EXPLAINED: Heather cox richardson | Vintage Vibes

From cowboy to crusader: how Trump distorts American mythology in the conflict with Iran

The United States’ Operation Epic Fury against Iran does more than mark a military escalation. It shows how Trump revives old national myths: the American frontier, the cowboy, regenerative violence, and Providence – while stripping them of their civic dimension and turning them into narratives of domination.

The Conversation · Apr 6

Six Links For Your Consideration

June 25, 2025 1. A Virtual Conversation with Heather Cox Richardson and DNC Chair Ken Martin — next Monday at 3pm Eastern, 12pm Pacific. If you’re not...

Saving Advice · Jun 25, 2025

Why young people can't save democracy

Democrats have counted on "generational replacement" to rescue them: Experts say it's a "dangerous illusion"

Salon · May 8, 2025

Heather Cox Richardson: We can fix this

Historian and author talks about her new book "Democracy Awakening" — and why she's still bullish on America

Salon · Nov 2, 2023

Will GOP "ignarrogance" lead to doom?

Even if Jim Jordan wins, the speaker's chair will still be vacant. What the hell happened to the Republican Party?

Salon · Oct 15, 2023

Democracy Awakening review: Heather Cox Richardson’s necessary US history

The Boston College professor offers a valuable primer on Republican extremism – but also progressive achievement

The Guardian - US · Oct 8, 2023

‘An end of American democracy’: Heather Cox Richardson on Trump’s historic threat

The historian and Substack superstar says the US is in peril not seen since the civil war – and Joe Biden is its best defender

The Guardian - US · Oct 7, 2023

Thomas' latest scandal "sickens" experts

The latest outrage over Thomas' conduct follows a report revealing his ties to the Koch brothers' political network

Salon · Sep 22, 2023

Impeach Biden — and un-impeach Trump?

Trump's followers hope to smear Biden and redeem their hero — but desperate rewrites of history never stick

Salon · Jul 28, 2023