Humor

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

Zelensky speaking in Ukraine

Volodymyr Zelensky Is Not a Comedian—and That’s No Joke Volodymyr Zelensky Is Not a Comedian—and That’s No Joke

A belated review of Servant of the People that may turn into an obituary.

Mar 16, 2022 / Barbara Garson

Ketanji Brown Jackson

Mitch McConnell and Ketanji Brown Jackson Mitch McConnell and Ketanji Brown Jackson

If Mitch controlled the Senate, how would he Explain why Jackson’s hearings weren’t to be? No hearings while the French election nears? No hearings held in even-numbered years?…

Mar 8, 2022 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Trump Took 15 Boxes of Official Documents When He Left Office

Trump Took 15 Boxes of Official Documents When He Left Office Trump Took 15 Boxes of Official Documents When He Left Office

So why’d he take those boxes home? Well, here’s a strong suspicion: He meant to put stuff on display And charge a steep admission.

Feb 22, 2022 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Palin Redux

Palin Redux Palin Redux

Sarah Palin flouts a New York ordinance by dining in an Upper East Side restaurant unvaccinated.—News reports Refusing the vaccine means freedom, she says, And no one can ever nega…

Feb 8, 2022 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Ballot Box

Republicans Replace Local Election Officials With Trump Loyalists Republicans Replace Local Election Officials With Trump Loyalists

Is this, in fact, a type of coup? Well, fears of that are mounting: It’s not just who can vote that counts. It’s who can do the counting.

Jan 25, 2022 / Column / Calvin Trillin

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