The Year That Was and Wasn’t
We asked some of our favorite journalists, writers, and thinkers: What were the most important events of 2021, and what were the least?
whitehouse
A collection of 21 issues
The Year That Was and Wasn’t
We asked some of our favorite journalists, writers, and thinkers: What were the most important events of 2020, and what were the least?
The Year That Was and Wasn’t
We asked some of our favorite journalists, writers, and thinkers: What were the most important events of 2019, and what were the least?
The Year That Was and Wasn’t
We asked more than two dozen of our favorite journalists, writers, and thinkers: What were the most important events of 2018, and what were the least?
The Year That Was and Wasn’t
Yes, 2017 went off the rails. But what pushed it? We asked 29 of our favorite journalists, writers, and thinkers: What were the most important events of the past 12 months, and what were the least?
Moving Stars
The Obamas are the rare First Family to leave the White House stronger than when they arrived—never victims, even when hatefully victimized. Is it too late for the rest of us to learn how?
In Her Own Skin
A longtime leader of New York’s performance art world, Martha Wilson’s photographs exist as proof of her experiments with multiple identities.
Work Is Pretty Scarce Around Here
Just before and right after President Obama’s State of the Union address, an editor telephones complete strangers around the country, to find out what’s really going on.
Grading the President
As President Obama enters his final days in office, a proper assessment of his tenure requires a variety of measurable, non-political categories: golf, offspring, homebrewing, and more.
The Petition Response Strikes Back
The White House recently turned down a petition to build a Death Star. More responses from the official rejection pile.
Four More Beers
One of the most striking differences between U.S. presidents is how they choose to stock the White House bar. From teetotalers to all-out drunks, a brief history of presidents and their preferred libations.
What to Expect When You’re Electing
Small donations comprise more than half of President Obama’s war chest. Small donors, on the other hand, constitute some of the world’s most overwhelmed email recipients. But all that follow-up isn’t just about cash—it’s about subtle changes being made inside your head.
Favorite American Presidents
Often, our most revered presidents earn our appreciation more for their chutzpah than their politics. Recovering from Presidents Day hangovers, our staff and readers share their favorite commanders-in-chief.
All the President’s Pens
It's difficult to fix the economy when you can’t find a stapler. Reviewing some recently declassified White House audio tapes as President Obama works through his first 100 days.
The Week After
Barack Obama's inauguration next week will be full of significant, historical events. But what about the seven days to follow?
Transitioning
Two candidates are vying for the White House--as are their decorators. Planning for a January move-in date, both teams have ideas for ways to ensure a smooth handover.
Children’s Letters to George W. Bush
The White House is besieged by requests from all corners, even America’s classrooms. A trove of letters to the president, discovered.
Barack to the Drawing Board
With Barack Obama's presidential campaign underway, his advisors are working overtime to make sure their man appeals to the American public, and the first challenge is the name.
Acmegate
The White House has a secret that not even an Acme Ultimatum Dispatcher could eke out.
Let’s Catch the Wave of Waterboarding!
In a recent White House press conference, Karen Hughes, undersecretary of public diplomacy and public affairs, unveiled an exciting new chapter in the war on terror.
The Homeland Security Annuals Budget
What looks better with sandbags--marigolds or bluebonnets? A privied look at how the decisions are made on what to plant and where, and ways to beautify a bollard.