Skip to main content

The context you need, when you need it

When news breaks, you need to understand what actually matters — and what to do about it. At Vox, our mission to help you make sense of the world has never been more vital. But we can’t do it on our own.

We rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. Will you support our work and become a Vox Member today?

Join now
Sean Illing

Sean Illing

Host of The Gray Area

    Latest articles by Sean Illing

    Politics
    Christopher Caldwell’s big idea: The civil rights revolution was a mistakeChristopher Caldwell’s big idea: The civil rights revolution was a mistake
    Politics
    “We’re losing our damn minds”: James Carville unloads on the Democratic Party“We’re losing our damn minds”: James Carville unloads on the Democratic Party
    Politics

    Why the longtime Democratic strategist is “scared to death” of the 2020 election.

    By Sean Illing
    “Flood the zone with shit”: How misinformation overwhelmed our democracy
    Politics

    The impeachment trial didn’t change any minds. Here’s why.

    By Sean Illing
    Politics
    The Iowa caucuses are broken. Here’s an idea to fix the primary process.The Iowa caucuses are broken. Here’s an idea to fix the primary process.
    Politics

    It’s time to end Iowa’s first-in-the-nation status.

    By Sean Illing
    Politics
    “No matter what, there will be persistent doubts about how this process was carried out”“No matter what, there will be persistent doubts about how this process was carried out”
    Politics

    An expert explains how the Iowa debacle underscores the great danger of the 2020 election.

    By Sean Illing
    Culture
    A Stanford psychologist on the art of avoiding assholesA Stanford psychologist on the art of avoiding assholes
    Culture

    “Not giving a shit takes the wind out of an asshole’s sails.”

    By Sean Illing
    Politics
    “Donald Trump is the greatest threat to election integrity”“Donald Trump is the greatest threat to election integrity”
    Politics

    An elections expert explains why we should be worried about our vote in 2020.

    By Sean Illing
    Politics
    Why John Roberts won’t save the impeachment trial from partisanshipWhy John Roberts won’t save the impeachment trial from partisanship
    Politics

    What to expect from the man presiding over the impeachment process.

    By Sean Illing
    Politics
    Do Americans still believe in their democracy?Do Americans still believe in their democracy?
    Politics

    A political theorist on the withering of American citizenship.

    By Sean Illing
    Politics
    Is Trumpism a cult?Is Trumpism a cult?
    Politics

    A new book from a former cult member makes the case.

    By Sean Illing