Joan McCarter
@joanmccarter.com
Political writer, politician haranguer, senior pet caretaker, gardener
Reposted by Joan McCarter
On the more optimistic side, there recently was a special election in St. Paul, Minnesota—during the peak of ICE’s occupation—where the Democratic candidate overperformed by an astonishing margin
What would happen if Trump tried to send troops to disrupt the midterms? Undaunted voters in the Twin Cities just gave us an answer: It could backfire very, very badly.
New from The Downballot: A wild overperformance in St. Paul shows Minnesotans will "crawl over broken glass" to vote—despite ICE.
New from The Downballot: A wild overperformance in St. Paul shows Minnesotans will "crawl over broken glass" to vote—despite ICE.
Minnesotans just showed they’ll ‘crawl over broken glass’ to vote, despite ICE terror
If Trump sends troops to disrupt voting, he could face a massive backlash
www.the-downballot.com
February 17, 2026 at 9:46 PM
On the more optimistic side, there recently was a special election in St. Paul, Minnesota—during the peak of ICE’s occupation—where the Democratic candidate overperformed by an astonishing margin
Reposted by Joan McCarter
I’ve been reluctant to discuss this issue on here for this very reason, so read this.
I do share the concern about Trump using federal agents to disrupt voting, but social media posts run the risk of doing Steve Bannon’s work for him
I do share the concern about Trump using federal agents to disrupt voting, but social media posts run the risk of doing Steve Bannon’s work for him
Sowing fear of "ICE at the polls!" could do more to suppress votes than any actual ICE at the polls. Here's an explanation of the right's strategy on this, along with my recommendations for what to do instead of playing along.
katestarbird.substack.com/p/effective-...
katestarbird.substack.com/p/effective-...
February 17, 2026 at 9:42 PM
I’ve been reluctant to discuss this issue on here for this very reason, so read this.
I do share the concern about Trump using federal agents to disrupt voting, but social media posts run the risk of doing Steve Bannon’s work for him
I do share the concern about Trump using federal agents to disrupt voting, but social media posts run the risk of doing Steve Bannon’s work for him
Reposted by Joan McCarter
Mike Rounds says Republicans just want to make you show your document with a yellow star in order to vote
February 17, 2026 at 9:34 PM
Mike Rounds says Republicans just want to make you show your document with a yellow star in order to vote
Reposted by Joan McCarter
Coverage of Andy Barr, a sitting Congressman and candidate for U.S. Senate, running an ad declaring, "It's not a sin to be white" -- a variation of a notorious white nationalist slogan
AP: Zero
NYT: Zero
WashPost: Zero
Reuters: Zero
Politico: Zero
Axios: Zero
AP: Zero
NYT: Zero
WashPost: Zero
Reuters: Zero
Politico: Zero
Axios: Zero
Major corporations bankroll political ad featuring white supremacist slogan
Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY), who is running to replace Mitch McConnell in the United States Senate, released his first television ad earlier this month.
popular.info
February 17, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Coverage of Andy Barr, a sitting Congressman and candidate for U.S. Senate, running an ad declaring, "It's not a sin to be white" -- a variation of a notorious white nationalist slogan
AP: Zero
NYT: Zero
WashPost: Zero
Reuters: Zero
Politico: Zero
Axios: Zero
AP: Zero
NYT: Zero
WashPost: Zero
Reuters: Zero
Politico: Zero
Axios: Zero
Reposted by Joan McCarter
The regime is now dictating what political views are acceptable to air on television and paramount/cbs are collaborating in that censorship bsky.app/profile/ditz...
Stephen Colbert said that the FCC and CBS - which is in no way a compromised or complicit organization - wouldn’t allow him to broadcast an interview with Democratic State Rep James Talarico. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/17/a...
Colbert Doesn’t Give an FCC About Calling Out CBS
www.nytimes.com
February 17, 2026 at 12:09 PM
The regime is now dictating what political views are acceptable to air on television and paramount/cbs are collaborating in that censorship bsky.app/profile/ditz...
