I found you when you worked for CNN. I always looked forward to your work and was bummed when you left. I was happy to find on Substack. Keep doing what you’re doing, my man!
ditto. i used to really look forward to the CNN "most outrageous lines" always starting out with "and away we go!" consistently made me smile. fortunately he continues his signature phrase here.
Me too. I like Chris's reflective and contemplating style. I keep coming back for the attempt at keeping a civil tone and an objective viewpoint while still calling a spade a spade.
Same! This exactly. And also same with Mark Edwards - loved the outrageous lines and "away we go!" Still do. It makes me feel like we are friends who could sit and chat about the craziness that is the political world these days. I don't pay for subscriptions for anything - but I do here. And am excited every time I see a new article. Thanks. :)
I, for one, have followed you through many years at WAPO and CNN and always appreciate your insightful commentary and I look to you for clarity in explaining the nuances of the crazy world of politics. Keep up the great work!
You don’t suck. It’s true that Biden talks to the media less than his predecessors. It’s also true that his immediate predecessor was all into the news because he was a narcissistic sociopath. Talking about Biden’s age is easy; talk about things where your analysis gives us more to learn!!
Progress, indeed. The general license that social media seems to give people not just to disagree with you but to be actively nasty about it is a major reason why my own involvement with what you might call public access social media has twindled towards the vanishing. Places like this Substack are altogether more thoughtful and considered.
Chris, you are one of my go-to's when I need to read some analysis on the latest political upheaval. Your insights and criticisms (especially of the modern GOP and their cult-leader) are intuitive and often funny (and let's face it, we NEED to laugh about some of this stuff from time to time!) Apparently when the door closed at CNN for you, and the window at Substack opened, it was a breath of fresh air for you - for your work-life balance, for your mental health, for your career. We need the voices like yours to help us navigate this political hell scape. Know that for every critic out there, you have way more fans, even if their voices are sometimes drowned out by the braggadocios online. Your writing keeps the rest of sane! Thank you for your tremendous work and defense of a democratic society.
I enjoy your column, regardless of whether I agree with you or not. As for the critics, well, as they say, "Opinions are like a--holes: Everyone has one." As well, people are a LOT braver when they are sitting in front of a keyboard as opposed to an actual person. It's one of the great downsides of social media and our interconnected age. People feel free to say write things to people that they never would say in person, and they often do it in the cruelest, rudest way possible. We forget that there is an actual, living person at the receiving end of the missive we are sending, and that that person has feelings, too.
Now, part of it also has to do with our illustrious former President, who "mainstreamed" being a jerk, but really, it did start even before he entered the scene.
You nailed it. The bravery of anonymity is one of the things I HATE about folks on social media. People would never be so hateful if they had to truly own saying it. Plus Trump.
Chris, your mix of news, insight and analysis leavened with these behind the scenes looks at your own life is welcomed and appreciated. It adds texture and realism to your work. It's good to see.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this but I am not sure I agree that some people can ignore being criticized. I think it's more that some people can compartmentalize it better than others. I also think it has to do with the type of criticism that is received. It's beyond me how someone can attack you or anyone else personally for expressing ideas and opinions in an intelligent and thoughtful way. We should stick with arguing about the message if we disagree, not attack the guy trying to make a reasonable point. I appreciate your work. Thanks.
I appreciate this column, Chris. As someone who has always enjoyed your writing, I always felt about the level of vitriol you received on social media. I'm really glad we have this Substack community too.
Sorry you catch so much hell, but you are truly helping me understand a complex political world that I have no hope of grasping on my own. You’re taking one for the team for sure.
I imagine that nasty criticism makes more of a mark than compliments do, but I've always thought you were a great commentator going all the way back to the days of the Clinton impeachment and beyond.
1. I was very disappointed when you & CNN parted ways; but, I always searched out your articles, anyway.
2. Internet trolls are the worst, such brave anonymous warriors.
3. When my children were little, the rule was we call people by their names, the names they choose to be called. We don’t call them dummy or stupid, etc. because that is just evidence of our own poor communication skills. When people call you those names or make derogatory comments, it’s because they are hurt or intimidated and lack the courage or skills to simply say, “I disagree with you”; “Please stop. I don’t like what you are doing”; “You hurt my feelings”, etc. It’s just another form of bullying. And when you stand up to bullies, and point out their weaknesses, their lack of an answer or argument or defense of what is making them defensive, you take away their power. Trump and his supporters resort to calling critics names, rather than trying to defend the indefensible. Some Biden supporters resort to that tactic when he is called old, because he IS old, and they lack the knowledge or skill to present the reasons why he is still a viable choice.
4. Just keep shaking the haters off and living your best life. And KEEP WRITING!
Are you wary of writing a piece about the things that Biden is doing right for fear of being labeled part of the liberal mainstream media? The right has been successful at making journalists weary about that.
Well, you start that post by saying something negative about Biden, but is that really your supportive position? That he is a decent human being? That is a position that everyone agrees on including Republicans. What's you position on pizza? Tasty?
I am sorry you are receiving these kinds of attacks! I don’t agree with all that you write but disagreement is not justification for threats. Considering that Jordan’s minions have threatened the Republicans who have not voted for him, it seems like threatening opponents is now part of the price of engagement in political culture. Just more of the cruelty unleashed by tfg!
I found you when you worked for CNN. I always looked forward to your work and was bummed when you left. I was happy to find on Substack. Keep doing what you’re doing, my man!
THANK YOU!
ditto. i used to really look forward to the CNN "most outrageous lines" always starting out with "and away we go!" consistently made me smile. fortunately he continues his signature phrase here.
Thanks, Mark!
Absolutely same here! My fave from CNN. The only commentator I’d even pay $ to. 👍🏻👏🏻
Thank you sir.
Me too. I like Chris's reflective and contemplating style. I keep coming back for the attempt at keeping a civil tone and an objective viewpoint while still calling a spade a spade.
Thanks, Fredrik.
Same! This exactly. And also same with Mark Edwards - loved the outrageous lines and "away we go!" Still do. It makes me feel like we are friends who could sit and chat about the craziness that is the political world these days. I don't pay for subscriptions for anything - but I do here. And am excited every time I see a new article. Thanks. :)
I, for one, have followed you through many years at WAPO and CNN and always appreciate your insightful commentary and I look to you for clarity in explaining the nuances of the crazy world of politics. Keep up the great work!
Thanks, Christine!
You don’t suck. It’s true that Biden talks to the media less than his predecessors. It’s also true that his immediate predecessor was all into the news because he was a narcissistic sociopath. Talking about Biden’s age is easy; talk about things where your analysis gives us more to learn!!
Progress, indeed. The general license that social media seems to give people not just to disagree with you but to be actively nasty about it is a major reason why my own involvement with what you might call public access social media has twindled towards the vanishing. Places like this Substack are altogether more thoughtful and considered.
Yeah, it really is a corrosive place. It rewards bad behavior.
Chris, you are one of my go-to's when I need to read some analysis on the latest political upheaval. Your insights and criticisms (especially of the modern GOP and their cult-leader) are intuitive and often funny (and let's face it, we NEED to laugh about some of this stuff from time to time!) Apparently when the door closed at CNN for you, and the window at Substack opened, it was a breath of fresh air for you - for your work-life balance, for your mental health, for your career. We need the voices like yours to help us navigate this political hell scape. Know that for every critic out there, you have way more fans, even if their voices are sometimes drowned out by the braggadocios online. Your writing keeps the rest of sane! Thank you for your tremendous work and defense of a democratic society.
Jan, thank you. It is really nice to hear such kind words.
I enjoy your column, regardless of whether I agree with you or not. As for the critics, well, as they say, "Opinions are like a--holes: Everyone has one." As well, people are a LOT braver when they are sitting in front of a keyboard as opposed to an actual person. It's one of the great downsides of social media and our interconnected age. People feel free to say write things to people that they never would say in person, and they often do it in the cruelest, rudest way possible. We forget that there is an actual, living person at the receiving end of the missive we are sending, and that that person has feelings, too.
Now, part of it also has to do with our illustrious former President, who "mainstreamed" being a jerk, but really, it did start even before he entered the scene.
Keep on keeping on, Chris!
You nailed it. The bravery of anonymity is one of the things I HATE about folks on social media. People would never be so hateful if they had to truly own saying it. Plus Trump.
My advice is that if someone doesn’t have something nice to say, go on Twitter.
Or sit next to Alice Roosevelt Longworth.
This is great Chris. You don’t suck (even though I don’t always agree with you).
Ha! Thanks!
Chris, your mix of news, insight and analysis leavened with these behind the scenes looks at your own life is welcomed and appreciated. It adds texture and realism to your work. It's good to see.
Thanks, Tom. Opening up a bit has been really really gratifying.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this but I am not sure I agree that some people can ignore being criticized. I think it's more that some people can compartmentalize it better than others. I also think it has to do with the type of criticism that is received. It's beyond me how someone can attack you or anyone else personally for expressing ideas and opinions in an intelligent and thoughtful way. We should stick with arguing about the message if we disagree, not attack the guy trying to make a reasonable point. I appreciate your work. Thanks.
Yeah, that's my big point too. I get disagreeing with a point I made but impugning my motives for making the point is where I think we cross a line.
I appreciate this column, Chris. As someone who has always enjoyed your writing, I always felt about the level of vitriol you received on social media. I'm really glad we have this Substack community too.
Me too!
Sorry you catch so much hell, but you are truly helping me understand a complex political world that I have no hope of grasping on my own. You’re taking one for the team for sure.
Glad to do it. If it helps people, it makes the job well worth it.
I imagine that nasty criticism makes more of a mark than compliments do, but I've always thought you were a great commentator going all the way back to the days of the Clinton impeachment and beyond.
It does. But I have worked to keep it in the proper context. And help it matter less to how I see myself.
1. I was very disappointed when you & CNN parted ways; but, I always searched out your articles, anyway.
2. Internet trolls are the worst, such brave anonymous warriors.
3. When my children were little, the rule was we call people by their names, the names they choose to be called. We don’t call them dummy or stupid, etc. because that is just evidence of our own poor communication skills. When people call you those names or make derogatory comments, it’s because they are hurt or intimidated and lack the courage or skills to simply say, “I disagree with you”; “Please stop. I don’t like what you are doing”; “You hurt my feelings”, etc. It’s just another form of bullying. And when you stand up to bullies, and point out their weaknesses, their lack of an answer or argument or defense of what is making them defensive, you take away their power. Trump and his supporters resort to calling critics names, rather than trying to defend the indefensible. Some Biden supporters resort to that tactic when he is called old, because he IS old, and they lack the knowledge or skill to present the reasons why he is still a viable choice.
4. Just keep shaking the haters off and living your best life. And KEEP WRITING!
Wanda I will!
Are you wary of writing a piece about the things that Biden is doing right for fear of being labeled part of the liberal mainstream media? The right has been successful at making journalists weary about that.
I am not! I think he does plenty right. And write about it when it makes sense to do so.
See: https://chriscillizza.substack.com/p/the-fundamental-decency-of-joe-biden
Well, you start that post by saying something negative about Biden, but is that really your supportive position? That he is a decent human being? That is a position that everyone agrees on including Republicans. What's you position on pizza? Tasty?
I am sorry you are receiving these kinds of attacks! I don’t agree with all that you write but disagreement is not justification for threats. Considering that Jordan’s minions have threatened the Republicans who have not voted for him, it seems like threatening opponents is now part of the price of engagement in political culture. Just more of the cruelty unleashed by tfg!