The PEN Canada Graeme Gibson Talk
Notes on the New America
Rachel Maddow and Rebecca Solnit in conversation on the seismic changes taking place across the US political landscape.
Moderated by Nahlah Ayed, host of CBC IDEAS.
With a personal introduction from Margaret Atwood.
Sponsored by Penguin Random House Canada.
The seismic political changes in the United States of America have presented the world, including Canada, with existential issues that threaten our shared understanding of what a good, free and just society should be—and have left many struggling to know how to respond.
The 2025 PEN Canada Graeme Gibson Talk brings together two eminent American writers and political thinkers in a conversation moderated by CBC IDEAS’ Nahlah Ayed, to share insights into the new American reality.
Rachel Maddow is a writer, journalist, and host of MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show reporting weekly on the astonishing acts happening in America. Her most recent book is Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism.
Rebecca Solnit is a writer, historian, activist, and the author of more than twenty books. She is a frequent contributor to The Guardian on US politics. Her latest book is No Straight Road Takes You There: Essays for Uneven Terrain.
The PEN Canada Graeme Gibson Talk is an annual conversation between writers whose insights, experiences and expertise offer valuable perspectives on the urgent political, social, cultural and economic issues of our time. In partnership with PEN Canada, CBC IDEAS and founding sponsor Penguin Random House Canada.