Bill Scher
@billscher.bsky.social
Politics Editor for @washingtonmonthly.com
This was my last straw. Cancelled my subscription.
I’m not a purist. I have a job to do & if WP was producing enough essential journalism I’d suck up the parts I didn’t like. Some good journos remain there, but I can go 24 hrs w/out it now and still be sufficiently informed.
I’m not a purist. I have a job to do & if WP was producing enough essential journalism I’d suck up the parts I didn’t like. Some good journos remain there, but I can go 24 hrs w/out it now and still be sufficiently informed.
February 11, 2026 at 2:27 PM
This was my last straw. Cancelled my subscription.
I’m not a purist. I have a job to do & if WP was producing enough essential journalism I’d suck up the parts I didn’t like. Some good journos remain there, but I can go 24 hrs w/out it now and still be sufficiently informed.
I’m not a purist. I have a job to do & if WP was producing enough essential journalism I’d suck up the parts I didn’t like. Some good journos remain there, but I can go 24 hrs w/out it now and still be sufficiently informed.
Reposted by Bill Scher
Yikes here are the numbers for the past 12 months. Everything is pretty much dead except healthcare/social assistance. Note that healthcare growth is largely not about the business cycle -- it's about the aging of the population and more elderly people needing care.
February 11, 2026 at 1:47 PM
Yikes here are the numbers for the past 12 months. Everything is pretty much dead except healthcare/social assistance. Note that healthcare growth is largely not about the business cycle -- it's about the aging of the population and more elderly people needing care.
Reposted by Bill Scher
Solid number January 2026 (+130k). However, the change in total nonfarm employment for 2025 was revised from +584,000 to +181,000 (seasonally adjusted). So much weaker than initially estimated
February 11, 2026 at 1:33 PM
Solid number January 2026 (+130k). However, the change in total nonfarm employment for 2025 was revised from +584,000 to +181,000 (seasonally adjusted). So much weaker than initially estimated
At 42.0%, Trump reaches a new 2nd term low in the RCP job approval average: www.realclearpolling.com/polls/approv...
His first-term low was 37.1% in mid-December 2017, just before passage of his tax cut bill which got him back into the low 40s (but insufficient for re-election).
His first-term low was 37.1% in mid-December 2017, just before passage of his tax cut bill which got him back into the low 40s (but insufficient for re-election).
President Trump Job Approval | RealClearPolling
President Trump Job Approval | RealClearPolling
www.realclearpolling.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:36 PM
At 42.0%, Trump reaches a new 2nd term low in the RCP job approval average: www.realclearpolling.com/polls/approv...
His first-term low was 37.1% in mid-December 2017, just before passage of his tax cut bill which got him back into the low 40s (but insufficient for re-election).
His first-term low was 37.1% in mid-December 2017, just before passage of his tax cut bill which got him back into the low 40s (but insufficient for re-election).
“I can get read in on it, it just hasn’t been a priority for me” is the absolute worst way to answer this question
CNBC: How unusual is it for a senator to not know what's happening when the FAA shuts down airspace for a major airport for 10 days?
MARKWAYNE MULLIN: It's not really my lane right now. It's just not something I'm dealing with. We got so many things we're working on around the world, like Iran
MARKWAYNE MULLIN: It's not really my lane right now. It's just not something I'm dealing with. We got so many things we're working on around the world, like Iran
February 11, 2026 at 1:23 PM
“I can get read in on it, it just hasn’t been a priority for me” is the absolute worst way to answer this question
Reposted by Bill Scher
The average over performance for Dems so far from 2024 is +10.5: docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
February 11, 2026 at 2:36 AM
The average over performance for Dems so far from 2024 is +10.5: docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Reposted by Bill Scher
Thune says Senate Republicans are having a "robust" conversation about the SAVE Act, which he says he supports. "How we get to that vote remains to be seen." It doesn't have 60 votes. "There aren't anywhere close to the votes—not even close—to nuking the filibuster," he adds.
February 10, 2026 at 7:49 PM
Thune says Senate Republicans are having a "robust" conversation about the SAVE Act, which he says he supports. "How we get to that vote remains to be seen." It doesn't have 60 votes. "There aren't anywhere close to the votes—not even close—to nuking the filibuster," he adds.
