American Politics
Postponing "The Bombing of West Philly"
The Frontline documentary, about the conflict between MOVE activists and the Philadelphia Police, will be broadcast this week throughout the country -- except for Philadelphia, which has a mayoral primary. TV critic David Bianculli reviews the program and questions why the broadcast has been delayed in the region.
"Colors" is a Mediocre Hit.
Guest film critic Michael Sragow, film critic for The San Francisco Examiner, reviews "Colors," the controversial film about gangs and gang violence in Los Angeles. It stars Robert Duvall and Shawn Penn, and is directed by Dennis Hopper.
Presidential Candidates in the Ring
TV critic David Bianculli compares the recent Bush/Dukakis presidential debate to a boxing match, filled with verbal jabs. He considers the efficacy of their attacks -- one-liners, put-downs, and pre-written ad-libs -- in highlighting their policy differences.
How Bilingual Education Became Controversial
Language commentator Geoff Nunberg reviews a new book by James Crawford which examines the history of bilingual education. Despite the contemporary controversy surrounding the issue, Nunberg and Crawford point out that such curricula was once considered a valuable way of helping immigrant children learn English and assimilate into American culture -- a view once shared by conservatives in the 1970s.
There's More to "Primary Colors" than the Question "Who Dun' It?"
Maureen Corrigan reviews the new book, Primary Colors: A Novel of Politics, the fiction book based on the Clinton presidential campaign, by Anonymous. (Random House).
Fiction is Duller than Reality in the Case of "Primary Colors."
Film critic John Powers reviews "Primary Colors."
Flip-Flopping Coverage.
TV critic David Bianculli reviews the election night coverage.
Candidates' Prescriptions for Health Care Reform
If there's one thing the presidential primary candidates agree on, it's that the American health-care system could use some treatment — if not a complete overhaul. Political scientist Jonathan Oberlander diagnoses the ailments and examines the remedies offered by each candidate.
In The Center Ring: Michael Moore Vs. 'Capitalism'
Film critic DAVID EDELSTEIN reviews Michael Mooreâs newest documentary, Capitalism: A Love Story.
'Girls Don't Cry': Beware 'Campaigning While Female'
Rebecca Traister's incisive analysis of misogyny and gender roles in the 2008 election takes on Tina Fey's satire, "Iron my Shirt" T-shirts and Hillary Clinton's "Night of the Imaginary Tears."