This week, U.S. newspapers were frothing with updates about the national outrage that was comedian Michelle Wolf’s monologue at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, the Trump team’s leaked list of potential questions by special counsel Robert Mueller III and performative accusations from Republican House members on the state of the FBI.
Your correspondent was away in Paris this past week, where the heat and light surrounding political discussion are noticeably diminished. This calmer approach to politics suggests a more pleasant — and productive — path that we Americans might do well to follow.
The tenor was in stark contrast to the President Donald Trump obsession so prevalent at home, where the latest incremental developments, the reaction to them and — most insidiously — matters of tribal affiliation have become all-consuming, even a sort of personal identity.