Politics

Some Economists Say Carbon Taxes Are a Silver Bullet. The Reality Is More Complicated.

A carbon tax isn't a bad idea, but by itself could be politically dangerous.

Kate Aronoff

The Impossible Decisions Palestinians Are Forced to Make

An interview with Yousef Munayyer, the executive director of the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights.

Sarah Lazare

The Government Should Write Everyone a Check—Paid for by a Carbon Tax

A carbon tax and dividend could curb greenhouse gas emissions while improving quality of life for many.

Owen Poindexter

Democratic Candidates Flake on Detroit Environmental Justice Forum

Most candidates tout a just transition for “frontline communities” like Detroit, but only Jay Inslee showed up to meet with residents. Four candidates backed out, and 15 others snubbed the event entirely.

Christine MacDonald

The Case for Enthusiasm Over “Electability”—Or, Why We Don’t Need Another John Kerry.

"Electability" didn't work in 2004 and it won't work now.

In These Times Editors

The Democrats’ New Favorite Dog Whistle: Invoking the “Heartland”

Pundits and 2020 hopefuls are using nebulous notions of the Midwest to launder their own prejudice.

Michael Arria

McKinsey and Company Is an Elitist Cult. Why Is Buttigieg Defending It?

The management consultancy firm is "the single greatest legitimizer of mass layoffs." And its alumni are loyal for life.

Nathan Robinson

CNN Should Have Asked About Ranked-Choice Voting. It’s Not Too Late.

For bold policy solutions to have a chance, we first need voting reform.

Adam Ginsburg, FairVote

Corporate Democrats Have Been in the Driver’s Seat for 30 Years. Not Anymore.

In Tuesday’s debate, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren obliterated the corporate Democratic Party consensus. It’s about damn time.

Branko Marcetic

Biden, Buttigieg and Harris Rewarded by Industry for Waffling on Medicare for All

Sanders and Warren voiced unequivocal support for single-payer. Health insurance and pharma execs showered money on their opponents.

Anna Attie

I Went to a Climate Change Denial Conference. It Made Even Less Sense Than You’d Think.

Panelists at the Heartland Institute's Thursday gathering agree you should stop worrying about climate change. They just can't agree on why.

Christine MacDonald

How a Sewer Socialist City May Push Democrats Left in 2020

When presidential hopefuls arrive in Milwaukee for the 2020 Democratic National Convention, they must choose whether to embrace the city’s socialist history, or run from it.

Lindsey Anderson

The Democratic Party’s Iran Warhawks Who Fly Under the Radar

Junior Democrats who voted against an anti-war amendment have ties to the Saudi and UAE lobbies.

Sarah Lazare

Meet Jessica Cisneros, the Left Challenger in Texas Taking on ‘Trump’s Favorite Democrat’

In an interview, Cisneros talks about the need for Medicare for All, fighting corporate Democrats and why Texas is ready for change.

Malaika Jabali

The DNC Debate Rules Are Turning Small Donors Into a Racket

The new rules are an invitation—and maybe even a requirement—for candidates to buy their way onto the stage.

Christopher Hass

Activists Say Lori Lightfoot Is Not Meeting Their Demands to Protect Immigrants

Chicago's new mayor is refusing to shut down the city's infamous gang database, despite concerns that it makes residents more vulnerable to ICE.

Skyler Aikerson

In 2008, Democratic Socialists Endorsed Him. Now, a DSA Member Is Primarying Him.

Backed by Brand New Congress, Anthony Clark is challenging Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.), in a sign of how far left politics have moved.

Salim Muwakkil

Here’s Where the 2020 Candidates Stand on Labor

Democrats have a history of empty promises when it comes to bolstering unions and workers' rights. Who can be trusted in 2020?

Jeremy Gantz