Reposted by Joan McCarter
Large electric powered container ships are already a reality.
When posting about this 2 years ago the so-called “experts” said it is impossible.
Can people stop listening to oil and gas “experts” soon?
When posting about this 2 years ago the so-called “experts” said it is impossible.
Can people stop listening to oil and gas “experts” soon?
China Starts Sea Trials for Largest Electric-Powered Containership
China’s first 10,000-ton electric containership is beginning sea trials. The shipyard is billing the ship as the largest of its kind and a further bre...
maritime-executive.com
February 12, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Large electric powered container ships are already a reality.
When posting about this 2 years ago the so-called “experts” said it is impossible.
Can people stop listening to oil and gas “experts” soon?
When posting about this 2 years ago the so-called “experts” said it is impossible.
Can people stop listening to oil and gas “experts” soon?
Reposted by Joan McCarter
Judge Rufe's opinion ordering the Trump administration to restore truthful panels about Washington's ownership of enslaved persons from the President's House site in Phila is here. (I jailbroke it from PACER.)
TL;DR: Gov't acted arbitrarily, capriciously.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
TL;DR: Gov't acted arbitrarily, capriciously.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
![Some escaped to freedom, including Oney Judge. The President’s House displays recognized
Oney Judge and focused on how her struggle for freedom represented this country’s progress
away from the horrors of slavery and into an era where the founding ideals of “Life, Liberty and
the pursuit of Happiness”
165 could be embodied for every American.
And yet, in its argument, the government claims it alone has the power to erase, alter,
remove and hide historical accounts on taxpayer and local government-funded monuments
within its control. Its claims in this regard echo Big Brother’s domain in Orwell’s 1984, where:
The largest section of the [government’s] Records Department . . . consisted simply
of persons whose duty it was to track down and collect all copies of books,
newspapers, and other documents which had been superseded and were due for
destruction. A number of the Times [a newspaper] which might, because of changes
in political alignment, or mistaken prophesies uttered by Big Brother, have been
rewritten a dozen times still stood on the files bearing its original date, and no other
copy existed to contradict it. Books, also, were recalled and rewritten again and
again, and were invariably reissued without any admission that any alteration had
been made. Even the written instructions [for workers in the Records Department]
. . . never stated or implied that an act of forgery was to be committed; always the
reference was to slips, errors, misprints, or misquotations which it was necessary to
put right in the interests of accuracy.166
The government here likewise asserts truth is no longer self-evident, but rather the property of
the elected chief magistrate and his appointees and delegees, at his whim to be scraped clean,
hidden, or overwritten. And why? Solely because, as Defendants state, it has the power. At oral
argument, Defendants insisted:
Although many people feel strongly about this one way, other people may disagree
or feel strongly another way. Ultimatel…](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:wovz3whdkughp6decczypkqq/bafkreieozargzz4mwsqojgo7uapxz6ucuof2uw7k66q45tlgjvu3bgnupi@jpeg)
![. . . [T]he message that the Government chooses to convey is for the Government
to choose. I don't get to choose what that message is. And it's our position that the
City doesn't either.167
An agency, whether the Department of the Interior, NPS, or any other agency, cannot
arbitrarily decide what is true, based on its own whims or the whims of the new leadership,
regardless of the evidence before it. Accordingly, the City is likely to prevail on its claims that
the removal was arbitrary and capricious](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:wovz3whdkughp6decczypkqq/bafkreidpzcv3mt65ac543gn5t4vkirwm6d64zr6taujzfiybsps65np6ea@jpeg)
February 16, 2026 at 5:43 PM
Judge Rufe's opinion ordering the Trump administration to restore truthful panels about Washington's ownership of enslaved persons from the President's House site in Phila is here. (I jailbroke it from PACER.)
