Barry Blitt’s “Red, White, and Kinda Blue”

For the cover of the May 11 & 18, 2026, special issue, themed around America’s 250th birthday, the cartoonist Barry Blitt portrays George Washington, the country’s first President, caught in the spirit of the moment. “There’s plenty to celebrate. Climate catastrophes are still somewhat infrequent . . . more or less. And, you’re free to express your opinion, as long as you keep your voice down and remember who you’re talking to,” Blitt said. “Also, the electrical grid appears to be holding for now. And, with any luck, the midterms will bring a ray of hope for the 251st Fourth of July, and beyond.”

For more covers about American history, see below:

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