Michael Sean Winters

Distinctly Catholic: While the margins are narrow, too close to call, the dynamic of the race is clear: It is Joe Biden's to lose; he needs to get policy positions out during the Oct. 21 debate.

A twice-weekly roundup of political news and commentary: People are starting to write about the post-Trump era, and one county in Florida might give us clear insight about the election.

Distinctly Catholic: Pope Francis' reputation before history as a reformer will depend on his ability to confront this latest scandal, and use it to uproot the corruption that made it possible.

Distinctly Catholic: Author Mark Shea's new book is a great way to help people realize the ways our self-understanding of Catholicism has been distorted by the nation's politics and culture.

A roundup of political news and commentary: Judge Amy Coney Barrett, epitome of politicized Catholicism, when Catholic voters are being courted by both sides this election — an election no Democrat should count their chickens about

Distinctly Catholic: The common good, which the pope reminds us is the moral objective of political life, requires more than just a new president. Let's consider some non-presidential contests.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: Cementing a Supreme Court pro-business majority; the stakes of state legislatures; Trump's COVID-19 treatment; an eye on the church's far-right bleachers.

Distinctly Catholic: The Supreme Court nominee will try to convince us that she is open-minded, when the only reason her supporters are so excited is that they know her mind is made up and it is reliably conservative.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: Lincoln Project's musical take; Catholic social doctrine is what the country needs; 30 years of religious liberty claims; reclaiming populism.

Distinctly Catholic: Wednesday night's vice presidential debate between Sen. Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence won't change much about the 2020 race.

Distinctly Catholic: As I have been arguing, the only lies the president tells that really matter are the lies that affect people's lives. Now, we need to amend that to include lies that affect people's deaths.

Political news and commentary roundup: Judge Amy Coney Barrett; Trump's last rally before coronavirus diagnosis; Secret Service agents at unnecessary risk; the Catholic right; "Teflon" Tucker Carlson;  Latinos of Amish country; correction to Reuters on "Fratelli Tutti."

Distinctly Catholic: The moral and anthropological lessons the Holy Father draws in this reflection could scarcely be more relevant to the unique circumstances of the Catholic Church in the United States.

Distinctly Catholic: If one of the only things Democrats have to say to white working-class voters is that they suffer from white privilege, no one should be surprised if Pennsylvania and Wisconsin stay in the red column this year.

A round-up of political news and commentary: The best post-debate commentary? Americans wrote the book on confronting a pandemic, and then ignored it; Analyzing Coney Barrett's record

Distinctly Catholic: Debate No. 1 goes to former Vice President Joe Biden, as even moderator Chris Wallace was exasperated by President Donald Trump's constant interruptions.

A round-up of political news and commentary (and sometimes music): All about Judge Amy Coney Barrett; what the Democrats should not do; two bishops join up to write about systemic racism; Mayflower II; feast of the archangels

Distinctly Catholic: Amy Coney Barrett is a kind of cafeteria Catholic that continues to damage the U.S. church, content to let it become an upper-middle-class club for people with conservative sexual ethics.

Distinctly Catholic: Analyses of U.S. "Latino electorates" take into consideration varied nations of origin, the age of voters, issues of concern beyond immigration and race — but religious identification gets ignored.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: KGB-quality disinformation; National Catholic Register buries the lede; culture warrior Cordileone; pitfalls of "naked ballots"; GOP somersaults.