Special Pre-VP Debate Edition!
Mike Pence: Is not the better half of the Trump ticket, Mark Joseph Stern writes. Let’s not forget his record of reactionary opposition to all things LGBTQ, his votes against environmental protections, his climate change denial, and his rejection of evolution, among other objectionable stances.
Tim Kaine: Has been strangely invisible in recent weeks, according to Jim Newell; Tuesday’s debate is a good chance for him to step out and be known. (Meanwhile, the Republicans’ new anti-Kaine ads, which emphasize his willingness to defend unsavory people when practicing as an attorney, stray shamefully far from the American tradition of honoring the right to counsel, Mark Joseph Stern writes.)
Joe Biden: Is beloved by Democrats who fantasize about an alternate-world presidential ticket that would be beating Trump hollow right now. Stop that, Jim Newell writes. Biden’s flawed too.
Pay up: Donald Trump’s pride in his tax avoidance could have dangerous consequences, economist Ray Fisman and political scientist Miriam Golden write. The last thing we want is to live in a country where people make a game out of getting out of taxes.
American Band: The Drive-By Truckers’ new album is wonderful, writes Carl Wilson, who hails the rock band for tackling issues of racism, immigration, and violence head on, from a white Southern liberal perspective.
For fun: Let’s all encourage Rihanna to make more Rih puns on Insta.
[Rihdacted],
Rebecca
