Like many others, I tuned in to watch the Republican presidential debate on Wednesday night. It was a chance for the popular candidates to distinguish themselves as a serious alternative for the Republican nomination, but there was one key figure missing: Donald Trump. Despite his absence, his influence was still felt throughout the debate. As the current frontrunner, he cast a shadow over the proceedings, and the candidates couldn’t escape questions about him. The pretense of discussing the future of the Republican Party without Trump was simply impossible.
However, it wasn’t just Trump’s unavoidable presence that was striking. It was also the lackluster performance of the other candidates. Even the most dynamic contender, Vivek Ramaswamy, seemed to be channeling Trump’s persona. As I noted in our post-debate analysis, none of the candidates exhibited the charisma, presence, or vision that would set them apart from the usual crop of governors and legislators.
Trump’s absence not only highlighted his dominance in the Republican primaries, but also underscored the fact that he is the only Republican with the political acumen to appeal to Republican voters and a significant portion of the American electorate. This is partly due to the failure of other Republican figures to challenge Trump’s leadership within the party since the 2020 election. But it also speaks to Trump’s unique qualities that set him apart from his competitors.
Now Reading
Ruqaiyah Zarook explores the network of lawyers, accountants, and fixers who shield the wealth of the super-rich from taxation in an article for Dissent magazine.
Ratik Asokan writes about the ongoing struggles of India’s sanitation workers in an article for The New York Review of Books.
Clare Malone delves into the story of David Zaslav for The New Yorker.
During the summer, I had the opportunity to visit the Adirondacks for the first time. As I explored the area, I couldn’t resist taking photos of the picturesque lakes. One of my favorites is this shot of Mirror Lake in Lake Placid.
Now Eating: Masala Black-Eyed Peas
One of my goals with this newsletter is to encourage people to incorporate more beans and field peas into their diets. These versatile and affordable staple foods have so much to offer. To kickstart your bean journey, try this easy and filling recipe for Masala Black-Eyed Peas, courtesy of NYT Cooking. It has an Indian flair and pairs well with flatbreads, green vegetables, and carrot raita. Alternatively, you can enjoy it on its own with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
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3 tablespoons ghee or neutral oil
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1 medium yellow or red onion, finely chopped
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1 ½ teaspoons ginger paste or freshly grated ginger
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1 ½ teaspoons garlic paste or freshly grated garlic
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1 teaspoon cumin seeds
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¾ teaspoon Kashmiri or other mild red chile powder
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¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
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3 Roma tomatoes, finely chopped or 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
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1 teaspoon fine sea salt
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3 cups of cooked black-eyed peas, frozen or from dried
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3 fresh green Thai or serrano chiles, chopped
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2 tablespoons lemon juice (from about half a lemon)
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½ teaspoon garam masala
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2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Directions:
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