It's astonishing, Mike.

Reality has been undermined, and emotions based on little or no evidence have taken over—more on the right, but also on the left.

The grievance of young men is of particular concern. Their attendance and performance in education and employment have been diminishing.

The turn to populist Donald Trump is multi-faceted.

One is a plague of loneliness across America. As ridiculous as it sounds, Trump offers protection, even comfort, from an onslaught of people, events, and changes that many feel powerless to fight or accommodate.

Is France different? Macron has struggled to maintain a middle economic and political territory.

Best.