Perry Bacon Jr.

United States

Columnist at The Washington Post

I write about government and elections. https://t.co/BXWSzMymPf

Articles

How ‘flyover country’ took over the NBA

3 days ago | washingtonpost.com | Perry Bacon Jr.

How ‘flyover country’ took over the NBA (washingtonpost.com) How ‘flyover country’ took over the NBA By Perry Bacon Jr. 2025060310450000 The New York Knicks almost made it. So did the Minnesota Timberwolves. But instead, the NBA Finals will feature teams from the 33rd (Indianapolis) and 42nd (Oklahoma City) most-populous areas in the country. Is the NBA self-sabotaging? Does the league just have terrible luck?
To see the problem with Trump’s endowment tax, look at who’s exempt

1 week ago | washingtonpost.com | Perry Bacon Jr.

To see the problem with Trump’s endowment tax, look at who’s exempt (washingtonpost.com) To see the problem with Trump’s endowment tax, look at who’s exempt By Perry Bacon Jr. 2025052910000000 Rice University could go from owing the federal government $9 million to $87 million, Princeton from $39 million to $586 million, Harvard from $57 million to a whopping $849 million.
We don’t have an education crisis in America

1 week ago | washingtonpost.com | Perry Bacon Jr.

We don’t have an education crisis in America (washingtonpost.com) We don’t have an education crisis in America By Perry Bacon Jr. 2025052710000000 America's public schools are failing their students and the country. That's long been the argument of many Republican politicians, who are moving aggressively at the state and federal levels to expand voucher programs.
The democrats who will save us are not the ones in office

4 weeks ago | washingtonpost.com | Perry Bacon Jr.

The democrats who will save us are not the ones in office (washingtonpost.com) The democrats who will save us are not the ones in office By Perry Bacon Jr. 2025050817231600 The Democratic Party, despite its name, has been too timid in defending the rule of law and other core ideals of U.S. government in the face of an increasingly authoritarian President Donald Trump and Republican Party. But Democratic politicians aren't the only ones falling short.
This billionaire could unify the Democrats against Trump

1 month ago | washingtonpost.com | Perry Bacon Jr.

This billionaire could unify the Democrats against Trump (washingtonpost.com) This billionaire could unify the Democrats against Trump By Perry Bacon Jr. 2025050510000400 America's super-rich have far too much political power: We were overdue for the "fighting oligarchy" movement that Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) has started. But I have to admit that one of my favorite politicians these days is worth nearly $4 billion. Illinois Gov.
Polls aren’t going to save us from Trump

1 month ago | phillytrib.com | Perry Bacon Jr.

About 50% of Americans now disapprove of President Donald Trump, compared with just 46% who approve of him, according to recent polls. Fifty-four percent don’t like how Trump is handling foreign policy; 56% are dissatisfied with his economic approach. Unfortunately for those of us opposed to Trump, these numbers matter close to 0%. People on the left, including Democratic officials, are excitedly touting surveys showing rising discontent with the president. They should curb their enthusiasm.
Democrats need to win moderates. This is how.

1 month ago | washingtonpost.com | Perry Bacon Jr.

Democrats need to win moderates. This is how. (washingtonpost.com) Democrats need to win moderates. This is how. By Perry Bacon Jr. 2025042410002400 What do Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Maine U.S. Rep. Jared Golden and Michigan U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin have in common, beyond being Democrats who have won in areas where Kamala Harris lost in November? Not much. And that creates a quandary for Democrats and others in the anti-Trump camp.
Polls aren’t going to save us from Trump

1 month ago | washingtonpost.com | Perry Bacon Jr.

Polls aren’t going to save us from Trump (washingtonpost.com) Polls aren’t going to save us from Trump By Perry Bacon Jr. 2025042111000000 About 50 percent of Americans now disapprove of President Donald Trump, compared with just 46 percent who approve of him, according to recent polls. Fifty-four percent don't like how Trump is handling foreign policy; 56 percent are dissatisfied with his economic approach.
Have the Democrats found their loudmouth outside?

1 month ago | phillytrib.com | Perry Bacon Jr.

Pete Buttigieg. Wes Moore. Gavin Newsom. Gretchen Whitmer. Stephen A. Smith!!!???!!?? Since the November election, the ESPN commentator has been bashing Democratic leadership for losing to Donald Trump and floating himself as a potential 2028 candidate and savior for the party and the country. And Smith’s dalliance with politics isn’t one-sided.
Have the Democrats found their version of Trump?

1 month ago | washingtonpost.com | Perry Bacon Jr.

Have the Democrats found their version of Trump? (washingtonpost.com) Have the Democrats found their version of Trump? By Perry Bacon Jr. 2025041511302800 Pete Buttigieg. Wes Moore. Gavin Newsom. Gretchen Whitmer. Stephen A. Smith!!!???!!?? Since the November election, the ESPN commentator has been bashing Democratic leadership for losing to Donald Trump and floating himself as a potential 2028 candidate and savior for the party and the country.

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Perry Bacon

Perry Bacon @perrybaconjr

29 May 25

RT @austinahlman: I’m sure trans people and immigrants will be thrilled to hear that the popularists have decided that advocating for good…