And Then There Were Six: A Tribute to Frank Borman
Monday, November 20 2023
I was saddened to learn of the death (November 7) of Frank Borman, the American astronaut who commanded the astonishing 1968 Apollo 8 mission to the moon. He was the oldest living astronaut.
- Published in Features
While Driving Across North Dakota on a Recent Sunday …
Friday, November 17 2023
Clay recently drove the back roads from Thompson to Bismarck, North Dakota. Far from interstates, he was intensely reminded about what he loves about the state he’s long called home.
- Published in Features
Listening to America as It Approaches its 250th Anniversary
Tuesday, November 14 2023
I’m taking this winter to plan details for my quest next spring to explore the country in the shadow of John Steinbeck’s classic book Travels With Charley in Search of America. I’ll write about our plans from time to time and would love to hear your thoughts about what we have in the works.
- Published in Dispatches from the Road
The Heroism of SuAnne Big Crow — Video Dispatch
Tuesday, November 14 2023
On a visit to the Black Hills and Pine Ridge Indian Reservation Clay happened upon the youth center dedicated to the memory of SuAnne Big Crow, the Oglala basketball star. Clay shares a little of her heroic story in this short video.
- Published in Dispatches from the Road
The US Presidency and What Can Be Lost Between Administrations
Monday, November 06 2023
What happens in the gap between one administration and the next, especially when the outgoing president is unavailable? This “leadership gap” has had an intriguing influence on U.S. History.
- Published in Features
My Father: A Reminiscence at 30 Years
Sunday, November 05 2023
My father’s birthday was November 1st. He died at 67, 30 years ago. But he has not faded in my heart and soul.
- Published in Dispatches from the Road
Winter Arrives in North Dakota
Monday, October 30 2023
Well, I put the Airstream away for the winter. And just in time, too. It went into storage here in Bismarck on Monday, and it snowed for the first time Wednesday night.
- Published in Dispatches from the Road
The Accidental President: Harry S. Truman and the Four Months That Changed the World
Sunday, October 29 2023
With the death of Franklin Roosevelt on April 12, 1945, Harry S. Truman became one of the nation’s most unlikely presidents. Truman, with little preparation, was thrust into the presidency amid the most tumultuous four months in world history.
- Published in Books
The Final Witness: A Kennedy Secret Service Agent Breaks His Silence After 60 Years
Monday, October 23 2023
The minute I heard that former Secret Service Agent Paul Landis was publishing a book entitled The Final Witness, I pre-ordered it. It arrived yesterday, and I read it in a single evening.
- Published in Books
Some Thoughts on the Near-Extinction of the Buffalo
Tuesday, October 17 2023
Ken Burns’ new documentary The American Buffalo airs this week on PBS. Like everyone I’m eager to see how he explores the history surrounding this iconic creature.
- Published in Features