THE SMUK POLITICAL REPORT

Political consultant Ken Smukler’s post-debate commentary on national black radio offers an unexpected perspective

By Larry Platt

City Council, The Comeback?

Our legislative body might be starting to think about, uh, actually legislating…now let’s reward them for flirting with substance

By Larry Platt

In Defense of Politics

What do Tom Wolf, Kathleen Kane and Donald Trump have in common? None are practitioners of the art of politics. Enough with on-the-job trainees

By Larry Platt

Deja Vu All Over Again?

Three recent stories in our politics felt depressingly familiar. And one development didn’t.

By Larry Platt

“A True Artist”

Legendary concert promoter Larry Magid on his friend, David Bowie

By Larry Platt

Ask What You Can Do…

Mayor Kenney’s inaugural address identified our greatest threat: low expectations combined with a “what’s in it for me” mindset

By Larry Platt

The Dawn of The Kenney Era

Three days before his inauguration, Jim Kenney’s Philadelphia announced itself in the aftermath of a controversial Mummers parade. Can the new mayor be Nixon going to China?

By Larry Platt

Jimmy From South Philly, You’re On The Air

When Mayor-elect Kenney picked the Eagles for his first fight, it raised the question: Did we elect a WIP caller to be mayor?

By Larry Platt

The New Guard Party Bus

We took a group of young disruptors to Pennsylvania Society…and returned with a heightened sense of possibility

By Larry Platt

Our Man Of The Year

Vote for Connor Barwin and help make Philly better

By Larry Platt