Brian Lair on WNYC, you know, it's the rare magazine article that needs a table of contents.

The new one in the Atlantic by George Packer just about does.

I'm told it's around 25,000 words.

It's divided into nine sections. I saw that if I were to print it, which I didn't, it would print at 115 pages.

It includes an epilogue, and it takes on the ambitious task of describing the state and future of the United States through one

of its major cities.

The city is Phoenix.

The title of the article is The Most American City, Searching for America's Future in Phoenix,

Arizona.

We're having George Packer in the context of our climate story of the week, because Phoenix

sits at the intersection of Americans running to live there context of our climate story of the week because Phoenix sits at the intersection

of Americans running to live there because of its climate, but then experiencing some of the

most extreme effects of climate change, gain and ground on them once they get there.

Phoenix has been in the national headlines already this season for a triple-digit heat wave.

Last year, the city set its latest heat record with 54 days of temperatures more than 110 degrees.

In addition to his writings in the Atlantic, George Packer is the author of many influential books,

including The Assassins Gate, America in Iraq, from back in 2005. I think that's the first time he was on the show.

The unwinding and inner history of the New America from 2013 in the context of the financial crisis and the Great Recession.

And last best hope, America in Crisis and Renewal published in 2021, putting the pandemic and January 6th in

historical and social context. George, thanks for joining us with the big picture you're trying

to paint with this big article, and welcome back to WNYC.

Hey, it's great to be back with you, Brian. We'll get to why you think Phoenix does represent the U.S. as a whole.

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