Crushing It
How theNew York Timespodcaster became the thinking ladys new heartthrob and the internets intellectual daddy.
Something strange occurred this past Fourth of July weekend.
The bespectacled, decidedly shirt-onpolicy wonk and host of an eponymousNew York Timespodcast?
Here were the smartest, most discerning women I know, getting worked up about Kleins gently inquisitive tone.
His hyper-attuned listening skills.
His ability to untangle topics that no one else can.
Was it the mezcal talking, or were women hot for Ezra?
I decided to test drive the theory with a different focus group.
The consensus was immediate.
Kathryn C., 52, a writer in Dobbs Ferry, New York, practically swooned into the phone.
Oh Ezra, talk Gaza to me!
Klein is her new marital hall pass, she says.
Her 74-year-old mother is feeling it too.
She calls him her boyfriend.
Still, the current era of Ezra love burns noticeably hotter.
What shall we call this fandom?
an episode that, among my friends at least, breathed new life into a candidate who seemed unrevivable.
And in August, just as that candidate (underrated no more!)
It was the first time many of us had ever heard the man speak.
Four days later, bingo!
If I were a betting woman, Id wager that interview helped seal Walzs spot on the ticket.
Electoral telepathy (or was it telekinesis?)
At the time, any anti-Israel criticism was consideredgrounds for cancellation.
These glimpses never overshares into Kleins home life have helped him become more than just anotherNew York Timesknow-it-all.
Their vibe was pretty impeccable, says Miller S., 50, a theater teacher in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Impeccableis not how I would describe attempts at similar big-picture convos in my house.
Happens every time, says Emily S., 42, a producer from Palm Springs.
Imagine that in the hands of any other man, period.
Are you listening, partners?
On the couples therapy couch of life, Klein is not there to win.
Like, you feel the invasion of your intellectual space.
There can be a thing about winning the conversation.
I think Ezra is comfortable with gray areas.
He is never blaming anyone, even when hes pointing out mistakes.
Hes truly curious, not just looking to score points for what he already thinks.
(Been there!)
(Done that!)
Plus, while he was out, he posted anepic Twitter threadon the subject.
To miss that is to parent (and live) in grayscale, not color.
Is it the glasses?
Is it the listening skills?
And whats that tattoo, anyhow?
Does it matter if the modesty is engineered or real?
Its crush-worthy, either way.
Oh, and that tattoo?
Youre welcome, Reddit.
