from WNYC studios. I'm Brian Lerer. This is my daily politics podcast. It's Tuesday, June 11th.

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 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.

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