August 28, 2026
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom that took place on August 28, 1963, in Washington, D.C., is remembered today primarily because it was the occasion when the final speaker, the Reverend Dr.
Letters from an American
A newsletter about the history behind today's politics.
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The Stench of Corruption
August 27, 2026
This morning, a headline in the Guardian read: “RFK Jr lied in Senate confirmation hearings, newly revealed documents indicate.” The story by Michelle R.
Politics Chat, August 27, 2026
Politics Chat, August 27, 2026
Dolly
Rob Sand | American Conversations
August 26, 2026
Last night, at exactly 9:25—9 to 5—the top of the Empire State Building in New York City lit up pink.
Performative Nonsense
August 25, 2026
Trump started the morning on social media saying: “The United States is giving serious consideration to changing the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America in that we don’t expect to [be] doing much business with Ontario any longer.” On X, the account of the Republicans pushed the idea of renaming the lake.
Politics Chat, August 25, 2026
Politics Chat, August 25, 2026
In which I try to answer your questions about modern politics....
Untrustworthy
August 24, 2026
On Friday night, Prime Minister Mark Carney instructed Canadian negotiators to walk away from talks with officials from the Trump administration over new tariffs of 50% Trump had imposed on $28 billion of Canadian products.
August 23, 2026
I’ve heard rumors that we all need a break.
Week Thirteen in 250 to 250
Week Thirteen!
You Are Not Alone
August 22, 2026
On Tuesday, August 18, during a debate for a runoff to win the South Carolina Republican senatorial primary, Senator Darline Graham (R-SC) answered a question about Taiwan and the importance of the South China Sea by saying: “I’m not that informed on national security.” She paused, and added: “But I do support the military.”
Do We Value an Educated Community?
August 21, 2026
On August 21, 1831, Nat Turner, an enslaved American, led about 70 of his enslaved and free Black neighbors in a rebellion to awaken his white neighbors to the inherent brutality of slaveholding and the dangers it presented to their own safety.
Hidden Cuts to Health Care
August 20, 2026
On Saturday, August 15, the New York Times editorial board published an op-ed noting that the Republicans are trying to hide the cuts they have made to health care in the U.S.
Politics Chat, August 20, 2026
Politics Chat, August 20, 2026
Trying to Change the Narrative
August 19, 2026
The political world has been consumed over the past few days with a Republican meltdown about Trump’s aide Natalie Harp.
Fighting for the Right to Vote
August 18, 2026
On August 18, 1920, the Tennessee legislature ratified the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S.
Politics Chat, August 18, 2026
Politics Chat, August 18, 2026
This is What the Commander in Chief is Doing
August 17, 2026
From Friday through Sunday, Trump continued his now-habitual weekend flooding of social media with fantasies that he is smart, beloved, and powerful.
The Yukon Gold Rush
Week Twelve in 250 to 250
This was the twelfth week of videos from the 250 to 250 Project that we’re producing to honor the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
August 16, 2026
“There are strange things done in the midnight sun by the men who moil for gold.”
In Shambles
August 15, 2026
On Monday, August 10, Todd Blanche took the oath of office as attorney general, administered by federal appeals court judge Emil Bove, another of Trump’s defense lawyers before moving to the Department of Justice, where he was Blanche’s top deputy.