There is safety in simply trusting that the worst will happen. To dare to hope has always been the risk.

It turns out a lot of people don’t behave like ambassadors from this or that group. They think for themselves in unexpected ways.

Economic conflict is coming. He is utterly unsuited to manage it.

Trump’s choice to lead the Justice Department is a flagrant provocation that is, like a pulpy B movie, so bad it’s good.

Two new stage productions have a lot to say about where we are as a country

He was lawfully convicted, and his sentence should be determined before he takes office.

Trump’s big victory is sure to scramble the Democrats’ bench.

Readers criticize the choice of Matt Gaetz, Pete Hegseth and others. Also: Anger over the election; protecting kids online; ripped jeans.

Let’s not become the supernatural states of America.

Three extreme cabinet nominations demonstrate his contempt for a responsible executive branch.

We must look in the mirror to know why we have already lost some battles and social respect and part of our democracy

Why health leaders should embrace nuance.

Rather than pushing Americans in a direction they oppose, Democrats should endorse nuanced and humane alternatives.

His bluster and unpredictability, combined with strategic discipline, could permanently tilt the rivalry with China in America’s favor.

He’s doing exactly what he said he would.

Biden followed protocol; Trump does so only when he wins.

Trump’s election merely confirms a shift that’s been happening for years.

Rick Scott, who would have agreed to Trump’s idea of bypassing the Senate for nominations, lost his bid to become leader.

Readers point to campaign missteps and offer advice for winning back voters. Also: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s role in health policy; closing local pharmacies.

It’s not just about antisemitism.

Is the best we can hope for the failing status quo?

It will be difficult for Democrats to reverse these dynamics.

There are reasons to doubt that what happened in the election is a durable party realignment.

We need more timely updates in response to the rapid changes to the climate.

Democrats need to disrupt the system to start winning elections.

How to build trust and make America healthy again.

Michael Lind on why Democrats are losing the core of their base.

The group of young undecided voters meets for the final time.

A host of problems that will need more subtle and sophisticated uses of force and coercive diplomacy will confront the new president.