Andy Kessler

4 days ago | wsj.com | Andy Kessler

Everybody’s folding, from Trump and Democrats to law firms and universities. The White House claims that phones were “ringing off the hook” with countries caving to President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. Meanwhile, the bond market backed up and stocks sold off until Mr. Trump folded like a cocktail napkin by pausing most reciprocal tariffs. Ukraine has signed a memorandum of understanding leading toward a mineral-rights deal. So much folding. We’re having an Origami moment.

1 week ago | wsj.com | Andy Kessler

The U.S. prospers atop a horizontal empire, not as a vertical island. “Mister, we could use a man like Herbert Hoover again,” goes the “All in the Family” theme song. Donald Trump, who grew up 15 minutes from Archie Bunker, took it seriously. “We’re bringing wealth back to America,” says tariff-happy Mr. Trump. “That’s a big thing.” Those in the Trump administration with Wall Street experience should know better.

2 weeks ago | wsj.com | Andy Kessler

It’s not buying American flag boxer briefs. It’s following up words with actions. “Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.” According to the author James Boswell, Samuel Johnson said this on April 7, 1775, at the Literary Club in London. It’s been one of the most misunderstood lines for 250 years. Johnson most likely wasn’t putting down patriotism but instead putting down those—perhaps William Pitt—who don’t follow up their patriotic words with actions.

3 weeks ago | wsj.com | Andy Kessler

Your browser does not support HTML5 video. 0:00Playing0:04 / 2:09I have to admit: I’m baffled by the “abundance” movement. You may have run across it in recent books, tweets and Substacks, pitching an abundance agenda as a new packaging for the left. Fearing a long journey in the political wilderness, Democrats are trying on different skins, much like the serial killer in “Silence of the Lambs.” The Bernie Sanders-esque “benefits over billionaires” is as tired as prune juice.

1 month ago | wsj.com | Andy Kessler

It wasn’t hard to find Scott Strode when we first met. He was the big guy in a black T-shirt with the word “SOBER” splashed across it. Mr. Strode is founder of the Phoenix, a national “sober active” community. Addiction statistics in the U.S. are sobering. According to Mr. Strode’s book, “Rise. Recover. Thrive,” one-third of Americans have substance-abuse issues or mental disorders. When drinking, Mr. Strode felt valued. “People wanted to spend time with me. And I found community,” he says.