Bill Scher
@billscher.bsky.social
Politics Editor for @washingtonmonthly.com
Crucial (still going) thread
Disturbingly detailed analysis of my first rewatch incoming
February 9, 2026 at 4:14 AM
Crucial (still going) thread
Reposted by Bill Scher
On the latest It's the Democracy, Stupid with @billscher.bsky.social & @eisendrath.net: GOP Gerrymandering Backlash in Texas
Subscribe to watch
www.lincolnsquare.media/p/gop-gerrym...
Subscribe to watch
www.lincolnsquare.media/p/gop-gerrym...
GOP Gerrymandering Backlash in Texas | It's the Democracy, Stupid with The Washington Monthly's Bill Scher & Edwin Eisendrath
"Anyone who's looking at the numbers can figure out that Trump's stock in the country is tanking."
www.lincolnsquare.media
February 8, 2026 at 9:27 PM
On the latest It's the Democracy, Stupid with @billscher.bsky.social & @eisendrath.net: GOP Gerrymandering Backlash in Texas
Subscribe to watch
www.lincolnsquare.media/p/gop-gerrym...
Subscribe to watch
www.lincolnsquare.media/p/gop-gerrym...
Democratic ad copy for November already written
Trump also said he fully owns the economy now, implying he wouldn’t blame Biden for bad news again:
“At what point are we in the Trump economy?” Llamas asked.
“I’d say we’re there now,” he replied. “I’m very proud of it.”
“At what point are we in the Trump economy?” Llamas asked.
“I’d say we’re there now,” he replied. “I’m very proud of it.”
Trump accepts ownership of the current economy: 'I'm very proud of it'
In an exclusive interview with NBC News, the president said the country is already experiencing the "Trump economy."
www.nbcnews.com
February 8, 2026 at 9:55 PM
Democratic ad copy for November already written
Reposted by Bill Scher
Not sure any more hot takes are needed but... Humans are complicated and McSweeney was both extremely factional and ruthless and deeply protective of staff. He inspired a loyalty you rarely see. He fought a lot of wars he shouldn’t have started. No one is left in there to fight a war for Starmer now
February 8, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Not sure any more hot takes are needed but... Humans are complicated and McSweeney was both extremely factional and ruthless and deeply protective of staff. He inspired a loyalty you rarely see. He fought a lot of wars he shouldn’t have started. No one is left in there to fight a war for Starmer now
Reposted by Bill Scher
👀 What if I told you there was a hidden art gallery scattered across the country?
What if I told you some of its treasures had vanished?
What if I told you that I found them?
A project three years in the making (🎁 gift link):
What if I told you some of its treasures had vanished?
What if I told you that I found them?
A project three years in the making (🎁 gift link):
The disappearing art gallery in your post office
The U.S. Postal Service is home to thousands of historic works of art in post offices nationwide. Hundreds have been lost, sold or destroyed.
wapo.st
February 8, 2026 at 2:08 PM
👀 What if I told you there was a hidden art gallery scattered across the country?
What if I told you some of its treasures had vanished?
What if I told you that I found them?
A project three years in the making (🎁 gift link):
What if I told you some of its treasures had vanished?
What if I told you that I found them?
A project three years in the making (🎁 gift link):
“President Trump has built a coalition, not a cult … Only 38 percent of Trump’s 77 million voters say that being MAGA is important to them”
open.substack.com/pub/thewelco...
open.substack.com/pub/thewelco...
Game of Inches
Dems lost to a coalition, not a cult
open.substack.com
February 8, 2026 at 2:22 PM
“President Trump has built a coalition, not a cult … Only 38 percent of Trump’s 77 million voters say that being MAGA is important to them”
open.substack.com/pub/thewelco...
open.substack.com/pub/thewelco...
Reposted by Bill Scher
Foling deadline for Los Angeles mayor passed today, & no major challenger to Karen Bass from her right materialized; Austin Beutner dropped out earlier this week, Lindsey Horvath & Rick Caruso did not enter. Main opponents include Nythia Raman and Rae Huang from her left, and celeb Spencer Pratt.
