Reactions to Kevin Mattson’s call for the left to abandon populism.
Kevin Mattson
Kevin Mattson is the Connor Study Professor of Contemporary History at Ohio University. His most recent book, What the Heck Are You Up To, Mr. President?, is just out in paperback.
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Kristol and the Tea Baggers
Intellectuals don’t always guide movements; often, movements guide intellectuals.
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A Politics of National Sacrifice
Thirty years after Carter’s “malaise speech,” the language of humility and civic obligation resonates more powerfully than ever.
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Remembering Buckley for the Right Reasons
William F. Buckley’s contradictions — a feisty rebelliousness alongside classic, conservative principles like civility and hierarchy — are what made his conservatism so profoundly American and so profoundly effective.
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Where Both Democrats Went Wrong in Ohio
Clinton’s traditional support went up against Obama’s insurgent organizing. But neither campaign hit the populist notes that would have really resonated with Ohio Democrats.
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Life of Bryan
In the January issue of The American Prospect, Michael Kazin argued that the left should reorient itself toward religious faith. He recuperated the legacy of William Jennings Bryan and then encouraged “a resurgence of the social gospel” Bryan “championed.” To Kazin I say, I’m with you — but only part of the way. In making […]
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The Book of Liberal Virtues
I have news for you: conservatives are winning the culture wars. OK, that might not come as a shock, but here’s the scary part: They have reason to be winning. The right has done a superb job at exploiting certain weaknesses on the left; liberals, in the meantime, have become gun shy. But we should […]