TL;DR: Gov't acted arbitrarily, capriciously.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
TL;DR: Gov't acted arbitrarily, capriciously.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Reposted by Joan McCarter
Just noting this because I have cited the trends a lot recently: Tracking data from Civiqs now shows a plurality of the public favors abolishing ICE, with 47% in support and 46% opposed. Independents are net +5 on abolish, up from -40 a year ago substack.com/profile/4791...
February 14, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Just noting this because I have cited the trends a lot recently: Tracking data from Civiqs now shows a plurality of the public favors abolishing ICE, with 47% in support and 46% opposed. Independents are net +5 on abolish, up from -40 a year ago substack.com/profile/4791...
Reposted by Joan McCarter
Thanks to Susan Collins, Rs now claim to have secured 51 votes in the Senate & will thus move into the phrase of pressuring Senators to nuke the filibuster. If this pressure campaign succeeds, their voter suppression bill, the Save America Act, becomes law. Thread. #NoOnSave
February 13, 2026 at 10:58 PM
Thanks to Susan Collins, Rs now claim to have secured 51 votes in the Senate & will thus move into the phrase of pressuring Senators to nuke the filibuster. If this pressure campaign succeeds, their voter suppression bill, the Save America Act, becomes law. Thread. #NoOnSave
Reposted by Joan McCarter
“Upon arrival at the center — which is the same where 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos was held with his father, Adrian Conejo Arias — Amalia's health worsened quickly, the lawsuit said, and on Jan. 1, she developed a fever that peaked at 104 degrees and would not break.”
Amalia, 18 months, "nearly died" at Dilley migrant family jail, a lawyer for her family said in a statement to @people.com: people.com/toddler-hosp...
Toddler, Hospitalized with Life-Threatening Respiratory Failure, Was Returned to ICE Detention and Denied Prescribed Meds
A toddler at an ICE detention center in Texas was rushed to the hospital with respiratory failure, pneumonia and more, and when the 18-month-old and her parents had to return to the center, ICE office...
people.com
February 13, 2026 at 4:55 PM
“Upon arrival at the center — which is the same where 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos was held with his father, Adrian Conejo Arias — Amalia's health worsened quickly, the lawsuit said, and on Jan. 1, she developed a fever that peaked at 104 degrees and would not break.”
Reposted by Joan McCarter
The potential foreign agent was Saudi foreign agent Jared Kushner.
I mean, I was betting on Roger Stone but this is actually far more problematic.
I mean, I was betting on Roger Stone but this is actually far more problematic.
News: The top-secret whistleblower complaint against Tulsi Gabbard is related to a conversation intercepted last spring in which two foreign nationals discussed Jared Kushner, according to U.S. officials familiar with the matter. www.wsj.com/politics/nat...
Gabbard Whistleblower Complaint Based on Intercepted Conversation About Jared Kushner
The substance of the conversation, which covered in part issues related to Iran, isn’t known.
www.wsj.com
February 12, 2026 at 9:03 PM
The potential foreign agent was Saudi foreign agent Jared Kushner.
I mean, I was betting on Roger Stone but this is actually far more problematic.
I mean, I was betting on Roger Stone but this is actually far more problematic.
Reposted by Joan McCarter
"Renee was not the first person killed, and she was not the last,” she continued. “You know my wife’s name, and you know Alex’s name, but there are many others in this city being harmed that you don’t know — their families are hurting just like mine, even if they don’t look like mine.”
"Minneapolis has shown me that even in the middle of grief and fear, people still show up for each other,” said Becca Good, the widow of Renee Nicole Good. “For that, I want to say thank you.” people.com/renee-good-s...
Renee Good’s Wife Makes First Public Appearance After Her Murder, Shares New Personal Statement
Renee Nicole Good's wife, Becca Good, made her first public appearance after the mother of three was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on Jan. 7. Becca appeared onstage in front of hundre...
people.com
February 12, 2026 at 4:51 PM
"Renee was not the first person killed, and she was not the last,” she continued. “You know my wife’s name, and you know Alex’s name, but there are many others in this city being harmed that you don’t know — their families are hurting just like mine, even if they don’t look like mine.”
