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

Tim Scott takes precisely the wrong lessons from his inspiring life story

He says his story shows what's "possible" in America. But you shouldn't have to be a superstar to have a secure life.

May 25, 2023

GOP extortion has backed Biden into a corner. He still has a way out.

Why is the president undermining his leverage?

May 23, 2023

The House GOP investigations are a joke. But don’t count them out.

Even a nincompoop with subpoena power might be able to create a scandal.

May 22, 2023

Republicans abandoned urban America, and they’re paying the price

When your party wages a war on cities, don't be surprised if you keep losing elections there.

May 18, 2023

The Durham investigation was a flop. But it’s a propaganda triumph.

When you hear Trump and others say Durham proved the Russia scandal was a hoax, they're lying.

May 16, 2023

DeSantis’s celebration of vigilantism is a new low in MAGA extremism

The right's "tough on crime" politics takes a vile turn.

May 16, 2023

Why the Republican presidential field is so weak

The past eight years have made it so no sensible candidate wants to run.

May 12, 2023

How many guns will it take to make us safe?

Gun advocates keep promising that more guns will solve America's gun violence problem.

May 10, 2023

The Texas legislature explores new frontiers of Christian nationalism

A young, progressive, Christian, Democratic legislator sounds the alarm and tries to stand in the way.

May 9, 2023

I, too, am a hardscrabble American

Ron DeSantis tries to grab some "authenticity" by claiming he's from Ohio, kind of.

May 4, 2023