Matter of Opinion

Thoughts, aloud. Hosted by Michelle Cottle, Ross Douthat and Carlos Lozada. Every Friday, from New York Times Opinion.

The Divisions Roiling Beneath the Democratic Party’s Joyful Exterior
Three columnists explore what Kamala Harris’s appeal to conservatives means for the left.
By Lydia Polgreen, Jamelle Bouie and Michelle Goldberg
Unpacking the Role JD Vance Played on That Debate Stage
Neither candidate engaged with the core criticisms facing their parties.
By Michelle Cottle, Ross Douthat and Carlos Lozada
Diddy and Our Culture’s ‘Himpathy’ for Powerful Men
How the allegations against Sean Combs change the way we talk about #MeToo, rumors and powerful men.
By Michelle Cottle, Ross Douthat, Tressie McMillan Cottom and Jessica Grose
Fine, Let’s Do What JD Vance Wants: Talk About Immigration
Yes, we need a debate over broken immigration policies. But is this really it?
By Michelle Cottle, Ross Douthat, Carlos Lozada and Lydia Polgreen
How Much More Does Harris Need to Say to Win?
A good debate doesn’t decide an election.
By Michelle Cottle, Ross Douthat, Carlos Lozada and Jamelle Bouie
Two Christian Conservatives Debate the Merits of Voting for Kamala Harris
Ross Douthat goes head-to-head with his fellow columnist David French over how to move Republicans past Trump.
By Ross Douthat
What We Learned About Harris — and the Democrats — This Week
The hosts argue Kamala Harris’s speech was a “joyful but not transformational” moment for the Democrats.
By Ross Douthat, Carlos Lozada and Lydia Polgreen
2024 Is Suddenly About Having Kids. Why?
JD Vance and the dueling visions of the American family.
By Michelle Cottle, Ross Douthat and Carlos Lozada
Tim Walz Is Vibing
Democrats are trying to make the election about who is cool and who is weird. Will it stick?
By Michelle Cottle and Ross Douthat
‘Mountain Dew and Racism’: Identity Enters the Election
Week 2 of Trump vs. Harris is all about race.
By Ross Douthat, Carlos Lozada and Lydia Polgreen