In this exclusive conversation, President Obama and author Marilynne Robinson discuss topics ranging from the problems of American democracy and the responsibilities of citizenship to the challenges of Christianity.

President Obama and Marilynne Robinson: A Conversation

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In this series, New York Review contributors document the coronavirus outbreak around the world. Featuring readings by Eduardo Halfon in Paris, Anastasia Edel in Oakland, Miguel-Anxo Murado in Madrid, Ruth Margalit in Tel Aviv, Mark Gevisser in Cape Town, Elisa Gabbert in Denver, Simon Callow in London, Lauren Groff in Gainesville, Anna Badkhen in Lalibela, and Sylvia Poggioli in Rome.

Pandemic Journal

In the second part of this exclusive conversation, President Obama and writer Marilynne Robinson discuss literature, politics, competition, American restlessness, teaching, and citizenship. The conversation was recorded on September 14, 2015 in Des Moines, Iowa.

President Obama and Marilynne Robinson: A Conversation—II

A panel discussion with Laurie Robinson, co-chair of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, critic and novelist Darryl Pinckney, and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. The panelists reflect on issues of race and bias in law enforcement and whether the recommendations of the White House Task Force, if implemented, can practically address and dismantle sources of conflict, deepening racial divisions, and high rates of incarceration in the US. Recorded on September 20, 2015 at the Brooklyn Book Festival.

Civil Rights & Policing

Ian Buruma, Joseph Lelyveld, Zoë Heller, Alma Guillermoprieto, and Andrew Delbanco discuss the future of literary journalism. This podcast was recorded on April 3, 2013 at the New York Public Library.

President Obama and Marilynne Robinson: A Conversation

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