Impromptu

Did the debate cause a vibe shift? Columnists Charles Lane, Megan McArdle, Dana Milbank and Jim Geraghty discuss how much voters care about policy, whether Trump made any good points and how his false claims about pet-eating immigrants mask a genuine issue.And don't forget to check out the first two stories in our series, “Who is Government? Seven writers go in search of the essential public servant.” The Canary, by Michael LewisThe Sentinel, by Casey CepKeep an eye on Washington Post Opinions each Tuesday morning to see future installments.

In this enlightening discussion, Richard Reeves, founder of the American Institute for Boys and Men, joins columnists Theodore Johnson and Shadi Hamid to delve into the modern masculinity crisis. They explore the challenges of health, education, and workforce participation facing men today. The conversation highlights the need for role models and community connection while advocating for a redefined masculinity centered on support and collaboration. They also humorously use Hannibal Lecter to critique traditional masculine ideals.

As American kids head back to school, columnist Daniel Pink makes the case for paying teachers more money. High-quality teachers, he argues, significantly improve student learning, so shouldn’t they be paid as much as somebody assessing insurance premiums on your car? Plus, humor columnist Alexandra Petri discusses sending her child to school for the first time. This essay by Daniel Pink is part of a year-long project with Washington Post Opinions called “Why Not?” Check out some of the other columns in his series:Why not ban left turns on busy streets?Why not shake up the Olympics? Why not overhaul America’s national holidays?Why not require a civics test as a rite of passage for all Americans?Don’t miss any of Daniel Pink’s “Why Not?” columns. You can follow his LinkedIn newsletter here.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

In this discussion, Dana Milbank, a seasoned political columnist; Jennifer Rubin, a sharp voice on policy; Jonathan Capehart, a keen political journalist; and Jim Geraghty, a Republican-focused commentator, delve into the changing dynamics within the Democratic Party. They explore the implications of Kamala Harris stepping into the spotlight, the absence of gender discourse in the campaign, and the party's struggle with working-class identity amid inflation. The conversation mixes insights with humor, comparing the DNC's excitement to the Olympics.

Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and advocate for free speech, shares his harrowing experience of surviving imprisonment in Russia. He discusses the emotional challenges of returning to normal life after the gulag and the ongoing fight for political prisoners. Kara-Murza reflects on how his faith, historical knowledge, and admiration for dissidents fueled his resilience during captivity. He also describes the oppressive realities of life in Omsk and the surreal moment of receiving the Pulitzer Prize while in solitary confinement.

Tim Walz, the rapid-rising Midwestern governor turned Democratic vice-presidential candidate, joins a discussion with Charles Lane, Molly Roberts, and Matt Bai. They analyze Walz's potential to unify the ticket alongside Kamala Harris. The conversation digs into the strategic advantages of Walz's candidacy, touches on the 'weird' messaging strategy, and explores how these choices might affect voter perceptions and campaign dynamics. They also reflect on the historical significance of vice-presidential picks and their lasting political consequences.

In this discussion, Charles Lane, an expert in aviation economics, Catherine Rampell, a keen commentator on customer behavior, and journalist Marc Fisher delve into the frustrating dynamics of airline travel. They explore how customer decisions fuel a race to the bottom for service quality. The conversation highlights recent shifts like Southwest's new boarding policies and the challenges of market consolidation. The trio humorously reflects on the chaos of traveling with toddlers, capturing the charm and trials faced by families in airports.

Sports reporter Ava Wallace from The Washington Post covers the Summer Games in France, sharing personal victories and exclusive moments. Learn about The 7 podcast for quick news updates.

Debates around Vice President Harris as the new nominee, potential running mates, and her chances as a woman of color in 2024. Discussions on diversity on the ticket, challenges of a two-woman ticket, and a humorous take on President Biden's decision to step down.

After a truly wild few weeks in politics, our columnists huddle up at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. They discuss the mood on the ground in the aftermath of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, how the unity message seems to be fraying and what recent events mean for the presidential campaign – and the country – going forward. Plus, humorist Alexandra Petri serves up an imagined J.D. Vance infomercial using his own words about Trump.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.