Noah Smith

It'll require a bit of compromise from both sides, but Americans of the left and right need to prioritize policies that strengthen two-parent households.

The WTO demonstrators were the "Occupy" movement of the late-20th century—mocked, maligned, and mostly right.

The country's strongest asset—its huge size—is also it's biggest liability.

Basic ability in the subject isn't the product of good genes, but hard work.

Old trends: Soaring US carbon dioxide emissions, skyrocketing medical costs, out-of-control deficits. New trends: Tumbling emissions, creeping medical costs, falling deficits.

Math challenged? Never taken an econ class? Don't worry about it. There's hope for you yet.

They're fractious, frequently wrong, and have lost much of the public's faith. But their insights are still valuable -- as long as you don't expect them to predict the future.