Rediscovering Party Factions
Many of those in both of our major parties have a poor understanding of how politics works.
Beyond the Joyless Quest for Joy
The new book, Why We Are Restless, is an education in the irony and complexity of the modern quest for contentment.
Vernal Readings
Spring has sprung, and with it the new Spring 2021 issue of National Affairs.
The Dangerous State of Our Democracy Debates
We need to recognize and openly acknowledge that our election system works well and produces legitimate, reliable results — even when our party loses.
Biden’s First Cabinet Confirmation Snags
It looks like Biden’s first failed nominee may well be Neera Tanden, his choice for director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Congress’s Day
The notion of Presidents’ Day sheds a little light on our distorted understanding of the character of our constitutional system: We overvalue the presidency.
The Romney Plan
Developing and debating ideas like this is how the right should draw meaningful political and policy lessons from the past several years.
The Rush to Reconciliation
It’s fascinating to watch Democrats in Washington talking themselves in real time into what seems like a serious error.
A Deal Worth Trying
Whatever becomes of the ten Republican senators’ counterproposal on COVID relief, it should offer a test of everyone’s intentions on this front.
You Didn’t Build That
Effective leadership through the remainder of the pandemic will require honesty, not cynical press strategies.