Most years, when Slate chronicles its most-read stories, the list is full of froth: In 2005, readers clicked on stories about dogs, beer, and naked ladies; in 2006, it was articles about hail and Whole Foods; last year, Crocs, The Secret, The Sopranos, and trampy teens. But this year, hard news had its revenge. Our top stories were about the election, the economy, and—in the case of our most-read story, about McCain’s fatally incompetent response to the financial meltdown—how the economy decided the election. Below, you’ll find a list of the 10 articles and five slide shows that attracted the most readers this year.
10 Most Popular Articles
- An Affair To Remember
She was 82. He was 95. They had dementia. They fell in love. And then they started having sex.
By Melinda Henneberger - Palin’s Campaign vs. McCain’s
When Sarah Palin disagrees with John McCain, it means something. Or does it?
By John Dickerson - The Wire Final Season
Jeffrey Goldberg and David Plotz discuss the final season of The Wire. - If Obama Loses, Who Gets Blamed?
His loss would be disastrous for the media and political establishment.
By John Dickerson
Five Most Popular Slide Shows
- The Baby Primary
Can I get my 5-month-old daughter photographed with every presidential candidate?
By Darren Garnick - 2 Girls 1 Cup 0 Shame
Watching other people watch the most disgusting video of all time.
By Michael Agger - The Soiling of Old Glory
The photograph that captured Boston’s busing crisis: How it was taken, and why it still matters.
By Louis P. Masur
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