Paul Waldman

Washington, D.C.

Columnist covering politics

Education: Swarthmore College, BA in Political Science; University of Pennsylvania, PhD in Communication

Paul Waldman is an opinion writer for The Washington Post. Before joining The Post, he worked at an advocacy group, edited an online magazine, taught at university and worked on political campaigns. He has authored or co-authored four books on media and politics, and his work has appeared in dozens of newspapers and magazines.
Latest from Paul Waldman

How Biden learned to stop apologizing and love the economy

The administration realized some cheerleading could alter the economic debate.

July 12, 2023

There’s a bizarre contradiction in the GOP’s view of America

To hear Republican presidential candidates tell it, America is at once perfect in its majesty, and a cesspool of depravity and corruption.

July 7, 2023

A Georgia teacher’s plight exposes the essence of anti-woke MAGA fury

How badly drafted GOP laws are fueling a reactionary frenzy.

July 5, 2023

Biden has a new opportunity in the places Democrats struggle most

If he delivers tangible results in rural areas, he can put Republicans on the defensive.

July 2, 2023

Sorry, Republicans: Nikki Haley can’t make you young again

The GOP presidential candidate promises a gauzy nostalgia, and nothing could be emptier.

June 27, 2023

Welcome to the Supreme Court, where corruption has no meaning

How the court's distorted worldview has undermined the institutions of our democracy.

June 22, 2023

Joe Rogan wants a ‘debate’ on vaccines. That’s just the problem.

When you hear someone cry "Debate me, you coward!" they're not after the truth.

June 20, 2023

How Republicans are wasting their House majority

There's a lot a party can do with control of one house of Congress. But Republicans are repeating their old mistakes.

June 19, 2023

Forget ‘small-town values.’ We need candidates with big-city values.

No presidential candidate touts their urban roots, but that's where you can learn to govern a complex country.

June 13, 2023

Donald Trump is right: The ‘war on woke’ is ridiculous

"Wokeness" as Republicans define it means everything and nothing.

June 6, 2023