February 7, 2026 at 10:42 PM
Foling deadline for Los Angeles mayor passed today, & no major challenger to Karen Bass from her right materialized; Austin Beutner dropped out earlier this week, Lindsey Horvath & Rick Caruso did not enter. Main opponents include Nythia Raman and Rae Huang from her left, and celeb Spencer Pratt.
“Bovino…called federal prosecutors, pressing them to charge demonstrators…When a prosecutor asked what the operation’s end goal was, several people familiar…recalled Mr. Bovino saying that he did not intend to ‘calm it down’
…‘We’re going to put it down’”
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/u...
…‘We’re going to put it down’”
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/u...
Prosecutors Began Investigating Renee Good’s Killing. Washington Told Them to Stop.
www.nytimes.com
February 7, 2026 at 1:22 PM
“Bovino…called federal prosecutors, pressing them to charge demonstrators…When a prosecutor asked what the operation’s end goal was, several people familiar…recalled Mr. Bovino saying that he did not intend to ‘calm it down’
…‘We’re going to put it down’”
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/u...
…‘We’re going to put it down’”
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/u...
Reposted by Bill Scher
No, Trump didn't pivot on Minnesota. We'll get a reality check on that & much more Saturday on WCPT/ @heartlandsignal.bsky.social with:
+ @djrothkopf.bsky.social
+ @billscher.bsky.social
+ @jhollymc.bsky.social
+ J. Patrick Coolican of @minnesotareformer.com
🤳Stream 1-4 CT bit.ly/3DAcG8s
+ @djrothkopf.bsky.social
+ @billscher.bsky.social
+ @jhollymc.bsky.social
+ J. Patrick Coolican of @minnesotareformer.com
🤳Stream 1-4 CT bit.ly/3DAcG8s
WCPT 820 Radio
The home of Chicago's Progressive Talk
bit.ly
February 6, 2026 at 10:12 PM
No, Trump didn't pivot on Minnesota. We'll get a reality check on that & much more Saturday on WCPT/ @heartlandsignal.bsky.social with:
+ @djrothkopf.bsky.social
+ @billscher.bsky.social
+ @jhollymc.bsky.social
+ J. Patrick Coolican of @minnesotareformer.com
🤳Stream 1-4 CT bit.ly/3DAcG8s
+ @djrothkopf.bsky.social
+ @billscher.bsky.social
+ @jhollymc.bsky.social
+ J. Patrick Coolican of @minnesotareformer.com
🤳Stream 1-4 CT bit.ly/3DAcG8s
Reposted by Bill Scher
How Worried Should Democrats Be About Trump Stealing the Next Election?
Be vigilant, be imaginative, but also remember that everything the president is doing to impose restrictive voting measures is backfiring on Republicans, just like his previous efforts, @billscher.bsky.social writes.
Be vigilant, be imaginative, but also remember that everything the president is doing to impose restrictive voting measures is backfiring on Republicans, just like his previous efforts, @billscher.bsky.social writes.
How Worried Should Democrats Be About Trump Stealing the Next Election?
Trump is again talking about controlling and stealing elections. History suggests Democrats should worry—but not panic.
washingtonmonthly.com
February 6, 2026 at 2:16 PM
How Worried Should Democrats Be About Trump Stealing the Next Election?
Be vigilant, be imaginative, but also remember that everything the president is doing to impose restrictive voting measures is backfiring on Republicans, just like his previous efforts, @billscher.bsky.social writes.
Be vigilant, be imaginative, but also remember that everything the president is doing to impose restrictive voting measures is backfiring on Republicans, just like his previous efforts, @billscher.bsky.social writes.
“How Worried Should Democrats Be About Trump Stealing the Next Election?”
My latest for @washingtonmonthly.com
washingtonmonthly.com/2026/02/06/t...
My latest for @washingtonmonthly.com
washingtonmonthly.com/2026/02/06/t...
How Worried Should Democrats Be About Trump Stealing the Next Election?
Trump is again talking about controlling and stealing elections. History suggests Democrats should worry—but not panic.
washingtonmonthly.com
February 6, 2026 at 12:09 PM
“How Worried Should Democrats Be About Trump Stealing the Next Election?”
My latest for @washingtonmonthly.com
washingtonmonthly.com/2026/02/06/t...
My latest for @washingtonmonthly.com
washingtonmonthly.com/2026/02/06/t...
"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?