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Chatting the Pictures: President Biden’s Fresh Authority
President Biden demonstrates so much leverage with GOP Senators, he's not even in the photo. The Trump and Obama contrast is also telling.
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The Massive Snow Storm of '21, Beyond the Pretty Pictures
The blizzard of '21 is producing gorgeous photography. But these two simple Instagram pix by Mark Peterson keep an unconditional focus on American hardship.
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Chatting the Pictures: Stunning Factory Photos in the Race to Beat Covid
We discuss the craft and politics of Christopher Payne's exquisite photos showing machines producing vials for the Covid vaccine.
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Where the Mockery Falls
America has largely confused Trump's mockery of democracy with the mocking of Trump himself. The Europeans haven't had such a problem.
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The Cult Of Trump In Its Last Throes
In the assault on the Capitol, the distinction between faith, nation, and godhead finally and completely broke down.
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Capitol Artwork a Symbolic Participant in Trump White Supremacist Riot
While the rioters who invaded the Capitol amplified the nation's history of white supremacy, that history was already hanging on the walls behind them.
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Media, Grief, and Three Views of a Tragic Covid Zoom Goodbye
In the case where families and loved ones must say goodbye virtually, the life of that terrible scene is not so simple.
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Reading the Symbols of Political Movements: A Joint Reading the Pictures/Columbia University Tow Center and Data Science Institute Salon
In this Salon, we discuss the symbolic strategies of political movements, especially those on the far right, and the challenges posed to the media.
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Heartfelt Photos from Covid's Crushing Third Wave
Just like in the spring, the focus has turned to Covid, to grief, and to hospital ICUs. However, the photos seem more intimate this time.
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Chatting the Pictures: Kamala’s Sorority Sisters Stroll Dance in Harlem Inspired by 2020 Victory
We discuss the joy and history of Alpha Kappa Alpha as Kamala's sorority sisters stroll dance in Harlem inspired by the Biden/Harris victory.
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Covid Denial in One Picture
In one photo, this man has become the poster for a government in denial, and everyone who can't be induced or bothered to wear a mask.
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Chatting the Pictures: The Most Secure Election in History
With the president falsely challenging the 2020 election process, this vote counting photo from Pittsburgh comes to stand for its integrity.
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The Lasting Image of Trump and the Virus
Many photos link Trump to the pandemic, but this photo-illustration really captures him as the great Covid enabler.
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Chatting the Pictures: Our Top Biden/Harris Victory Photograph
The thread running through the photos of people pouring into the street to celebrate Biden’s victory was unbridled joy. This is a classic.
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Chatting the Pictures — Jill Biden: I’ve Got a Hold On You
In this highlight video, we discuss Joe Biden's inclination to press the flesh, even in a pandemic, and Jill's impact as his "body person."
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Chatting the Pictures: Early Voting With a Passion
Despite the obstacles, citizens are determined to be heard in the 2020 election. We discuss this "first day of voting" photo from Georgia.
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Chatting the Pictures: White House Swagger Vaporized as Soon as Trump Got Sick
Watching Donald Trump depart to Walter Reed with the coronavirus, White House staffers suddenly looked scared and vulnerable.
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Chatting the Pictures: From Breonna Taylor’s Side Window
This photo of Juniyah Palmer, Breonna Taylor's sister, was taken by LaToya Ruby Frazier. We find it a powerful emotional and forensic record.
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Social Justice in the “Unified” NFL
If the NFL really wants to promote anti-racism, it seems hard to imagine a less emphatic visual statement.
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Chatting the Pictures: Agony and Ecstasy over the Death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
In this highlight clip, we discuss Christian conservative women praying at the Supreme Court door as another woman grieves the passing of RBG.
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