The Politicians and the Egalitarians: The Hidden History of American Politics

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By Sean Wilentz

Published Sept. 2, 2016

In his new book, American history professor Sean Wilentz argues that America is built on egalitarianism, but that partisanship is a permanent and necessary fixture. Wilentz paints a portrait of history through stories of politicians and egalitarians from Thomas Paine to Abraham Lincoln to W.E.B. Du Bois.

Paw in print

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PAW's July/August 2025 issue cover, featuring a photo of people dressed in orange and black, marching in the P-rade, and the headline: Reunions, Back in Orange & Black.
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July 2025

On the cover: Wilton Virgo ’00 and his classmates celebrate during the P-rade.