The Most American Episode of The Daily, Ever.

In celebration of the United States of America’s 250th birthday, we posed a simple question to some of our favorite critics, columnists and editors across the New York Times newsroom, people who write about books, movies, TV shows, science, sports, wellness and food. We asked: What’s the most American thing on your beat?

On today’s episode, we present their answers. Happy Birthday, America!
 

On Today’s Episode

Joshua Barone, culture editor, on “Rodeo,” composed by Aaron Copland

Vanessa Friedman, chief fashion critic, on workout gear

Erik Piepenburg, culture writer, on the movie “Get Out”

Kevin Roose, technology columnist, on Amazon Prime

Mekado Murphy, culture editor, on the roller coaster The Beast

James Poniewozik, chief television critic, on “Survivor”

Jancee Dunn, wellness writer, on productivity and sleep

Elena Bergeron, culture editor, on U.S. hockey

Jennifer Szalai, editor at the Book Review, on “Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World” by Henry Grabar

Bill Wasik, science editor, on liquid rocket fuel

Madison Malone Kircher, internet culture reporter, on Bama Rush

Kim Severson, food reporter, on M&M’s

M.J. Franklin, editor at the Book Review, on “The Love Songs of W.E.B. DuBois” by Honorée Fanon Jeffers

Helen Shaw, chief theater critic, on “The Century Cycle” by August Wilson

Alissa Wilkinson, film critic, on the movie “There Will Be Blood”

Zachary Small, culture reporter, on Grand Theft Auto

Elisabeth Vincentelli, culture reporter, on demolition derbies

Jason Zinoman, critic at large, on the song “Political Science” by Randy Newman

Jason Farago, critic at large, on the Statue of Liberty

A.O. Scott, critic at large, on “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” by Walt Whitman (featuring a reading by Jeffrey Wright)

Gia Kourlas, dance critic, on “Stars and Stripes” by George Balanchine and “Appalachian Spring” by Martha Graham

Jon Caramanica, pop music critic, on “Trump Trump Baby” by Forgiato Blow

 Photo credit: The New York Times

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