‘American Idol’ Star Clay Aiken Shoots for Congress

Staff / Truthdig Feb 6, 2014 It's kind of appropriate, given how American politics and reality television are looking more than ever like the same beast, but here's the latest sign of the coming celebpocalypse: Onetime "American Idol" cherub Clay Aiken is now running for public office in his home state of North Carolina. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

‘I Really Hope Malala Doesn’t Win the Nobel Peace Prize’

Alexander Reed Kelly / Truthdig Oct 11, 2013 Though Malala Yousafzai has "stood up and given voice to a cause that needs it," giving her the prize this early in her campaign to bring education to girls around the world may corrupt her attempts to do just that, Dhiya Kuriakose, a young woman from India, writes at The Guardian. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Unpacking Paula Deen

Alexander Reed Kelly / Truthdig Jun 29, 2013 The "N-word" scandal that has embroiled TV cook Paula Deen has to do with much more than just her. Why does anyone care "about anything a celebrity chef has to say in the first place?" asks the Newsvandal, Joseph Sottile. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Paul McCartney: Free Pussy Riot

Tracy Bloom / Truthdig May 23, 2013 In a letter to Russian authorities this week, former Beatle Paul McCartney asked them to release the remaining members of Pussy Riot from prison. McCartney's missive comes as the punk band's Maria Alyokhina began a hunger strike after she was not allowed to attend her own parole hearing. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

It Gets Better for Whom?

Mark O'Connell / Truthdig Mar 6, 2013 The “It Gets Better” project is a grand achievement, and the abundant and various non-famous voices on the website offer much needed empathy and recognition. But we might consider how unhelpfully easy the lucky, privileged, "normal" few can make hope sound. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Oscar News

Randall Enos, Cagle Cartoons Feb 25, 2013 Dig deeper

Conservatives Upset Over Jim Carrey’s ‘Assault Rifle’ Tweet

Tracy Bloom / Truthdig Feb 7, 2013 The actor, who is mostly known for comedic roles, took on a serious tone when he used Twitter to focus on the gun debate that has emerged in the wake of the Newtown, Conn., school shootings. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

The NRA Has an Enemies List and It’s Really Long

Tracy Bloom / Truthdig Feb 2, 2013 There are 506 organizations and people named, which, as Wonkette points out, means that "it’s virtually impossible not to find something on that list that represents you or something you believe in." Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Ishmael Reed

Mr. Fish / Truthdig Jan 21, 2013 Dig deeper

The Idol Smasher

Chris Hedges / Truthdig Dec 31, 2012 The multifaceted Ishmael Reed has spent half a century destroying myths of the American empire, especially those that cement racism in place.The multifaceted Ishmael Reed has spent half a century exposing myths of the American empire, especially those that cement racism in place. Dig deeper ( 13 Min. Read )

Psy Shames Himself With Unqualified Apology (Video)

Alexander Reed Kelly / Truthdig Dec 9, 2012 By delivering a servile apology for singing lyrics that violently denounced the American military in 2004 at the height of its invasion of Iraq, South Korean rapper Psy has shown that, like many who enjoy fame and fortune, he has no backbone when it comes to criticizing American imperialism.South Korean rapper Psy's servile apology for singing lyrics that violently denounced the American military shows he has no backbone when it comes to criticizing American imperialism. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

‘Game of Thrones’ Gets the Super PAC Treatment

Staff / Truthdig Jun 22, 2012 The popular HBO series "Game of Thrones" is often considered nerd porn, and yet it is more than just about war, sex, dragons and other mythical creatures. At its core, the game alluded to is entirely based on politics and, in some ways, mimics our modern political system. So what would happen in the Seven Kingdoms if super PACs existed? Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )