Morning after progressivism: Nellie Bowles on ideals, disillusionment, and the left’s turning point

Nellie Bowles' "Morning After the Revolution: Dispatches from the Wrong Side of History" offers a vivid critique of the excesses and contradictions within modern progressivism. The book charts her personal evolution from a progressive insider to a more skeptical liberal, informed by her experiences as a journalist at The New York Times, where she observed the rise of ideological conformity and a shift from fact-based reporting to narrative-driven advocacy. Bowles candidly reflects on her role in the culture wars, balancing personal anecdotes with broader cultural analysis.

Bowles, a lesbian married to Bari Weiss—a fellow journalist formerly of The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal—explores themes of personal transformation and ideological disillusionment. Together, Bowles and Weiss left the Times to co-found The Free Press, a thriving online publication and podcast platform that champions open debate and critical thought. Their partnership underscores the narrative of seeking intellectual independence in a polarized media landscape.

The book resonates in a moment of significant cultural and political division, where fears of radical progressivism played a role in shaping voter sentiment. Bowles critiques what she calls "New Progressivism," describing it as well-intentioned but increasingly authoritarian, alienating moderates and independents. This disaffection with the left's perceived overreach is cited by some as contributing to the political backlash that helped secure Donald Trump a second presidential term in 2024. Many voters expressed concerns over issues like cancel culture, ideological conformity, and the perceived sidelining of traditional liberal values in favor of a more doctrinaire approach.

Bowles’ writing blends humor and gravity, portraying progressive movements with a mix of admiration and exasperation. She reflects on her reporting from sites like Portland and San Francisco, noting the stark contrasts between the ideals of social justice movements and the practical outcomes on the ground. Critics of the book argue that her perspective sometimes oversimplifies these dynamics, but supporters view it as a timely call for balance and moderation in political discourse.

"Morning After the Revolution" is not just a memoir but a mirror held up to the complexities of modern liberalism and its impact on American society. It appeals to those grappling with the alienation felt by many who feel "tribeless" in today's polarized climate, offering insights into the cultural forces shaping our era.

Engaging presidential profiles, but not without a few spins: a review of "Confronting the Presidents"

"Confronting the Presidents: No Spin Assessments From Washington to Biden," by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard takes readers through the lives and legacies of every American president, from George Washington to Joe Biden. Known for their successful "Killing" series, O'Reilly and Dugard bring a familiar storytelling style to this book, blending narrative history with personal anecdotes that make the lives of each president accessible to a broad audience. The authors aim to provide straightforward, "no-spin" perspectives on each leader, focusing on their policies, personal quirks, and the socio-political challenges they faced.

The book's greatest strength lies in its ability to distill the complex lives of the presidents into compelling, digestible snapshots. O'Reilly and Dugard present little-known stories and surprising details— such as George Washington's difficult relationship with his mother or the hidden influence of first ladies — that add depth to the historical record. For readers who enjoy learning about the more personal side of political figures, these details are a delight, as they humanize the presidents while acknowledging the sometimes-overwhelming weight of their roles. Despite the book’s claim of offering a "no-spin" perspective, O'Reilly's personal viewpoints occasionally emerge, which can undermine its objectivity. Some presidents are presented with either overly favorable or harsh portrayals that might be seen as oversimplified, especially considering the book's broad scope and relatively brief format. This tendency risks reinforcing pre-existing biases rather than inviting readers to explore a more nuanced, multifaceted understanding of history. A notable example of this is the chapter on President Herbert Hoover, which provoked a confrontation in a television interview with Hoover's great-granddaughter, PBS journalist Margaret Hoover. She criticized O'Reilly's portrayal as "lazy," claiming that he left out important context about Hoover’s presidency during the Great Depression. O'Reilly responded in the "Firing Line" interview by acknowledging Hoover's brilliance but defending his decision to focus on broader themes, stating that the book's limited length prevented a deeper dive into Hoover’s complexities. Overall, "Confronting the Presidents" succeeds as a readable, informative work for casual history enthusiasts, providing a mix of well-researched facts and engaging stories. While it may not satisfy academic readers looking for deep historical analysis, it’s an enjoyable entry point for anyone interested in U.S. presidential history, especially as it brings forward historical anecdotes and personal details often omitted in traditional political histories.