Conor Friedersdorf

Conor Friedersdorf is a staff writer at The Atlantic, where he focuses on politics and national affairs. He lives in Venice, California, and is the founding editor of The Best of Journalism, a newsletter devoted to exceptional nonfiction.

Why Does Ron Paul Scare You?

Why Does Ron Paul Scare You?

Many people seem uneasy about the libertarian congressman from Texas. But what's the worst thing that could happen if America elected him president in 2012? More »

What America Looks Like: The New MLK Monument

What America Looks Like: The New MLK Monument

The United States as seen by its residents More »

What Old, White Conservatives Miss About America

What Old, White Conservatives Miss About America

Their nostalgia isn't necessarily bigoted. People feel wistful for less racially enlightened times because everyone romanticizes childhood. More »

Why the Press Loves Jon Huntsman but Ignores Ron Paul

Why the Press Loves Jon Huntsman but Ignores Ron Paul

The media is fascinated by protest candidates who critique their own parties, but it marginalizes those who attack the establishment More »

Does Obama Deserve to be Re-elected?

Does Obama Deserve to be Re-elected?

In a Bloggingheads.tv appearance, I make the case that he does not. More »

Is Sarah Palin a Presidential Candidate or a Narcissist?

Is Sarah Palin a Presidential Candidate or a Narcissist?

The video she's produced about her time in Iowa is normal if she's a politician, bizarre if she's a private citizen, and selfish if she's a celebrity More »

What America Looks Like: Dust Storms Return to Phoenix

What America Looks Like: Dust Storms Return to Phoenix

The United States as seen by its residents More »

Why Do Parents Hand Their Babies to Politicians?

Why Do Parents Hand Their Babies to Politicians?

All that can come of it are germs, crying, and the exploitation of the child as a political prop. But there's a way to end the madness. More »

Jon Huntsman Is Too Likable, Superficially Appealing to Win

Jon Huntsman Is Too Likable, Superficially Appealing to Win

In the Republican primary, positive mainstream-media attention is considered a bad thing More »

Why Jon Stewart Is A Better Satirist Than Rush Limbaugh

Why Jon Stewart Is A Better Satirist Than Rush Limbaugh

Both are talented broadcasters, and both are funny, but the two commentators occupy very different roles in American politics More »

Why Rick Perry Won't Unite the Republican Party

Why Rick Perry Won't Unite the Republican Party

The Texas governor supposedly can appeal to every constituency on the right, but his record will upset most of them More »

Obama: Trapped in His Security Bubble

Obama: Trapped in His Security Bubble

The necessity of Secret Service protection keeps our leaders isolated in a security bubble that they cannot escape More »

The Wrong Question to Ask the President of the United States

The Wrong Question to Ask the President of the United States

Given a chance to interrogate Obama on camera, an activist squandered it by complaining about Joe Biden's incivility. What was he thinking? More »

Culture-War Candidates Aren't 'Victims' Just Because People Hate Them

Culture-War Candidates Aren't 'Victims' Just Because People Hate Them

Conservatives are already complaining that liberals will detest Rick Perry. But if they do, won't that be because of his anti-liberal politics? More »

What America Looks Like: Joplin, Missouri

What America Looks Like: Joplin, Missouri

The United States as seen by its residents More »

What CEO Recruiters Would Ask Presidential Candidates

What CEO Recruiters Would Ask Presidential Candidates

Politicians are frequently tell us what they would do if elected. We'd do well to press them on how they'd do it. More »

Jon Stewart: What's With TV's Bias Against Ron Paul?

Jon Stewart: What's With TV's Bias Against Ron Paul?

The comedian is right: The libertarian candidate for the Republican nomination is treated dismissively when he is acknowledged at all More »

How Rick Perry's Book Proves His Betrayal of Federalism

How Rick Perry's Book Proves His Betrayal of Federalism

Its passages on gay marriage and local control, added to recent statements, reveal glaring contradictions More »

The Obama Critics Who Needlessly Discredit Themselves

The Obama Critics Who Needlessly Discredit Themselves

Conservatives routinely publish claims that the president is anti-American. Why can't critics focus on his record? More »

What America Looks Like: The Crystal Cathedral

What America Looks Like: The Crystal Cathedral

The United States as seen by its residents More »

The Biggest Story in Photos

Early Monsoon Rains Flood Northern India

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