Ideas

You’re Not Supposed to Understand the Rumors About Biden

To raise doubts about the Democratic nominee, right-wing-media smears don’t even need to make sense.

• Anne Applebaum
• 2:30 PM ET

It’s All About the Investigation

Trump is betting his reelection on ginning up another investigation—the same demand that got him impeached.

• David A. Graham
• 1:17 PM ET

Real Problems Do Not Exist for Trump

Fearmongering about imaginary threats works only when the world is a fairly safe and stable place.

• Thomas Wright
• 10:47 AM ET

The Politicization of the State Department Is Almost Complete

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his predecessor, Rex Tillerson, have weaponized the institution for the Trump administration’s domestic political objectives.

• P. Michael McKinley
• 10:44 AM ET

Bruce Springsteen and the Art of Aging Well

What the happiest Springsteen album in decades can teach us about Joe Biden, the wisdom of maturity, and the meaning of life

• David Brooks
• 6:00 AM ET

Biden Seizes Trump’s Populist Mantle

The president vowed to remember the forgotten men and women of America—but tonight, he forgot them.

• David A. Graham
• October 22, 2020

Trump Doesn’t Care

In his last chance to win over voters, Trump could not establish an emotional connection.

• David Frum
• October 22, 2020

The Militia That Fox News Built

If America descends into civil war, at least we’ll know what channel was on when it began.

• Alex Wagner
• October 22, 2020

Trump Thinks He’s Found Biden’s Greatest Vulnerability

In targeting Hunter Biden, the president is waging psychological warfare against the Democratic nominee.

• Franklin Foer
• October 22, 2020

Should the Professional Be Political?

A Silicon Valley controversy raises questions about the role of activism in the workplace.

• Conor Friedersdorf
• October 22, 2020

The Supreme Court Is Helping Republicans Rig Elections

Adding more justices to the bench might be the only way to stop them.

• Adam Serwer
• October 22, 2020

The New Debate Rules Are a Mistake

The Commission on Presidential Debates is choosing the appearance of civility over an honest, open display of the two men’s characters.

• David Litt
• October 22, 2020

The Irony of the Google Antitrust Suit

Donald Trump and Bill Barr are biting the hand that fed them.

• Franklin Foer
• October 21, 2020

The Forgotten Third Amendment Could Give Pandemic-Struck America a Way Forward

An overlooked corner of the Constitution hints at a right to be protected from infection.

• Alexander Zhang
• October 21, 2020

Signed, Sealed, Delivered—Then Discarded

Signature matching—which one expert described as “witchcraft”—could lead to thousands of legitimate ballots being thrown out.

• David A. Graham
• October 21, 2020

Kyle Rittenhouse Deserves the Kind of Mercy My Son Did Not Receive

To a great many people in this country, my son deserves to die in prison. To another great many, Kyle Rittenhouse deserves the same fate. Neither outcome is just.

• Elder G. Yusef Qualls
• October 20, 2020

We May Never Know the Full Story of COVID-19

Grit plus luck was sufficient to break open the SARS story. I doubt the same will be true for COVID-19.

• Karl Taro Greenfeld
• October 20, 2020

The Right’s Disinformation Machine Is Getting Ready for Trump to Lose

QAnon has become a linchpin of far-right media—and the effort to preemptively delegitimize the election.

• Renée DiResta
• October 20, 2020