The year of jumping ship

For the craven, spineless and cynical, it was a banner year
by Michael Crowley

The lost cause

Republicans blew a big chance in 1996. Democrats beware: you could make the same mistake.
by Dan Kennedy

Unfinished business

In politics, sports, and current events, it was a year of almost, kind of, maybe . . . we'll get back to you
by Tom Scocca

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Also . . .

The year in arts

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