Once upon a time, something would happen in politics and it would be a Story for several days. There would be in-depth news coverage in the papers, the cable shows, and magazines. It would be the topic of monologues on late night, and jokes on the radio.
There would be time to gain an understanding of the issues, the actions, and the possible consequences.
And there was time to indulge in other kinds of news: profiles of interesting people. Human interest stories. Columns, advice, and comic strips.
Even if the news of the world was frightening, there was time and space to absorb it and think about it.
And the longer this Trump-fueled MAGA era lasts, the more I mourn that old way of life.
Sunday night, I watched the Grammys and was inspired to take some notes for this week’s podcast. I wanted to remember how outspoken the artists on this broadcast were, compared to the surprisingly subdued Golden Globes.
Earlier that day, Trump announced that - after spending the last year decimating the programming at the Kennedy Center for the Arts - he is closing it for two years so he can finish the job and destroy the actual building.
Last week also saw the removal of information at Independence National Historical Park about the enslaved people George Washington brought when he lived there as President.
I am reminded of an exhibit I saw several years ago featuring works of “degenerate art” that was banned by Germany in the 1930’s. This regime is doing all it can to stamp out “woke” American culture it does not like. And that’s why Bad Bunny’s Grammys triumph on Sunday was so gratifying.
I jotted down some notes for this week’s podcast, thinking it would be nice to slow down a little and spend an hour talking about what the regime is trying to do to American culture.
But that was not to be, because by Monday the Grammys were forgotten and I was back to recording notes on ICE and CPB, and would they be coming for Haitians in Springfield, and DHS funding, and the SAVE Act, and threats to the 2026 election, and Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, and the Epstein Files (which turns out to be the only story that has the staying power to hold everyone’s attention for more than a few days).
So Karoli, Aliza, and I discussed all of the above (including the Grammys) - but not in the contemplative way I envisioned.
Maybe some day (when this era is finally over), we will be able to slow down and focus again. In the meantime: I’m really looking forward to watching the Super Bowl.
View the full podcast above or listen below.
