JD Vance recently found himself in the spotlight, and not for anything commendable. He applauded a woman’s deranged outburst at a polling station, where she hurled insults—calling a poll worker a “d*ckhead” and telling him to “suck her c*nt.” Rather than condemning this behavior, Vance celebrated it as “patriotic.” I find this response deeply troubling and reflective of a broader, unsettling trend in today’s political landscape.
The situation raises the question of what it means to be a patriot in today’s America. Vance’s support for this chaotic display of disrespect is emblematic of a mindset that perceives confrontational behavior as virtue.… Continue reading
Trump’s recent rally in New York City was not simply an event focused on generating political support or encouraging civic engagement; it was a grotesque showcase of what I can only describe as an emerging MAGA future steeped in hatred and intolerance. Watching the rally unfold was like watching a live-action horror show, where the grotesque elements of bigotry, disdain for democracy, and a blatant call for violence were paraded as if they were virtues. I felt a sickness in my stomach, a visceral reaction to the hatred emanating from the crowd and, disturbingly, from the podium itself.
This wasn’t just a normal campaign appearance.… Continue reading
Allan Lichtman, the historian who has made a name for himself as a presidential predictor, has firmly stated his belief that Vice President Kamala Harris will win the 2024 election. This assertion, bold and unapologetic, comes amidst an electoral landscape that has been muddied by numerous unpredictable factors—political gambling, speculation-driven polling, and the persistent specter of extremism brought forth by figures like Donald Trump. As an enthusiastic observer of these developments, I find myself both hopeful and concerned about how this prediction will unfold.
Lichtman’s track record has been remarkable; he’s been able to call the winners of nearly every election since the 1980s.… Continue reading
We find ourselves at a crossroads, staring down the profound uncertainty that encapsulates the potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). The reality of our climate crisis is palpable, and discussions about tipping points reflect not just scientific thresholds but also a collective psychological struggle to grasp the scope of what’s happening. I find it horrifying and fascinating in equal measure that we might be already past these tipping points without even realizing it, like a driver cruising with a blinking check engine light, completely oblivious to the impending breakdown.
Anxiety looms large, but what strikes me even more is the palpable sense of hopelessness.… Continue reading
Seeing a close ally of Donald Trump wave a crucifix while calling Kamala Harris the “antichrist” at a rally in New York City makes my stomach turn. It’s a disturbing tableau that not only highlights the absurdity of their rhetoric but also serves as a grim reminder of the way politics has devolved into a theatrical spectacle of hate and division. This isn’t merely a matter of differing political opinions; it’s emblematic of a broader cultural crisis that has seeped into our very social fabric.
This rally felt less like a political gathering and more like a performance meant to incite fear and rally a base that thrives on conspiracy and division.… Continue reading
Jeff Bezos’ decision to override his own publisher and quash the Washington Post’s potential endorsement of Kamala Harris speaks to a larger issue that gnaws at the integrity of our democracy. The very notion that one individual—especially someone as staggeringly wealthy as Bezos—can wield such influence over an institution that is supposed to be a bastion of free press is alarming. It raises fundamental questions about who controls the narrative and whether our public discourse can be shaped by those with the deepest pockets rather than the concerns of everyday citizens.
The timing of this intervention is especially curious and contentious.… Continue reading
Recent polls are showing a surprising turn of events as Kamala Harris leads Donald Trump as the election draws near. As a woman deeply invested in this election cycle, I find this trend particularly encouraging, especially given the crucial role women are playing in propelling her candidacy forward. This moment feels significant, not only for the Democratic ticket but for our country as a whole.
I think we can all agree that the political landscape over the last several years has been unsettling. The discourse around women’s rights—especially concerning reproductive health—has thrust many women into a political awakening. The fact that polls show Harris leading Trump, particularly among women, showcases that we are taking a stand in a way that could change the tide of this election.… Continue reading
Marjorie Taylor Greene’s recent complaints about people “hating” her for her opinions strike a fascinating nerve. It’s almost comical to hear a politician, especially one so steeped in controversy, bemoan the backlash that follows their inflammatory remarks. Greene invokes the spirit of free speech, suggesting that part of being American is expressing opinions without the burden of negative reception. Yet, I cannot help but feel that she misses the fundamental principle that while one is entitled to their voice, that does not shield them from the reasonable consequences of what they say.
Greene states, “We should respect each other and our differences.”… Continue reading
Trump’s Puerto Rico fallout is spreading like wildfire in Pennsylvania. As a resident of the Lehigh Valley, I’ve watched the political landscape shift dramatically, especially with the Puerto Rican community that calls this region home. It’s surreal how a misguided attempt at humor by a comedian at one of Trump’s rallies has ignited a new fervor among Puerto Ricans, many of whom were previously disengaged from the political process.
The Puerto Rican population in Pennsylvania is sizeable—around 300,000. This demographic is crucial in swing counties. The fact that Tony Hinchcliffe, a comedian known for his controversial remarks, was chosen as an opening act for Trump has only served to remind everyone of the President’s deep-seated disdain for Puerto Rico.… Continue reading
It has fallen to me, the humor columnist, to endorse Kamala Harris for president, and honestly, that’s a little surreal. When I think about the role of a columnist, the first image that springs to mind is not that of a political pundit, but rather a person whose job is to use humor to hold a mirror up to society’s absurdities. Yet here I am, in what feels like a moment that demands serious reflection, navigating the chaotic terrain of the 2024 election. It’s ironic that my endorsement matters so much now that traditional media outlets, like the Washington Post, have opted for silence.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker