From Freezerbox, a look at how politicians play general, generals play politics (and part 2). Jeff Greenfield on how Obama can lessen the intensity of the opposition. Ivo Daalder and Philip Gordon on why talking to Iran is our best option. A review of Presidential Travel: The Journey From George Washington to George W. Bush by Richard Ellis. Michael Barone on why veeps now matter: The evolution of an office. Nice guys finish last: Why do we expect presidential candidates to be kind? Psychoanalysis may have little place in university psychology departments, but it is flourishing within the arts and humanities. From McSweeney's, here's the latest of interviews with People Who Have Interesting or Unusual Jobs. We love independent filmmakers and musicians, and celebrate their maverick spirit, so why don't we want independent writers? Despite what the headlines say, US students fare well in international comparisons — it’s the schools serving the poor that demand our attention. A review of Who Owns Antiquity? Museums and the Battle over Our Ancient Heritage by James Cuno. From Literary Review, a review of Uncommon Arrangements: Seven Portraits of Married Life in London Literary Circles 1910-1939 by Katie Roiphe. More and more on The Age of Reagan by Sean Wilentz.
