Trump and Christian Nationalism

A satisfying but unlikely explanation.

(Last) Sunday’s Discussion Question Revisited

Wherein I finally reveal my answer (spoiler: it is hardly surprising). And, also, wherein despite the goal of brevity, I fail at that goal.

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The Coming Democratic Majority Isn’t Guaranteed

Ruy Teixeira finds that Hispanics aren’t yet woke.

Two Years After George Floyd

Very little progress has been made towards racial justice.

Tucker Carlson White Supremacist Messaging

The face of Fox News is not the bow-tied buffoon from his “Crossfire” days.

Proud Boys, Antifa Clash in Portland While Police Stand Idly By

The weirdest goddamn story you’re likely to read today.

Red Lights on the Dashboard

Some recent news items that add to concern about American democracy.

Friday Tab Clearing

Stories, links, and brief observations from the week that never grew into posts.

The GOP: Not a Civil War, Not a Purge

The GOP is actually pretty healthy at the moment, despite some public rhetoric to the contrary.

Defining ‘Extremism’ in the Military

It’s harder than a looks, especially given the limited size of the problem.

1776 Report Should be 86’d

A parting shot from the Trump administration.

Freedom, Security, and Insurrection

The aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riots runs into the First Amendment,

Violence after DC ‘Stop the Steal’ Rally

Peaceful protests were once again followed by nighttime clashes.

President-Elect Biden’s Victory Speech

“Now this campaign is over, what is the will of the people? What is our mandate?”

Trump Gaining Black and Hispanic Voters

Some surprising poll numbers.

Comparative Approval Ratings

Is Trump really an outlier?

Do the Polls Matter?

President Trump is historically unpopular and has consistently trailed Joe Biden. He could still win.

A Democratic Tsunami?

Even Republicans are wondering if President Trump is at his “Katrina moment.”

White Supremacist Steve King Ousted in GOP Primary

Iowa Republicans have had enough of being represented by a racist buffoon.

Protests, Riots, and Looting

Outside agitators, including white supremacist groups, are shaping public perception of the George Floyd protests.

The Problem with Trump: A Preface

Thinking about support for Trump and considering how recent events may influence that support.

Beto O’Rourke Hands Republicans A Gift On Guns

At last week’s debate, Beto O’Rourke handed Republicans and gun rights advocates a nicely wrapped gift with his claim that he would seize guns from otherwise law-abiding Americans.

Federal Agencies Sending Articles from Hate Sites to Employees

A disturbing story that’s almost certainly not what it first appears.

Joe Biden Being Joe Biden is Hurting Joe Biden

The 76-year-old Democratic frontrunner’s penchant for gaffes is raising questions about his fitness to govern.

What is American Patriotism?

There’s an inherent tension in our national ethos.

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Forays into Hackery (Tucker and Derschowitz)

Wherein I explore the notion that ignorance is bliss.

Trump’s Intellectuals?

A WaPo writer takes a round-about path to demonstrate the obvious.

Terrorist Attack Kills 49 in Christchurch Mosques

Another white supremacist attack raises disturbing questions about our information environment.

Racist Republican Congressman Steve King Is Unrepentant And Running For Re-Election

Steve King isn’t backing down from his history of white supremacy and racism. And he’s also running for re-election.

Today in Terrible Columns

Bret Stephens’ piece this week adds up to not much.

Radicalizing Rhetoric

Trump’s words matter.

Memetic Warfare and Stochaistic Terrorism

America’s tradition of unlimited free expression increases the danger of violence.

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Outrage Over Minority Rule

There is a frustration and a growing sense that the American political system is illegitimate.

Madison, Will, and the Ambitions of the GOP

Madison was right about politicians and ambition. He just didn’t see the how it would all play out.

Trump and Violating the Norms of Political Speech

An essay from earlier in the year by Jacob T. Levy underscores some of the points I recently tried to make about democratic norms in the current era.

Is Trump not that Bad?

It is a fair question. But judging the Trump administration on tax cuts, Gorsuch, and the DJIA is to ignore a lot of profound problems.

Budget Surplus in California

Responsible governance from the Golden State?

Trump’s Word are Solace to White Supremacists

Solace emboldens and helps to mainstream.

GoDaddy Boots Racist Website ‘Daily Stormer’

It couldn’t happen to a nicer domain. But it’s a slippery slope.

David Duke on the Rallies and on Trump

And some comments on Trumps’ anemic rhetoric.

The First 100

An assessment of the 45th President’s first 100 days.

Rep. Steve King Endorses Racist ‘White Nationalism’

Iowa Congressman Steve King is causing controversy yet again with his comments in support of far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders.

Murder Of Jo Cox, MP Looking Increasingly Like It Was Politically Motivated

The murder of Jo Cox, MP is looking more and more like a politically motivated assassination, and that’s causing some in Great Britain to look inward.

Some Republicans Can’t Seem To Admit That Racism Was Behind The Charleston Murders

It’s been obvious from the moment the news broke that the murders in Charleston were rooted in racism, but some Republicans have had trouble acknowledging that.

The Hispanic Challenge