Bill Scher
@billscher.bsky.social
Politics Editor for @washingtonmonthly.com
"Ms. Wiles and her team are so like-minded in their devotion to the president that they’ve in many ways lost touch with the outside world."
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/o...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/o...
Opinion | This Is the Real Reason Susie Wiles Talked to Me 11 Times
www.nytimes.com
February 5, 2026 at 12:35 AM
"Ms. Wiles and her team are so like-minded in their devotion to the president that they’ve in many ways lost touch with the outside world."
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/o...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/o...
Reposted by Bill Scher
On affordability, Democrats have the stronger hand. They just need to stop folding.
The winter issue of the Washington Monthly is here, featuring @glastris.bsky.social, @jrakove.bsky.social, @alexbronzini.bsky.social, @billscher.bsky.social, @gooznews.bsky.social + more: shorturl.at/38NmN
The winter issue of the Washington Monthly is here, featuring @glastris.bsky.social, @jrakove.bsky.social, @alexbronzini.bsky.social, @billscher.bsky.social, @gooznews.bsky.social + more: shorturl.at/38NmN
February 4, 2026 at 1:49 PM
On affordability, Democrats have the stronger hand. They just need to stop folding.
The winter issue of the Washington Monthly is here, featuring @glastris.bsky.social, @jrakove.bsky.social, @alexbronzini.bsky.social, @billscher.bsky.social, @gooznews.bsky.social + more: shorturl.at/38NmN
The winter issue of the Washington Monthly is here, featuring @glastris.bsky.social, @jrakove.bsky.social, @alexbronzini.bsky.social, @billscher.bsky.social, @gooznews.bsky.social + more: shorturl.at/38NmN
Reposted by Bill Scher
Dems had never focused on Epstein re: Trump. If Trump’s own appointees hadn’t hyped it up (and then very obviously tried to bury it when they realized what was inside), none of this would’ve come to light now, if ever.
February 4, 2026 at 2:51 AM
Dems had never focused on Epstein re: Trump. If Trump’s own appointees hadn’t hyped it up (and then very obviously tried to bury it when they realized what was inside), none of this would’ve come to light now, if ever.
(Not-the-most-important-thing-going-on-right-now disclaimer)
So Trump has the authoritarian power to add "THE DONALD J. TRUMP AND" to the Kennedy Center facade...
...but he's powerless to remove the subsequent "THE" before "JOHN F. KENNEDY" on the next line?
So Trump has the authoritarian power to add "THE DONALD J. TRUMP AND" to the Kennedy Center facade...
...but he's powerless to remove the subsequent "THE" before "JOHN F. KENNEDY" on the next line?
I need to vent…
The Kennedy Center is losing performers and money since Trump slapped his name on it.
A lot of people think Trump’s shutting it down out of embarrassment.
He’s going to make the Kennedy Center tacky, like he did the WH and turn it into the Trump Center?
The Kennedy Center is losing performers and money since Trump slapped his name on it.
A lot of people think Trump’s shutting it down out of embarrassment.
He’s going to make the Kennedy Center tacky, like he did the WH and turn it into the Trump Center?
February 3, 2026 at 4:07 PM
(Not-the-most-important-thing-going-on-right-now disclaimer)
So Trump has the authoritarian power to add "THE DONALD J. TRUMP AND" to the Kennedy Center facade...
...but he's powerless to remove the subsequent "THE" before "JOHN F. KENNEDY" on the next line?
So Trump has the authoritarian power to add "THE DONALD J. TRUMP AND" to the Kennedy Center facade...
...but he's powerless to remove the subsequent "THE" before "JOHN F. KENNEDY" on the next line?
Three Takeaways from the Taylor Rehmet Texas Shocker
1. Latino Voters Are Fleeing the GOP (and Screwing Up the GOP Gerrymanders)
2. The Democratic Brand Is Not in Crisis
3. Property Taxes May Be a Sleeper Issue
More from me: washingtonmonthly.com/2026/02/03/t...
1. Latino Voters Are Fleeing the GOP (and Screwing Up the GOP Gerrymanders)
2. The Democratic Brand Is Not in Crisis
3. Property Taxes May Be a Sleeper Issue
More from me: washingtonmonthly.com/2026/02/03/t...
Three Takeaways from the Taylor Rehmet Texas Shocker
Latino voters revolt, property taxes bite, and business as usual in Austin is upended as Democrat Taylor Rehmet flips a Trump district.
washingtonmonthly.com
February 3, 2026 at 12:33 PM
Three Takeaways from the Taylor Rehmet Texas Shocker
1. Latino Voters Are Fleeing the GOP (and Screwing Up the GOP Gerrymanders)
2. The Democratic Brand Is Not in Crisis
3. Property Taxes May Be a Sleeper Issue
More from me: washingtonmonthly.com/2026/02/03/t...