Reposted by Joan McCarter
Alito is also the most partisan justice on the bench—yes, more so than Thomas. He sees polls sagging for Republicans and will be worried about Democrats taking the Senate in 2026. He always does what's best for the Republican Party. He knows the safest choice is to step down before the midterms.
February 12, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Alito is also the most partisan justice on the bench—yes, more so than Thomas. He sees polls sagging for Republicans and will be worried about Democrats taking the Senate in 2026. He always does what's best for the Republican Party. He knows the safest choice is to step down before the midterms.
Reposted by Joan McCarter
Re: Minnesota I think it's important to both recognize they're lying about a full retreat and recognize it as a victory that they're cognizant enough of the PR disaster to feel the need to lie.
February 12, 2026 at 3:14 PM
Re: Minnesota I think it's important to both recognize they're lying about a full retreat and recognize it as a victory that they're cognizant enough of the PR disaster to feel the need to lie.
Reposted by Joan McCarter
NEW REPORT: States in 2026 can take inspiration from these 11 states + D.C., by tackling current challenges with bold revenue policies that support vital public investment & make life more affordable for working families. Here’s the rundown: www.cbpp.org/research/sta...
States That Raised Revenue Offer Brighter Roadmap for Others
To build forward and invest in a brighter future, states should avoid cutting taxes and follow the example of these revenue-raising states to fund public services that support affordability for famili...
www.cbpp.org
February 12, 2026 at 3:10 PM
NEW REPORT: States in 2026 can take inspiration from these 11 states + D.C., by tackling current challenges with bold revenue policies that support vital public investment & make life more affordable for working families. Here’s the rundown: www.cbpp.org/research/sta...
Reposted by Joan McCarter
The New York Times is now reporting the closure was "precipitated when Customs and Border Protection officials deployed an anti-drone laser on loan from the Department of Defense" without sufficient notice to the FAA.
The admin's severe incompetence is putting Americans in danger. And yet ... 🧵
The admin's severe incompetence is putting Americans in danger. And yet ... 🧵
Late last night, the FAA abruptly announced a 10-day closure of the El Paso airspace. Mere hours later, the decision was reversed. Now, we have competing stories about what really happened.
The administration's incompetence is once again interrupting people lives. Congress must investigate.
The administration's incompetence is once again interrupting people lives. Congress must investigate.
February 12, 2026 at 3:24 PM
The New York Times is now reporting the closure was "precipitated when Customs and Border Protection officials deployed an anti-drone laser on loan from the Department of Defense" without sufficient notice to the FAA.
The admin's severe incompetence is putting Americans in danger. And yet ... 🧵
The admin's severe incompetence is putting Americans in danger. And yet ... 🧵
Reposted by Joan McCarter
I guess this is what happens if you fire all your foreign correspondents...
February 12, 2026 at 3:08 PM
I guess this is what happens if you fire all your foreign correspondents...
Reposted by Joan McCarter
He literally says in this clip that ICE will keep in Minnesota “quick reaction forces” — a military term — to go after “agitators.” Remember that those on the ground in MPLS have spent more than a week trying to tell everyone that Trump’s prior “deescalation” was a ruse and ICE is still operational
Homan: "Operation Metro Surge is ending. In the next week, we're going to deploy the officers here on detail back to their home stations or to other areas of the country where they're needed."
February 12, 2026 at 2:44 PM
He literally says in this clip that ICE will keep in Minnesota “quick reaction forces” — a military term — to go after “agitators.” Remember that those on the ground in MPLS have spent more than a week trying to tell everyone that Trump’s prior “deescalation” was a ruse and ICE is still operational
Reposted by Joan McCarter
Donald Trump wants to make it illegal for Republicans to lose elections.
