Opinion Today: Nine columnists upend assumptions and burst bubbles

Is being good as important as being right? Are we more divided than ever? And more.

View in browser|nytimes.com July 31, 2024 By Ezekiel Kweku Special Projects Editor Our world is more connected than ever. But, perversely, it's never been easier to find yourself cozily ensconced in a bubble made up of close friends or political allies, our social set or professional peers. And those bubbles are the perfect environment for groupthink to thrive, to allow certain dubious beliefs or weak arguments to go so unquestioned that we forget that they're even up for discussion. This week we asked nine of our Opinion columnists to debunk an idea — big or small — that has become conventional wisdom in their circles. We wanted them to deliver us the arguments that start debates at dinner parties or make their friends roll their eyes. For instance, while liberal-arts humanists like David Brooks are often skeptical of artificial intelligence, David argues that we should be excited about A.I., not afraid of it. It has become chic among the politically savvy to say that polarization in America is at its peak, but Zeynep Tufekci asserts that things have been worse in the recent past — and could get worse in the near future. Pamela Paul looks out on a world that believes a dog is man's best friend and finds the possibility of a deeper, more satisfying relationship with cats. And Charles Blow contends that while "born this way" was a powerful and consequential slogan, it's too narrow to capture the full range and nuance of human sexuality. We've put these together with five other pieces in a series called Don't Tell My Friends, But … I hope that you'll find an argument that pops one of your bubbles. Read the full package here. Here's what we're focusing on today: Editors' Picks Guest Essay For Kamala Harris, the Hard Part Starts Now Ms. Harris must affirmatively define herself before Mr. Trump and his allies can define her. By Chris Whipple More From Opinion Guest Essay The Mystery of JD Vance Is Unraveling Even so, despite his early stumbles, it's too early to know whether Vance will turn out to be a boon or a bust for the Trump campaign. By Thomas B. Edsall Guest Essay How Trump's Ideas Could Seriously Mess With Your Financial Life Policy proposals from Donald Trump and his circle threaten the huge advantages the United States enjoys from the Treasury market. By Rebecca Patterson Bret Stephens Israel's Five Wars Whatever comes next in Lebanon is a piece in a much larger battle. By Bret Stephens Paul Krugman Keep Sahm and Carry On A recession indicator may soon be triggered, but don't panic. By Paul Krugman In Atlanta, Harris Has Dance-Party Energy Republicans should keep underestimating what they can't understand. By Michelle Goldberg It's Not Too Late for Change in Venezuela If Maduro is forced to release polling data, he might have to admit defeat. By Farah Stockman Jamie Kelter Davis for The New York Times letters 'I Was a Childless Cat Lady': Women Respond to JD Vance Women decry his 2021 comment about "miserable" childless women. Also: Clearing homeless encampments; food and gas prices; wildfire names. We hope you've enjoyed this newsletter, which is made possible through subscriber support. Subscribe to The New York Times. Games Here are today's Mini Crossword, Wordle and Spelling Bee. If you're in the mood to play more, find all our games here. Forward this newsletter to friends to share ideas and perspectives that will help inform their lives. They can sign up here. Do you have feedback? Email us at opiniontoday@nytimes.com. If you have questions about your Times account, delivery problems or other issues, visit our Help Page or contact The Times. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for the Opinion Today newsletter from The New York Times. To stop receiving Opinion Today, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018