1. Latino Voters Are Fleeing the GOP (and Screwing Up the GOP Gerrymanders)
2. The Democratic Brand Is Not in Crisis
3. Property Taxes May Be a Sleeper Issue
More from me: washingtonmonthly.com/2026/02/03/t...
Reposted by Bill Scher
“.. manufacturing construction spending, which surged with Biden-era funding for chips and renewable energy, fell in each of Trump’s first nine months in office.”
February 3, 2026 at 10:08 AM
“.. manufacturing construction spending, which surged with Biden-era funding for chips and renewable energy, fell in each of Trump’s first nine months in office.”
Reposted by Bill Scher
After Democrats' win in Texas's conservative SD-09 over the weekend, they're overperforming their partisan baseline by an average of 12 points this cycle. docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
February 3, 2026 at 4:15 AM
After Democrats' win in Texas's conservative SD-09 over the weekend, they're overperforming their partisan baseline by an average of 12 points this cycle. docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Reposted by Bill Scher
“Having neither and bringing the adage into the 21st century, she pounds X (f/k/a Twitter).”
February 3, 2026 at 1:45 AM
“Having neither and bringing the adage into the 21st century, she pounds X (f/k/a Twitter).”
"By speaking directly with the investigators, the president may have provided significant ammunition to any future defense should the investigation yield criminal charges. His conversation with the agents would probably become part of an effort to have the case dismissed as a vindictive prosecution"
One more way in which the FBI's search of an Atlanta election office was surpassingly unusual: President Trump spoke to the agents who conducted the search during a phone call afterward.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/02/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/02/u...
Trump Had Unusual Call With F.B.I. Agents After Election Center Search
www.nytimes.com
February 2, 2026 at 5:13 PM
"By speaking directly with the investigators, the president may have provided significant ammunition to any future defense should the investigation yield criminal charges. His conversation with the agents would probably become part of an effort to have the case dismissed as a vindictive prosecution"
"Across [Texas] Democrats have recruited candidates to run in all 150 state House districts, 16 state Senate districts and every other state and federal contest on the ballot, a display of hope that backlash to Trump’s return to office will be swift and loud..."
www.texastribune.org/2026/01/30/t...
www.texastribune.org/2026/01/30/t...
Democrat wins special election for red Texas Senate seat
With ballots tallied from all but a handful of voting centers, Rehmet had 57% of the vote, besting the 43% for his GOP opponent, Leigh Wambsganss, who had a massive spending advantage.
www.texastribune.org
February 1, 2026 at 6:40 PM
"Across [Texas] Democrats have recruited candidates to run in all 150 state House districts, 16 state Senate districts and every other state and federal contest on the ballot, a display of hope that backlash to Trump’s return to office will be swift and loud..."
www.texastribune.org/2026/01/30/t...
www.texastribune.org/2026/01/30/t...
Reposted by Bill Scher
I covered Tarrant County closely for years. It has long been seen as the ultimate bellwether for Texas politically.
As I wrote in 2013: “Tarrant County is both the largest reliably Republican county in Texas and ground zero for Democrats’ efforts to turn the state blue.”
As I wrote in 2013: “Tarrant County is both the largest reliably Republican county in Texas and ground zero for Democrats’ efforts to turn the state blue.”
In Tarrant County, the State's Political Future - The Texas Tribune
Tarrant County is both the largest reliably Republican county in Texas and ground zero for Democrats’ efforts to turn the state blue.
www.texastribune.org
February 1, 2026 at 1:15 PM
I covered Tarrant County closely for years. It has long been seen as the ultimate bellwether for Texas politically.
As I wrote in 2013: “Tarrant County is both the largest reliably Republican county in Texas and ground zero for Democrats’ efforts to turn the state blue.”
As I wrote in 2013: “Tarrant County is both the largest reliably Republican county in Texas and ground zero for Democrats’ efforts to turn the state blue.”
What’s that again about the Democratic brand?
JUST IN: Democrats flip a red seat in the Texas Senate.
Taylor Rehmet wins against Leigh Wambsganss, a conservative activist who helped lead right-wing efforts to take over TX school boards.
With all early vote, and 95% of precincts, in, Dem up 57/43.
Trump won this seat by 17% in Tarrant County.
Taylor Rehmet wins against Leigh Wambsganss, a conservative activist who helped lead right-wing efforts to take over TX school boards.
With all early vote, and 95% of precincts, in, Dem up 57/43.
Trump won this seat by 17% in Tarrant County.
February 1, 2026 at 6:25 AM
What’s that again about the Democratic brand?
Reposted by Bill Scher
The load-bearing pillar of the MAGA-era Republican Party is crumbling under the weight of Trump’s poor economic stewardship, writes Bill Scher (@billscher.bsky.social). Will the Minneapolis homicides be the last straw?
washingtonmonthly.com/2026/01/30/t...
washingtonmonthly.com/2026/01/30/t...
Trump Is Losing the White Working Class
The latest poll from Fox News shows President Donald Trump’s job approval among white voters without college degrees is underwater.
washingtonmonthly.com
January 30, 2026 at 4:23 PM
The load-bearing pillar of the MAGA-era Republican Party is crumbling under the weight of Trump’s poor economic stewardship, writes Bill Scher (@billscher.bsky.social). Will the Minneapolis homicides be the last straw?
washingtonmonthly.com/2026/01/30/t...
washingtonmonthly.com/2026/01/30/t...
“Trump Is Losing the White Working-Class” — my data dive for @washingtonmonthly.com
washingtonmonthly.com/2026/01/30/t...
washingtonmonthly.com/2026/01/30/t...
Trump Is Losing the White Working-Class
The latest poll from Fox News shows President Donald Trump’s job approval among white voters without college degrees is underwater.
washingtonmonthly.com
January 30, 2026 at 12:29 PM
“Trump Is Losing the White Working-Class” — my data dive for @washingtonmonthly.com
washingtonmonthly.com/2026/01/30/t...
washingtonmonthly.com/2026/01/30/t...
New Fox News poll has Trump job approve-disapprove underwater with non-college whites: 49-51
static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/...
static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/...
static.foxnews.com
January 29, 2026 at 1:54 AM
New Fox News poll has Trump job approve-disapprove underwater with non-college whites: 49-51
static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/...
static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/...
Reposted by Bill Scher
More on this by @billscher.bsky.social: washingtonmonthly.com/2025/06/13/w...
January 28, 2026 at 5:56 PM
More on this by @billscher.bsky.social: washingtonmonthly.com/2025/06/13/w...
My @washingtonmonthly.com column today chronicles Trump's 5-decade history of advocating for an "unshackled" police and violence against protesters & immigrants washingtonmonthly.com/2026/01/28/b...
The paper & video trail is long. Let's take a look...
The paper & video trail is long. Let's take a look...
Don’t Make Bovino the Fall Guy for the Violence Trump Long Craved
The White House is scapegoating Greg Bovino for killings in Minnesota. But Trump has spent years urging police brutality and mob violence.
washingtonmonthly.com
January 28, 2026 at 1:38 PM
My @washingtonmonthly.com column today chronicles Trump's 5-decade history of advocating for an "unshackled" police and violence against protesters & immigrants washingtonmonthly.com/2026/01/28/b...
The paper & video trail is long. Let's take a look...
The paper & video trail is long. Let's take a look...
Don't make Bovino the fall guy when Trump has been advocating for "unshackled" police since '89, urging violence against protesters & immigrants since '15 and turning violent rhetoric into policy as POTUS
My @washingtonmonthly.com look at Trump's long record
washingtonmonthly.com/2026/01/28/b...
My @washingtonmonthly.com look at Trump's long record
washingtonmonthly.com/2026/01/28/b...
Don’t Make Bovino the Fall Guy for the Violence Trump Long Craved
The White House is scapegoating Greg Bovino for killings in Minnesota. But Trump has spent years urging police brutality and mob violence.
washingtonmonthly.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:57 PM
Don't make Bovino the fall guy when Trump has been advocating for "unshackled" police since '89, urging violence against protesters & immigrants since '15 and turning violent rhetoric into policy as POTUS
My @washingtonmonthly.com look at Trump's long record
washingtonmonthly.com/2026/01/28/b...
My @washingtonmonthly.com look at Trump's long record
washingtonmonthly.com/2026/01/28/b...
I get the political logic of going after underlings like Miller, Noem and Bovino, but I hate the ludicrous inference that Trump is just being poorly served and isn’t directly responsible.
Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., rolls out his demand for supporting a DHS appropriations bill: fire Stephen Miller
January 28, 2026 at 4:06 AM
I get the political logic of going after underlings like Miller, Noem and Bovino, but I hate the ludicrous inference that Trump is just being poorly served and isn’t directly responsible.
