January 2, 2012

This double issue for January 2–9, 2012 marked the beginning of an election year with contributions from the magazine's major voices including William Kristol, James Taranto, and others reflecting on the political landscape ahead. The cover featured an in-depth examination of how baby boomers shaped and ultimately degraded American popular culture. The issue also paid tribute to Czech dissident and former president Václav Havel, who had recently died, with reflections from Christopher Caldwell, Michael Moynihan, and P.J. O'Rourke on his legacy and significance.