![Do People Think the Economy Is Bad Because the Media Failed, or Because the Economy Is Actually Bad?](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/economy-media-ap.jpg)
Do People Think the Economy Is Bad Because the Media Failed, or Because the Economy Is Actually Bad? Do People Think the Economy Is Bad Because the Media Failed, or Because the Economy Is Actually Bad?
Two experts look at the data come to very different conclusions about the state of the US economy.
Jul 19, 2024 / The Debate / Dean Baker and Wesley Bignell
![Aaron Bushnell](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2024-02-27-at-5.27.47-PM.jpg)
Aaron Bushnell Told Us Why He Self-Immolated—Why Didn't We Believe Him? Aaron Bushnell Told Us Why He Self-Immolated—Why Didn't We Believe Him?
When a dissident’s political act is reduced to a set of personal maladies, his or her message can be all too easily massaged away.
Jul 18, 2024 / Nan Levinson
![Republican vice presidential candidate and US Senator J.D. Vance speaks to Fox News anchor Sean Hannity on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/JD-vance-republican-national-convention-getty.jpg)
J.D. Vance, a Born-Again Trumpist, Offers a Political Jackpot for Democrats J.D. Vance, a Born-Again Trumpist, Offers a Political Jackpot for Democrats
Trump’s running mate has a history of embracing rancid positions to rise to the top.
Jul 17, 2024 / Jeet Heer
![Joe Biden delivers a nationally televised address from the Oval Office of the White House on July 14, 2024.](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/biden-white-house-getty.jpg)
Biden Condemns Political Violence Without Whitewashing Trump Biden Condemns Political Violence Without Whitewashing Trump
The president deftly avoids the trap of surrendering his critique of MAGA lawlessness.
Jul 14, 2024 / Jeet Heer
![Donald Trump is rushed offstage during a rally on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania.](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/donald-trump-shooting-getty.jpg)
In the Wake of the Trump Shooting, We Need Clarity—and Caution In the Wake of the Trump Shooting, We Need Clarity—and Caution
The best way to fend off conspiracy theories and instability is by emphasizing the need for solid facts.
Jul 13, 2024 / Jeet Heer
![Joe Biden speaks at an event launching the Ukraine Compact at the 2024 NATO Summit on July 11, 2024, in Washington, DC.](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/biden-press-conference-nato-getty.jpg)
Why Aren’t We Talking About the Great News on the Economy and Crime? Why Aren’t We Talking About the Great News on the Economy and Crime?
The Democrats have a winning election message—but do they have the right messenger?
Jul 12, 2024 / Jeet Heer
![Exterior of the US Supreme Court Building the statue is titled “Authority of Law.”](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/joe-biden-watch-getty.jpg)
In a Democracy, No Leader Is Indispensable In a Democracy, No Leader Is Indispensable
As Joe Biden flirts with the Samson Option—threatening to bring his party to ruin in November—he needs to realize that the election isn’t just about him.
Jul 8, 2024 / Jeet Heer
![PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel speaks onstage during the 2023 PEN America Literary Gala at American Museum of Natural History on May 18, 2023, in New York City.](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Pen-America-Getty.jpg)
There Is No Universal Free Speech There Is No Universal Free Speech
PEN America hides behind the false universalism of free speech, but institutions always choose whom to protect.
Jul 5, 2024 / Comment / P.E. Moskowitz
![Dear Ron Klain: We Need To Talk About Joe](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/biden-hug-getty.jpg)
Dear Ron Klain: We Need To Talk About Joe Dear Ron Klain: We Need To Talk About Joe
To preserve President Biden’s legacy, the party has to find another candidate
Jul 1, 2024 / Jeet Heer
![Joe Biden and Donald Trump participate in the CNN Presidential Debate at the CNN Studios on June 27, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia.](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/trump-biden-debate-getty.jpg)
Trump Was Terrible. But Biden Was Worse. Trump Was Terrible. But Biden Was Worse.
Trump’s lies and unhinged ranting went unchallenged because Biden was incoherent and lost.
Jun 28, 2024 / Jeet Heer