The New York Times Can Regain Credibility
The Times can take one of two paths: rededicate itself to its venerable creed or practice (progressive) opinion journalism honestly. Read more
As I Please: The 1970s Edition
The inaugural column is meant to be short versions of what magazine editors used to call “brights”—upbeat, inspiring, or humorous articles. Read more
What Everybody Gets Wrong About Nancy Pelosi (Review #2)
Molly Ball’s biography of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi explores the pride the San Francisco Democrat takes in her profession and achievements without reckoning with its downsides. Read more
Interviewing the Little People is Underrated
Many journalists act as if access to the Great Man or Woman is everything. This is a mistake. Reporters can write great stuff by talking with ordinary people. Just ask Gay Talese, who wrote one of the most celebrated articles in American history. Read more
How to Write about a Trump-like Leader
Writing about a divisive political leader like former President Trump is possible. Witness David Brinkley’s under-recognized essay on the infamous labor leader Jimmy Hoffa. Read more
How to Develop a Genius Writing Skill: Using Objects as Symbols
The TV show “Better Call Saul” uses a powerful literary technique: presenting objects as not only things in themselves but also as symbols. While rarely discussed, this novelistic device can make your writing stand out. Read more
Give a Devil Her Due: “Bad Blood” on Theranos’ Elizabeth Holmes
Author John Carreyrou’s fairness toward Elizabeth Holmes is the defining feature of “Bad Blood.” It raises the stakes. The story is more than that of a corporate crook and fraudster. It’s also the story of a young woman who could have done good but did bad instead. Read more
The Adult Amid the Hippies: Why You Should Read Joan Didion’s Early Essays
To anyone curious which of Joan Didion’s books you should start reading, I recommend her first two collections of essays, not only for their style but also their insight into a cultural and civic problem Americans face today. Read more
How the Elite Media Proves Its Critics on Abortion Right
Three decades ago, the Los Angeles Times published a landmark series on media coverage of abortion. Too bad some reporters at the nation’s top newspapers act like it never happened. Read more
Never Mind the Critics, Journalists Should Still Seek Objectivity
Objectivity is a difficult ideal to uphold, as it requires reporters to get outside their subjectivity. That doesn’t mean it is worth junking. It just means training and self-discipline. Read more
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