Renowned political journalist and author John Nichols visited Madison College on March 7 as part of the Writer’s Life Lecture Series.  

Nichols was interviewed by moderator Natasha Kassulke and student Leah Wear about the role of political commentary in our democracy.  

Currently a national affairs correspondent for The Nation, Nichols is also an associate editor for Madison’s Cap Times paper, where he “first became opinionated.”  

He is based in Madison. 

Nichols has also written over a dozen books about American democracy, the Democratic Party and the history of socialism. His most recent book, “It’s OK to Be Angry About Capitalism,” is co-written with Senator Bernie Sanders.  

Alongside media scholar Robert McChesney and activist Josh Silver, Nichols co-founded Free Press, a non-profit that promotes diversity in the media, affordable internet access and “challenging old and new media gatekeepers to serve the public interest,” among many more. Free Press is 21 years old.  

Among what was discussed during the event were Nichols’ early-life introduction and interest in journalism, voting rights and how lawyers of Donald Trump accused him of being involved in “any illegal activities on January 6,” the insurrection of the Capitol by far-right extremists.  

The interview ended with a Q&A that led to Nichols giving advice to Madison College journalism students.  

“It is normal to be discouraged,” Nichols said. “If you want to be a journalist, just do a ton of it.”