Do We Still Elect Nice Guys Like John Avlon to Congress?

Columns and commentary on news, politics, business, and technology from the Intelligencer team. Intelligencer stop the presses The Nice Guy Can former CNN pundit John Avlon flip a Long Island congressional seat blue with his West Wing throwback politics? Photo: Jutharat Pinyodoonyachet   It was a Saturday afternoon in mid-March, and John Avlon was comparing himself to a Norman Rockwell painting. “You know,” he told me, the one where “there’s the guy standing up in a town hall — like an old-school town hall?” The picture he’s painting himself into, in his mind, is called Freedom of Speech. It was one of the “Four Freedoms” paintings, based on Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1941 State of the Union address (the other freedoms being of worship, from want, and from fear). What could be more agreeable and all American than any of that? read more Stay informed about business, politics, technology, and where they intersect. for unlimited access to Intelligencer and everything New York. Today’s Top Stories 1. Behind the Barricades at Columbia’s Hamilton Hall Takeover Photographer Alex Kent was there as protestors seized the building, set set up barricades, and clashed with Columbia staff. By Alex Kent, Matt Stieb 2. Why Abortion Rights May Face New Setbacks in November Post-Roe, pro-choice measures have won every battle at the polls. But anti-abortion activists have found new ways to push back in 2024. By Ed Kilgore 3. What Happened in the Trump Trial Today: Trump Risks Jail A running recap of Donald Trump’s first criminal trial. By Nia Prater 4. Why the Right Loves the Anti-Israel Encampments Three reasons Trump and Bibi want the protests to continue. By Jonathan Chait Learn more about RevenueStripe... 5. ‘Sleepy Don’: Trump Falls Asleep (Four Times!) at Hush Money Trial A running list of Donald Trump’s many courtroom snoozes during his Manhattan criminal trial. By Margaret Hartmann 6. Two Big Lies Trump Is Telling on Abortion Trump is trying to justify his “states’ rights” flip-flop on abortion. But he’s just providing more evidence that he can’t be trusted. By Ed Kilgore 7. Trump’s Abortion-Pill Stance ‘2 Weeks Away,’ Which Is Trumpspeak for ‘Never’ His secret plans are always two weeks away. By Jonathan Chait 8. Biden and Trump–Hating Voters Aren’t Wild About RFK Jr. Either Polling on voters alienated by both major-party candidates shows no big advantage for either and no exodus to Kennedy. They may just stay home. By Ed Kilgore 9. How Are King Charles & Kate Middleton Doing? Latest Health Updates. Both the king and the princess are battling cancer. Here’s what we know about their health, and how Britain’s royal family is handling the situation. By Margaret Hartmann 10. University Protests: The Latest at Colleges Beyond Columbia Police have arrested students at Emory, USC, Ohio State, and elsewhere as pro-Palestine demonstrations spread across American campuses. By Matt Stieb and Chas Danner Learn more about RevenueStripe... Read more on Intelligencer Join us for Dinner Party, a lively evening newsletter about everything that just happened. Sign up to get it every weeknight. sign up logo facebook logo instagram logo twitter logo   |   privacy notice   |   This email was sent to . Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now to get this newsletter in your inbox. You received this email because you have a subscription to New York. Reach the right online audience with us For advertising information on email newsletters, please contact [email protected] Vox Media, LLC 1701 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 Copyright © 2024, All rights reserved