Gut Reactions

The termite’s stomach, of all things, has become the focus of large-scale scientific investigations. Could the same properties that make the termite such a costly pest help us solve global warming? [Web only: Video: "How to Hunt for Termites"] By Lisa Margonelli.

The Front-Runner’s Fall

Hillary Clinton’s campaign was undone by a clash of personalities more toxic than anyone imagined. E-mails and memos—published here for the first time—reveal the backstabbing and conflicting strategies that produced an epic meltdown. By Joshua Green.

Rhetorical Questions

Who will win the presidential debates? What does each candidate’s use of words say about how he would govern as president? Can Obama’s rhetorical skills lift him to the heights of Lincoln, FDR, and Reagan—or will his speechmaking do him in? After watching all 47 (!) of the primary season’s debates, our correspondent has the answers—and some harsh criticism for the moderators. By James Fallows.

Reconcilable Differences

Obama and McCain both say they want to usher in a new, less divisive brand of politics. Which of them has the better chance? Is bipartisanship still possible? By Ronald Brownstein.

Comment

My Big Fat Straight Wedding

What’s the difference between homosexuals and heterosexuals? In matters outside the bedroom, American culture and law are at last acknowledging that there is none. By Andrew Sullivan.

The Executioner's Swan Song?

In 2005, Benjamin Wittes contended that the Supreme Court's tolerance for the death penalty is rapidly diminishing. (October 2005)

Big Brother Is Listening

The Senate has approved telecom immunity for eavesdropping. In 2006, James Bamford warned of the dangers of such encroachments on citizen privacy.

The Atlantic@Aspen

Read about and watch clips from this year's Aspen Ideas Festival—a gathering of scientists, politicians, entrepreneurs, religious figures, and others for a week of conversation and debate.

Red vs. Blue America

"In Red America churches are everywhere. In Blue America Thai restaurants are everywhere. In Red America they have QVC, the Pro Bowlers Tour, and hunting. In Blue America we have NPR, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and socially conscious investing..." By David Brooks (December 2002)

The Genesis of the Gang

To the lawlessness of the street the home opposes no obstacle. By Jacob Riis (September 1899)

First Wave at Omaha Beach

Combat historian S.L.A. Marshall recalled the carnage he witnessed on Omaha Beach during D-Day. (November 1960)

A More Perfect Union

How the Founding Fathers would have handled gay marriage. By Jonathan Rauch (April 2004)

Forecasting the Real Estate Bubbble

The U.S. real-estate bubble is likely to leak, not pop. By Don Peck (July/August 2005)

Who Needs Harvard?

The pressure on smart kids to get into top schools has never been higher. But the differences between these schools and the next tier down have never been smaller. (October 2004)

The Angry American

"Praise be, America's social-anger thermometer is on the rise." By Paul Starobin (January/February 2004)

The World's Economic Outlook

In the midst of the Great Depression, British economist John Maynard Keynes considered the prospects for capitalism's survival. (May 1932)

The Best Is Yet to Come

"Fabulous divorce used to be the prerogative of the rich and famous, but not anymore." By Barbara Dafoe Whitehead