The country got an invitation to its own 250th birthday and hesitated — do we even feel like celebrating right now? Sarah and Beth make the case that the answer is yes, and not in spite of how hard things are but because of it. A milestone is a chance to take stock and tell the most honest version of the story we can, regardless of what the loudest and most cynical voices do.
Topics discussed:
- Why celebrating America's 250th feels awkward this year
- The America250 commission vs. Trump's separate "Freedom 250" / White House rally
- What the 1976 Bicentennial actually got right
- The military's place in the anniversary — a component, not the centerpiece
- Holding patriotism and clear-eyed honesty about the country's failures at the same time
- America's Potluck and celebrating at the level of your own town and table
- Outside Politics: naming your "mom aesthetic"
We're celebrating all month on Substack — news briefs reported live from 1776 on Good Morning, and Founding Father karaoke on More to Say. Join us at pantsuitpoliticsshow.com.

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