Breaking: House passes new version of SAVE Act, worst voter suppression bill considered by Congress. Could disenfranchise:
-21 million Americans w/out access to citizenship papers
-69 mil married women who took partner’s name
-21 mil w/out valid drivers license
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
-21 million Americans w/out access to citizenship papers
-69 mil married women who took partner’s name
-21 mil w/out valid drivers license
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
The GOP’s “show us your papers” bill Is the latest effort to help Trump take over elections
“If the SAVE Act were to pass, it would be the worst voter suppression law that Congress has ever enacted"
www.motherjones.com
February 12, 2026 at 12:52 AM
Donald Trump wants to make it illegal for Republicans to lose elections.
Reposted by Joan McCarter
I called up one of the White House "special government employees" linked to the Fulton County ballot seizure.
I ended up on the phone for nearly two hours.
It got weird. talkingpointsmemo.com/news/meet-th...
I ended up on the phone for nearly two hours.
It got weird. talkingpointsmemo.com/news/meet-th...
Meet the ‘Cabal’-Hating ‘Special Government Employee’ Involved in the Fulton County FBI Raid
Clay Parikh unloaded in a nearly two hour conversation with TPM.
talkingpointsmemo.com
February 12, 2026 at 12:03 AM
I called up one of the White House "special government employees" linked to the Fulton County ballot seizure.
I ended up on the phone for nearly two hours.
It got weird. talkingpointsmemo.com/news/meet-th...
I ended up on the phone for nearly two hours.
It got weird. talkingpointsmemo.com/news/meet-th...
Reposted by Joan McCarter
First they said critical ICE detention footage was "destroyed." Then, lost in a system crash. Then, never recorded.
Now, in the latest court docs, it shows the federal government lost three hard drives it was supposed to put footage on in a case where ICE detainees say they faced inhumane abuse.
Now, in the latest court docs, it shows the federal government lost three hard drives it was supposed to put footage on in a case where ICE detainees say they faced inhumane abuse.
Government Loses Hard Drives It Was Supposed to Put ICE Detention Center Footage On
A Kafkaesque saga in which the government has failed to produce critical video footage has reached new levels of absurdity.
www.404media.co
February 11, 2026 at 7:04 PM
First they said critical ICE detention footage was "destroyed." Then, lost in a system crash. Then, never recorded.
Now, in the latest court docs, it shows the federal government lost three hard drives it was supposed to put footage on in a case where ICE detainees say they faced inhumane abuse.
Now, in the latest court docs, it shows the federal government lost three hard drives it was supposed to put footage on in a case where ICE detainees say they faced inhumane abuse.
Reposted by Joan McCarter
“Cut ICE’s budget to restore federal health care funding” is an extremely popular message www.politico.com/f/?id=000001...
February 11, 2026 at 1:48 PM
“Cut ICE’s budget to restore federal health care funding” is an extremely popular message www.politico.com/f/?id=000001...
Reposted by Joan McCarter
You think you're safe from #ICE? Ask the Native (emphasis, Native) Americans. idahocapitalsun.com/2026/02/10/f...
For Indigenous Americans it's unthinkable, but true. ICE is arresting, detaining Native Americans. • Idaho Capital Sun
If the true goal of ICE action is to reduce the immigrant population, why are they also arresting and detaining those whose ancestors were here first? writes guest columnist Rebecca Tallent.
idahocapitalsun.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:12 PM
You think you're safe from #ICE? Ask the Native (emphasis, Native) Americans. idahocapitalsun.com/2026/02/10/f...
Reposted by Joan McCarter
Reposted by Joan McCarter
This week, we're thinking about coverage a little differently at the @idahocapitalsun.com. We're diving deep into the state budget and how cuts, some that are already in place, and additional cuts now being considered by the Legislature, will affect state agencies and the Idahoans who rely on them.
February 10, 2026 at 3:51 PM
This week, we're thinking about coverage a little differently at the @idahocapitalsun.com. We're diving deep into the state budget and how cuts, some that are already in place, and additional cuts now being considered by the Legislature, will affect state agencies and the Idahoans who rely on them.