Reposted by Bill Scher
This was an uphill battle for the state of Minnesota — but Pam Bondi's letter may have turned it into a viable one, if not today, down the line.
Time will tell. 🔽
Time will tell. 🔽
JUDGE: “It concerns me that Attorney General Bondi’s letter cites three things that are the subject of pending litigation before this court,” referring to the District of Minnesota.
"Is the executive trying to achieve a goal through force that it can't achieve through the Courts?"
"Is the executive trying to achieve a goal through force that it can't achieve through the Courts?"
January 26, 2026 at 5:07 PM
This was an uphill battle for the state of Minnesota — but Pam Bondi's letter may have turned it into a viable one, if not today, down the line.
Time will tell. 🔽
Time will tell. 🔽
Reposted by Bill Scher
Analysis:
Judge Menendez appears skeptical of her power to order immediate relief in this unprecedented situation.
But her comments about developing an evidentiary record COULD suggest receptiveness to the state's anti-commandeering args down the line.
Judge Menendez appears skeptical of her power to order immediate relief in this unprecedented situation.
But her comments about developing an evidentiary record COULD suggest receptiveness to the state's anti-commandeering args down the line.
January 26, 2026 at 4:41 PM
Analysis:
Judge Menendez appears skeptical of her power to order immediate relief in this unprecedented situation.
But her comments about developing an evidentiary record COULD suggest receptiveness to the state's anti-commandeering args down the line.
Judge Menendez appears skeptical of her power to order immediate relief in this unprecedented situation.
But her comments about developing an evidentiary record COULD suggest receptiveness to the state's anti-commandeering args down the line.
"Mr. President, the American people didn’t vote for these scenes and you can’t continue to order them to not believe their lying eyes."
NY Post editorial board: "The alacritous and misleading rhetoric coming out of the administration needs to stop ... DHS Secretary Kristi Noem should also take a break from her self-promoting and combative TV hits."
nypost.com/2026/01/25/o...
nypost.com/2026/01/25/o...
What Trump’s next move needs to be in Minneapolis
It’s time to de-escalate in Minneapolis, Mr. President.
nypost.com
January 26, 2026 at 3:44 AM
"Mr. President, the American people didn’t vote for these scenes and you can’t continue to order them to not believe their lying eyes."
NY Post editorial board: "The alacritous and misleading rhetoric coming out of the administration needs to stop ... DHS Secretary Kristi Noem should also take a break from her self-promoting and combative TV hits."
nypost.com/2026/01/25/o...
nypost.com/2026/01/25/o...
What Trump’s next move needs to be in Minneapolis
It’s time to de-escalate in Minneapolis, Mr. President.
nypost.com
January 26, 2026 at 3:43 AM
NY Post editorial board: "The alacritous and misleading rhetoric coming out of the administration needs to stop ... DHS Secretary Kristi Noem should also take a break from her self-promoting and combative TV hits."
nypost.com/2026/01/25/o...
nypost.com/2026/01/25/o...
"Truth is a line of demarcation between a democratic government and an authoritarian regime. Mr. Pretti and Ms. Good are dead. The American people deserve to know what happened ... Congress ought to investigate..."
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/25/o...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/25/o...
Opinion | The Trump Administration Is Lying to Our Faces. Congress Must Act.
www.nytimes.com
January 26, 2026 at 2:38 AM
"Truth is a line of demarcation between a democratic government and an authoritarian regime. Mr. Pretti and Ms. Good are dead. The American people deserve to know what happened ... Congress ought to investigate..."
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/25/o...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/25/o...
"The Trump Administration spin on this simply isn’t believable"
"To hear the ardent gun-rights advocates of the Trump Administration claim he had malicious intentions because he carried a concealed weapon is bizarre"
"this calls for rethinking how ICE conducts itself"
"To hear the ardent gun-rights advocates of the Trump Administration claim he had malicious intentions because he carried a concealed weapon is bizarre"
"this calls for rethinking how ICE conducts itself"
WSJ Editorial Board: Time for ICE to Pause in Minnesota www.wsj.com/opinion/time...
January 26, 2026 at 1:33 AM
"The Trump Administration spin on this simply isn’t believable"
"To hear the ardent gun-rights advocates of the Trump Administration claim he had malicious intentions because he carried a concealed weapon is bizarre"
"this calls for rethinking how ICE conducts itself"
"To hear the ardent gun-rights advocates of the Trump Administration claim he had malicious intentions because he carried a concealed weapon is bizarre"
"this calls for rethinking how ICE conducts itself"