Reposted by Bill Scher
Donald Trump won a second term with increased support among voters of color despite his many racist transgressions. But now that he has failed to deliver the economy he promised, while letting immigration agents run wild, he is hemorrhaging support across racial lines, @billscher.bsky.social writes.
Donald Trump Is Really Racist
Trump not only traffics in racist rhetoric, but also racist policies, and we should not shy away from pointing out the harms.
washingtonmonthly.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Donald Trump won a second term with increased support among voters of color despite his many racist transgressions. But now that he has failed to deliver the economy he promised, while letting immigration agents run wild, he is hemorrhaging support across racial lines, @billscher.bsky.social writes.
“Donald Trump Is Really Racist”
My latest on why that matters, for @washingtonmonthly.com
washingtonmonthly.com/2026/02/10/d...
My latest on why that matters, for @washingtonmonthly.com
washingtonmonthly.com/2026/02/10/d...
Donald Trump Is Really Racist
Trump not only traffics in racist rhetoric, but also racist policies, and we should not shy away from pointing out the harms.
washingtonmonthly.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:34 PM
“Donald Trump Is Really Racist”
My latest on why that matters, for @washingtonmonthly.com
washingtonmonthly.com/2026/02/10/d...
My latest on why that matters, for @washingtonmonthly.com
washingtonmonthly.com/2026/02/10/d...
Reposted by Bill Scher
This means Malinowski needs to win what is left by *at least* 19% (in actuality a bit more once you account ballots that won't count in this race). Certainly a tough road.
February 9, 2026 at 11:45 PM
This means Malinowski needs to win what is left by *at least* 19% (in actuality a bit more once you account ballots that won't count in this race). Certainly a tough road.
TX primary polls taken in Jan
U of Houston: Crockett +8
TPOR: Crockett +1
Emerson: Talarico +9
Crockett up w/Blacks & Latinos in UoH
Talarico up w/white & Latinos in Emerson/TPOR, less so w/TPOR
www.uh.edu/hobby/primar...
drive.google.com/file/d/1JrlS...
emersoncollegepolling.com/texas-2026-p...
U of Houston: Crockett +8
TPOR: Crockett +1
Emerson: Talarico +9
Crockett up w/Blacks & Latinos in UoH
Talarico up w/white & Latinos in Emerson/TPOR, less so w/TPOR
www.uh.edu/hobby/primar...
drive.google.com/file/d/1JrlS...
emersoncollegepolling.com/texas-2026-p...
February 9, 2026 at 4:53 PM
TX primary polls taken in Jan
U of Houston: Crockett +8
TPOR: Crockett +1
Emerson: Talarico +9
Crockett up w/Blacks & Latinos in UoH
Talarico up w/white & Latinos in Emerson/TPOR, less so w/TPOR
www.uh.edu/hobby/primar...
drive.google.com/file/d/1JrlS...
emersoncollegepolling.com/texas-2026-p...
U of Houston: Crockett +8
TPOR: Crockett +1
Emerson: Talarico +9
Crockett up w/Blacks & Latinos in UoH
Talarico up w/white & Latinos in Emerson/TPOR, less so w/TPOR
www.uh.edu/hobby/primar...
drive.google.com/file/d/1JrlS...
emersoncollegepolling.com/texas-2026-p...
Reposted by Bill Scher
Yes, some libertarians *did* try to warn you about Trump. But you canceled them for it.
February 9, 2026 at 2:44 PM
Yes, some libertarians *did* try to warn you about Trump. But you canceled them for it.
Reposted by Bill Scher
Such an important story: ProPublica went inside the immigrant detention center for families in Dilley, Texas. Children held there told us about the anguish of being ripped from their lives in the U.S. and the fear of what comes next.
@micarosenberg.bsky.social
@micarosenberg.bsky.social
The Kids Trump Sent to ICE’s Dilley Detention Center
ProPublica went inside the immigrant detention center for families in Dilley, Texas. Children held there told us about the anguish of being ripped from their lives in the United States and the fear of...
www.propublica.org
February 9, 2026 at 1:15 PM
Such an important story: ProPublica went inside the immigrant detention center for families in Dilley, Texas. Children held there told us about the anguish of being ripped from their lives in the U.S. and the fear of what comes next.
@micarosenberg.bsky.social
@micarosenberg.bsky.social
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.