Maybe Santa Claus is real. Here's the problem: reality.

There are two forms of populism, left-wing populism and right-wing populism. Right-wing populism requires the denigration of an "Other." Left-wing populism tends to be about the haves and have-nots.

A.J. Liebling, one of my heroes, used to say that he could write better than anyone who wrote faster, and faster than anyone who could write better. I'm one nine-hundredth as good as Liebling, but that principle may slightly apply.

Democratic institutions, even in the oldest operating democracy in the world, are anything but perfect.

Donald Trump appoints people of low quality, to say the least.

Being an editor it's a complicated job, but the last impression I'd want anybody to have is that it's onerous. It's a joy - a complicated joy, but a joy.

We have to do our jobs better, more tirelessly and stop whining about it.