China to Investigate the Bidens
“You really do believe he was serious?” —Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH) on ABC’s This Week Jim Jordan has said that it’s clear That this was a joke Trump contrived— Which makes i…
Oct 15, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Trump’s Defense Trump’s Defense
The transcript, he says, is the proof The phone call was really all right, Since who would be brazen enough To do something wrong in plain sight? Any guesses?…
Oct 8, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Trump Says Ukraine Call Was ‘Perfectly Fine and Routine’ Trump Says Ukraine Call Was ‘Perfectly Fine and Routine’
Yes, of course, I discussed Biden’s son, And, like everything else I have done As I manage this well-oiled machine, It was perfectly fine and routine. Yes, of course, Stormy Daniel…
Oct 1, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin
New Air Force Anthem New Air Force Anthem
“Air Force says it sent crews to Trump’s Scottish resort up to 40 times.” —Politico Off we go into the wild blue yonder, Foreign threats ready to quell. As we fly, we begin to pon…
Sep 24, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin
His Trusty Sharpie Pen His Trusty Sharpie Pen
Mistaken on the path the storm might take, Unable to acknowledge a mistake, He got a map of Dorian, and then He fixed it with his trusty Sharpie pen. So, soon will he show pictures…
Sep 17, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Politicians Respond to Mass Shootings Politicians Respond to Mass Shootings
The pols all offer thoughts and prayers To comfort those still living. Their thoughts concern the NRA, Their prayers that it keeps giving.
Sep 10, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Trump Pressures Israel to Deny Entry to Two Members of Congress Trump Pressures Israel to Deny Entry to Two Members of Congress
A president’s powers should not be employed To get back at people with whom he’s annoyed. But this one’s so eager to punish his foes, he May next send the troops in to capture Pelo…
Aug 27, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin
John Ratcliffe as a Director of National Intelligence Nominee John Ratcliffe as a Director of National Intelligence Nominee
He was loyal to Trump, thus the White House was sure He was right for the post he’d be getting. But his résumé, even when padded, was thin. They persist in forgetting the vetting.
Aug 13, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin