President Obama Says Gold Star Military Families 'Represent the Very Best of Our Country'
The commander-in-chief’s speech to a disabled veterans’ group was a counterweight to Donald Trump’s comments on the military.
Trump Time Capsule #65: 'I'd Like to Hear His Wife Say Something'
The most personally moving, and most fundamentally patriotic, moment of the Democratic National Convention was the appearance by the bereaved…
The Democrats’ Message of Calm
The Atlantic’s Molly Ball explores Hillary Clinton’s image of composure in the midst of a troubled country.
Trump Time Capsule #63: What's In the Tax Returns?
Mark Salter, former chief of staff to Sen. John McCain, has written an essay for Real Clear Politics on why…
Trump Time Capsule #62: 'A Man Who Can Be Baited With a Tweet'
Last night, in her overall very successful acceptance speech, Hillary Clinton said with ruthless precision about her opponent: …
A Message of Calm in an Agitated Time
Can Hillary Clinton’s projection of steadiness resonate with an unsettled country?
Signs of the Times
The placards at the Democratic National Convention had more than symbolic importance.
Why the Democratic Party Can’t Escape Mass Incarceration
It's the issue at the heart of the convention: a policy they helped create, and are now debating how to fix.
The Christian Sects Who Protest at Conventions
Those who demonstrate at the RNC and DNC have extreme views within their faith. But they are increasingly mistaken for the mainstream.
Hillary's Message to America
The Democrat promised voters she’d do her job intelligently and doggedly—and help them be the heroes of their own lives.
Hillary Does It Again
In her acceptance speech, the Democratic nominee took on her Republican rival by throwing Donald Trump’s own words back at him.
The Most Inspiring and Depressing Moment of the Democratic Convention
The father of a Muslim American who died in Iraq confronts Donald Trump.
Hillary Clinton Begins Building Her Coalition
The Democratic nominee for United States president made a play for progressives, moderates, and Independents alike during her address in Philadelphia on Thursday night.
How Chelsea Beat Ivanka at Being a Candidate Daughter
The comparatively less flashy, less spirited former First Kid managed to show her mom’s softer side at the DNC on Thursday.
Hillary Clinton’s Feminist Triumph
The former secretary of state made history by winning the presidential nomination. Can she do it again by winning the presidency?
A Truth Made Self-Evident
Hillary Clinton accepted the Democratic nomination in Philadelphia, ratifying a promise made there 240 years before—that all are created equal.
Trump Time Capsule #61: 'A Serious Threat Against the Security of the West'
Just a quick place-holder note on where things stand, near the end of the DNC and in the middle of…
Elizabeth Warren on Trump's 'Toxic Stew of Bigotry and Hatred'
Experience the senator’s press-conference speech in virtual reality.
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Bernie or Bargain
Are die-hard Bernie Sanders supporters willing to compromise and vote for Hillary Clinton?
Trump Shows the Flaws of NSA Surveillance
His call for Russian hackers to break into Hillary Clinton’s email validate the worst suspicions of security-state critics.
When Bernie Bros Become Hillary Bros
A casual survey at the DNC reveals not youthful folly, but Millennial pragmatism.
Why Identity Trumps Class for Many at the Democratic Convention
Sketches of voters whose life experiences caused them to see the election through the lenses of gender and race.
The Diverse Left and White Working-Class Right
Does the Democratic Party—open to all immigrants, races, genders, and sexual orientations—have enough room for less educated white voters?
Obama Returns to His Biography
Twelve years after introducing himself to the American public as the son of an immigrant, the president recast himself as a bearer of Scotch-Irish values.
Bloomberg's Case Against Trump
The billionaire former New York mayor denounced the Republican nominee as a “dangerous demagogue” and a “risky, reckless, and radical choice.”
A Thermidorian Reaction
At the Democratic National Convention, history repeats itself ...
Why Trump Really Doesn't Want to Release Those Returns
A reader who is a veteran lawyer on the West Coast writes about Donald Trump’s argument that he can’t/won’t release…
Trump Time Capsule #60: Tim Kaine of the Garden State
With the (justified) flap over Donald Trump’s invitation to Vladimir Putin to intervene in U.S. politics, and with his continued…
Trump Time Capsule #59: 'I Hope Putin Has Hillary's Emails'
Without elaboration, I will note for the record something, yet another thing, that to the best of my knowledge has…
Trump Time Capsule #58: IRS Audit
In a press conference right now, Donald Trump says that he’d be happy to release his tax returns but can’t…
Obama Endorses Hillary as America’s Best Hope
The president took the DNC stage on Wednesday, showing why he will be his one-time rival's best advocate this fall.
America's Cities Fight Trump
Liberal mayors see the Republican nominee’s rhetoric as a threat to their diversity and inclusivity.
Diversity Takes Center Stage at the Democratic National Convention
Delegate Anthony Woods, a former congressional candidate and veteran, is familiar with the DNC’s narratives of inclusion.
Bill Clinton's Lapse Into Trumpism
In his convention speech, he suggested that Muslims need to earn the rights that all other Americans enjoy.
The First Lady to Become the Nominee
Hillary Clinton made history on Tuesday night—and her husband reintroduced the first woman to secure a major-party nomination to America.
Bill Clinton Repays His Debt
Four decades after he asked his wife to set aside her own ambitions, he asked Americans to return her to the White House in her own right.
Bill Clinton Gets It Right
His convention speech re-introducing his wife to the country was an uneven, but ultimately effective, performance.
‘We Are Preparing to Shatter the Highest Glass Ceiling in Our Country’
The women who cheered Hillary Clinton into her official nomination showed why this moment in American history is so important—and fragile.
Discord Among Democrats in Philadelphia
Bernie Sanders told his supporters to get in line, but some aren't buying it.
Donald Trump's Threats Against Minorities Are Unifying Democrats
Identity politics loomed large on the first night of the Democratic National Convention.
Trump Time Capsule #57: Russia, and Taxes
When something goes wrong, I start with blunder, confusion, and miscalculation as the likely explanations. Planned-out wrongdoing is harder to…
A Party at War With Itself
Hillary Clinton is running as the candidate of continuity—but Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and most white Democrats think America is headed in the wrong direction.
Michelle Obama's Speech for the Ages
The First Lady took to the stage at the Democratic National Convention, and united a divided hall.
The Streets of Philadelphia Are Anti-Hillary
The majority of Democratic voters, however, are with her.
A Bernie Voter, From Ukraine, on the Putin Story
I think this is very interesting: a reader who knows Russia and Ukraine, on how he reads the unfolding “Putin…
Bernie Sanders Supporters: ‘People Are Going to Protest’
A call from the Vermont senator urging support for Hillary Clinton was met with boos from delegates in Philadelphia.
Trump Time Capsule #56: Russian Quids and Quos
Suspicions about foreign interference in U.S. politics have arisen before. In 1980, the Ayatollah’s Iranian government may have delayed the…
Bernie Gives In to Hillary
The Vermont senator closed the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia with a show of unity, but his supporters weren’t necessarily with him.
A 93-Year-Old Democratic Delegate Who Has Seen It All
This will be the Ruby Gilliam’s eighth national convention—and she says she has a few more left in her.
Selling Fear and Anger: The Why and How of Trump
In response to recent items on what Donald Trump is doing, four readers offer views on why. 1)…
Trump Time Capsule #55: 'Unique Threat to Democracy'; Russian Role?
The editorial page of the Washington Post, though chronically hawkish in foreign policy, usually ends up endorsing the Democratic candidate…
Another Clinton Email Scandal
As the Democratic National Convention prepares to kick off, a massive leak of hacked emails renews old questions about how the Clintons and their associates operate.
Trump Time Capsule #54: 'Total Time Spent Applauding'
When I saw this online video last night, I assumed it was a parody, perhaps a less fantastical version of…
A Family Affair at the Democratic National Convention
Meet the Clinton and Sanders delegates attending this week’s gathering—with their children, parents, and siblings.
On Tim Kaine's Debut (Special-Edition Time Capsule #53)
There’s a special “debut” category for vice-presidential selections who very suddenly find themselves in the world’s media glare. VP…
Trump Time Capsule #52: Hobgoblin of Little Minds
Donald Trump sent out the second tweet, saying people should never be mocked for their heritage, thirteen minutes after the…
Trump Time Capsule #51: The Tax Returns
For three days now, Donald Trump has been the official nominee of the Republican party. For many decades now,…
The Democrat That Republicans Really Fear Most
Delegates in Cleveland answer a nightmare question: Would they take four more years of Barack Obama over a Hillary Clinton presidency?
Donald Trump's Weird and Wild Post-RNC Speech
The morning after he accepted the Republican nomination with a serious, long speech, Trump dredged up old feuds, praised the National Enquirer, and had his fun.
Do Republicans Think Trump Can Win?
Nonpartisan prognosticators and party officials seem bleak about the GOP’s chances in November. But delegates in Cleveland were at least somewhat more optimistic.
Dispatch From a Ghost Town
Amid the chaos of the Republican National Convention, the city of Cleveland was quiet.
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Trump Time Capsule #50: 'I Alone'
No one will ever be able to say, looking back, that Donald Trump was concealing the kind of leader he…
Card Shark
Bikini trading-card king Brian Wallos expands his empire to politics, training his gaze on 2016’s winners, losers, and rookies as well as the future stars of 2020.
Donald Trump’s Bad Bet on Anger
In his speech to the Republican National Convention, the presidential nominee revealed a deeply flawed political strategy.
‘I Alone Can Fix It’
Breaking with two centuries of political tradition, Donald Trump didn’t ask Americans to place their trust in each other or in God, but rather, in Trump.
The Art of Deception
Donald Trump’s Republican National Convention speech was full of misleading statements, twisted facts, and false characterizations.
When Trump Was Shorthand for Celebrity
As Nicholas Lemann observed in our January 1999 issue: “Donald Trump became a tycoon by making himself a celebrity…
When Treason Becomes Patriotism
Will the men and women who sabotaged the Republican party also be the ones to save it?
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Anger in Cleveland
If there’s one thing everyone can agree on at the Republican Convention, it’s how they feel about Hillary Clinton.
Trump Can't Persuade Republicans to Like Him
When he takes the floor tonight, the Republican nominee faces an impossible task.
Track of the Day: 'Toccata and Fugue in D Minor'
All this week, Elaine—who writes our Politics & Policy Daily newsletter—has been soliciting reader responses to the…
'It's a Trap': What If the Convention Chaos Is All Planned?
In a series of posts, I’ve been arguing that the well-publicized chaos of the Republican National Convention…
The Trump Era Dawns
Readers respond to this stage in our national pageant. Is it all just kayfabe? From a reader in the…
Scenes From the Republican National Convention
Photographs of the delegates, the demonstrations, and the Donald
Back When Trump Had a Shot at 'Person of the Century'
In the previous installment of our archive series, Fallows featured a popularity poll of Donald Trump in 1990 that…
The Grand Old Divided Party
At the Republican National Convention, reactions to Donald Trump range from lackluster enthusiasm to outright defiance.
Trump Time Capsule #49: The Dunning-Kruger Effect Is Real
Months ago I published a note from a reader whose work, in the TV industry, involved exposure to virtually all…
Translating Trump's Foreign Policy
The Republican nominee's comments to The New York Times are likely to be received very differently by his base than by Washington's elites.
Trump and Knowledge: Maybe He Does Know How Little He Actually Knows?
For any normal candidate in any normal year, an interview like the one Donald Trump has just given to David…
'I Am Your Voice'
Donald Trump accepted the Republican presidential nomination and spoke of a dark, troubled, crime-riddled nation—that only he could heal.
Ted Cruz’s Refusal to Endorse Trump: ‘That Took a Lot of Cojones’
Was the Texas senator’s bold move at the Republican National Convention a principled stand, or a mistake?
Ted Cruz Steals the Show
It was supposed to be Indiana Governor Mike Pence's big night—but all eyes were on the unrepentant Texas senator, instead.
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Trump Time Capsule #48: Third Night of the Convention, Plus "NATO? What NATO!"
The first convention I remember watching, on television at home as a kid, was the 1964 Republican convention, featuring Barry…
The Mike Pence Hoosiers Know
As the governor steps out on the national stage, Indiana delegates recall a devoted friend, who has grown into his role as an executive.
Will Ted Cruz Flip-Flop on Donald Trump?
Late in the U.S. Republican primary, the Texas senator denounced his then-rival in strong moral terms. He may not hold his ground during the convention.
The Armed Citizens of the Republican Convention
For some, it's about protecting police. For others, it's about keeping protesters safe.
The RNC Turns Into the Start of the 2020 Campaign
The long odds facing Donald Trump have ambitious Republican politicians already jockeying for position in the next presidential race.
Trump Time Capsule #47: Clown Car
On the morning after Donald Trump officially became the Republican party’s nominee, we learned these two things about his approach…
The Art of the Republican National Convention
Artists brought their work to the streets of Cleveland—from portraits to cosplay to sex dolls—taking advantage of the crowds.
America's Next Chief Executive?
The Constitution assigns executive authority to the president—but a President Trump would hand it off to Mike Pence.
Why the Republican Convention Is So Mean
Both parties are trying to convince undecided voters that their candidate is the lesser of two evils.
Trump Before Trumpism: The Way He First Came Into View
Donald Trump’s successful campaign is genuinely something new. But Trump himself, plus many of the distinctive Trump moves with which…
'Lock Her Up': How Hillary Hatred Is Unifying Republicans
The demand to put Clinton in jail (or worse) is bringing together Republicans.
Trump Time Capsule #46: Maybe Recycling Is a Family Tradition?
Even as I type, Donald J. Trump Jr’s speech on his father’s behalf at the Republican convention is receiving lots…
The Republican Party Nominates Trump
The party’s establishment mounted the stage in Cleveland to line up behind their new leader.
Cleveland Finally Gets Its Protests
After a series of planned demonstrations amounted to little, a tense situation broke out in Public Square downtown Tuesday afternoon.
Ten Reasons Why Melania Trump’s Speech Will Have a Lasting Impact
The blunder by the Republican nominee’s wife underscores a campaign rife with problems.
Trump Time Capsule #45: Why Melania's Speech Matters
This is a further spelled-out version of what I was trying to say Tweet-storm style a little while ago. …
Do Republicans Know What 'Again' Means?
Monday night, Trump’s supporters suggested that America went to hell under Barack Obama—without ever mentioning what things were like under the Republican who preceded him.
How Do Clevelanders Feel About the RNC?
In this video, The Atlantic asks residents of the blue city what it's like to host the red party's event.
The Chutzpah of Paul Manafort and the Trump Campaign
Donald Trump acts as if he isn’t a regular politician. One sense in which that is true: His political organization is even more mendacious than the lying norm.
The Beauty of Melania Trump
For the Republican presumptive presidential nominee and his wife, attractiveness is the measure of a woman's worth.
The Speech Donald J. Trump Might Give
Imagining what would happen if the Republican candidate uses the same speechwriters as his wife.
The Republicans' Disastrous Day One
The Trump campaign botched the vice-presidential rollout, insulted a key state’s popular governor, saw chaos erupt on the convention floor, and ended with a plagiarism scandal.
Can Univision Swing the 2016 Election?
Univision has established itself as a powerful and influential voice in politics. Republican candidates ignore the network at their own peril.
Melania Trump's Secret Speechwriter: Michelle Obama?
The wife of the Republican nominee apparently borrowed passages from the first lady’s speech at the 2008 Denver Democratic National Convention.
Cruz in Control
No potential 2020 candidate has as much going for him as Senator Ted Cruz.
What Anti-Republican Protesters in Cleveland Care About
Far from the action at the Republican National Convention, Trump demonstrators of all political persuasions voiced their concerns for America.
Melania Speaks!
For millions of Americans eager to hear her story, Melania Trump’s speech was perhaps most remarkable for what she didn’t say.
Trump Time Capsule #44: Melania Channels Michelle
The, umm, overlaps between Melania Trump’s speech about her husband this evening, and Michelle Obama’s speech about her husband eight…
Fight Night at the Republican National Convention
While a loyal group of speakers came out to support Donald Trump, dissenters tried to derail the proceedings.
Trump Bends the Party to His Will
On the first day of the Republican National Convention, the candidate beat back a challenge on the floor, demonstrating his control of the GOP.
Convention Tenseness: Cleveland Not That Tense, on Day 1
This is not a systematic or conclusive assessment of conditions in Cleveland. But on the basis of walking around downtown…
The Stakes Before Trump's Big Speech
A reader argues that Donald Trump, who has free-wheeled his way through his last few major “speeches” (as examined in…
Never Trump Almost Succeeds
Delegates made a last-ditch effort to block the impending Republican presidential nomination during a chaotic opening session in Cleveland.
Republicans’ Vaudeville Convention
Stephen Colbert has already stolen the show in Cleveland. The comedian-turned-commentator’s career is a good analog of Donald Trump’s.
Before Year Zero: Trump and Trumpism, in the Archives
Greetings from Cleveland! Where to start? Well, here’s one possible starting point. Everything about Donald Trump’s rise suggests a…
Trump Time Capsule #42 (and Holding): Damage to the National Brand
An American who has lived and worked in Asia for several decades writes: You might cast a future…
American Elections Through the Eyes of Foreign Correspondents
“I’m completely mystified,” says one Indian reporter.
Why Immigrant Business Owners Are Conflicted About Trump
Ahead of the Republican National Convention, Cleveland’s Middle Eastern community has mixed feelings about the candidate’s views.
The 19-Year-Old Republican Heading to Cleveland
Drake University student, Westhenry Ioerger, is heading to the party’s national convention to participate as an alternate delegate—though he had hoped to see Ted Cruz as the nominee.
The Republicans Who Are Staying Home From Trump’s Convention
Excuses include “I've got to mow my lawn” and “I’ve got to really do my hair that week.”
Trump Time Capsule #41: 'We Remember the Nuremberg Trials'
What Patrick Healy and Helene Cooper of the NYT report today is highly unusual and deserves attention. The unusual aspect…
Trump Time Capsule #40: 'Back to Mike Pence'
I am again impressed by and grateful to the crew at C-Span, which has promptly put up a full, high-rez…
Trump Time Capsule #39: Choosing a Veep
Until this week, three episodes of choosing a vice presidential nominee stood out in post-World War II history as the…
The Security Challenge in Cleveland
The city says its police are ready for the Republican National Convention, but in the year of Trump, everyone is on edge.
Republicans' Last, Doomed Fight Against Donald Trump
An eccentric band of conservatives thought they could make a last stand against the presumptive nominee, but wound up only strengthening Trump as he marches to the nomination next week.
It Looks Like Mike Pence
The presumptive Republican nominee is widely reported to have settled upon the Indiana governor as his running mate.
Do Party Platforms Still Matter?
Despite their waning influence over the years, the process leading up to the 2016 national conventions has underscored intra-party conflicts.
John Kasich’s Forlorn Hope
His home state is hosting the GOP convention. So why hasn’t the Ohio governor endorsed Donald Trump?
This Is What a Contested Convention Could Look Like
Mitt Romney’s chief campaign strategist imagines an event that’s even crazier than the GOP’s get-together in Cleveland—but not by much.
What Actually Happens at the U.S. Presidential Conventions?
The gatherings of Democrats and Republicans are more than just funny hats and canned speeches.
How to Force Donald Trump to Release His Tax Returns
What if a convention rule change allowed delegates to reject any candidate on the first ballot who hasn’t made them public?
The Black Lives Matter Movement’s Political Moment
The party conventions provide an opportunity for protesters to reassert themselves on a national stage.