The Essentials

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A republic ... if we can keep it
Donald Trump's chilling Time interview is a reminder of what a fragile thing democracy is, and what it takes to maintain it.
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John L. Micek
The 1 big reason kids need cell phones in schools
There's been a lot of talk about banning them of late. If you're the parent of a school-aged child, then you know they're not a distraction. They're a…
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John L. Micek
Even Lindsey Graham thinks Trump's Ukraine plan is a terrible idea
And if you've lost Lindsey Graham ...
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John L. Micek
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When you’re doing nothing, you’re really doing everything
 • John L. Micek
No, it's the guns.
 • John L. Micek
3 numbers in the new Quinnipiac poll that should worry Republicans. And one that won't
 • John L. Micek
For U.S leaders, age isn't an issue -- until it is
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Florida's DeSantis is losing the war on woke.
 • John L. Micek
Are we close to finding a submerged civilization?
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This is how much you need to live comfortably in America's big cities. It's as depressing as you'd think
On average, you need to make $96,500 for "sustainable comfort" in a major U.S. city.
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John L. Micek
This new poll is a wake-up call for American politics
Voters are scared and anxious. We should be worried about it. But there might be an upside.
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John L. Micek
The Death of Alexei Navalny: 3 Essential reads
If you think the Russian opposition leader's death doesn't matter to global stability, you haven't been paying attention.
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John L. Micek
New Hampshire Primary Notebook
A few concluding thoughts on the first-in-the nation primary and what comes next.
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John L. Micek
New Year, new newsletter
A few things to look forward to in 2024; and some musings on the culture.
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John L. Micek
I love you a latke. Now it's the holidays
The holidays are upon us. We all celebrate -- each in a way that is uniquely our own, but with a commonality that ties us all together.
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John L. Micek
Still don't think democracy is under attack? Liz Cheney wants you to believe otherwise
The U.S. is 'sleepwalking into dictatorship,' the Wyoming Republican says
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John L. Micek
The Essentials
The Essentials
A weekly look at essential conversations around politics, culture, arts, style, literature, food and more. Written and curated by veteran journalist John L. Micek
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