John McTernan
@johnmct.bsky.social
Reposted by John McTernan
The decision to keep paying Ros Atkins but basically stop him doing any of the analysis or explainers which he was a) good at and b) seemed to be quite popular in favour of co-hosting a podcast about the media is really, really baffling.
November 10, 2025 at 10:05 AM
The decision to keep paying Ros Atkins but basically stop him doing any of the analysis or explainers which he was a) good at and b) seemed to be quite popular in favour of co-hosting a podcast about the media is really, really baffling.
Reposted by John McTernan
Well, unfortunately
Threat of victory looms large over Election Day as an ominous portent of a future that could leave Dems in array; party elders scramble to contain the risk
The framing of this is hilarious: Democrats deeply worried about the repercussions of a victory
www.msnbc.com/msnbc/news/m...
www.msnbc.com/msnbc/news/m...
November 10, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Well, unfortunately
Reposted by John McTernan
License plate readers were sold as tools for finding stolen cars, but records have shown that they're being used in abortion investigations. States must ban law enforcement from using ALPRs to investigate healthcare decisions and prohibit sharing data across state lines. www.eff.org/deeplinks/2...
Flock Safety and Texas Sheriff Claimed License Plate Search Was for a
New documents and court records obtained by EFF show that Texas deputies queried Flock Safety's surveillance data in an abortion investigation, contradicting the narrative promoted by the company and
www.eff.org
November 9, 2025 at 10:03 PM
License plate readers were sold as tools for finding stolen cars, but records have shown that they're being used in abortion investigations. States must ban law enforcement from using ALPRs to investigate healthcare decisions and prohibit sharing data across state lines. www.eff.org/deeplinks/2...
Reposted by John McTernan
For that, you've got to look to the Senate's century long commitment to ensuring that Black Americans could be legally lynched. I am not being hyperbolic. Because in 1922, the House passed legislation to make lynching a federal crime. naacp.org/find-resourc...
naacp.org
November 9, 2025 at 10:05 PM
For that, you've got to look to the Senate's century long commitment to ensuring that Black Americans could be legally lynched. I am not being hyperbolic. Because in 1922, the House passed legislation to make lynching a federal crime. naacp.org/find-resourc...
Reposted by John McTernan
The Senate exists for the same reason that the ACA doesn't have a public option: it was negotiated to placate the necessary votes. Slave states were nervous about being beholden to public will so we massively over-elevated state representation. www.law.cornell.edu/constitution...
The Great Compromise of the Constitutional Convention
www.law.cornell.edu
November 9, 2025 at 10:00 PM
The Senate exists for the same reason that the ACA doesn't have a public option: it was negotiated to placate the necessary votes. Slave states were nervous about being beholden to public will so we massively over-elevated state representation. www.law.cornell.edu/constitution...
Reposted by John McTernan
That essay grew into this entire book of Dispatches from an Age of Last Things. amzn.to/3JEzcW4
Is There God after Prince?: Dispatches from an Age of Last Things
Is There God after Prince?: Dispatches from an Age of Last Things [Coviello, Peter] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Is There God after Prince?: Dispatches from an Age of Last Things
amzn.to
November 8, 2025 at 11:08 PM
That essay grew into this entire book of Dispatches from an Age of Last Things. amzn.to/3JEzcW4
Reposted by John McTernan
As Trump's shutdown hits the skies, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns that far more dramatic flight reductions could come—and quickly.
Trump's shutdown hits the skies
Disruptions, so far, are said to be limited. But the Transportation Secretary warns that far worse could come—and quickly.
www.motherjones.com
November 8, 2025 at 3:53 PM
As Trump's shutdown hits the skies, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns that far more dramatic flight reductions could come—and quickly.
Very good report on Global Progress and Morgan is spot on about the Spanish approach.
I wrote about the lessons the Danish social democrats want to offer Labour last month, and noted a distinct uptick in Denmark Chat at conference. As I discuss in the piece, I am more convinced by the arguments for Spain-as-model.
www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2025/oc...
www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2025/oc...
November 8, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Very good report on Global Progress and Morgan is spot on about the Spanish approach.
Reposted by John McTernan
If your annual income is $100,000 (a good salary by European standards), then you'd earn a million dollars in ten years. But to earn a trillion dollars, you'd need to work for ten million years--which is about 30 times longer than our species has existed.
November 8, 2025 at 2:58 PM
If your annual income is $100,000 (a good salary by European standards), then you'd earn a million dollars in ten years. But to earn a trillion dollars, you'd need to work for ten million years--which is about 30 times longer than our species has existed.
Reposted by John McTernan
There’s several stories likely to come out of next years locals but for me, two key ones: all-outs in Labour mets that could switch to Reform control in one go, as happened in counties this year; and the fragmentation of its vote in cities, where Labour is fighting on both flanks
And there are a lot of Labour held places up for election with large numbers of such voters - London of course, and also other big cities with Labour councils - Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds. Could be big swings to Greens in many such places.
November 8, 2025 at 3:35 PM
There’s several stories likely to come out of next years locals but for me, two key ones: all-outs in Labour mets that could switch to Reform control in one go, as happened in counties this year; and the fragmentation of its vote in cities, where Labour is fighting on both flanks
Reposted by John McTernan
Thune really does seem to think he and his caucus are like the 300 at Thermopylae on taking away everyone's health care and jacking up premiums and they think it's a winning look. So I guess okay guys please proceed and all that.
November 8, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Thune really does seem to think he and his caucus are like the 300 at Thermopylae on taking away everyone's health care and jacking up premiums and they think it's a winning look. So I guess okay guys please proceed and all that.
As I say in this @FT piece: “The issue is never the manifesto or its specifics per se. The issue is trust. It is: what is the point that the voter decides they can’t trust somebody.”
and
“People voted in 2024 for change, they didn’t vote for social democratic austerity.”
on.ft.com/47LNlsy
and
“People voted in 2024 for change, they didn’t vote for social democratic austerity.”
on.ft.com/47LNlsy
The politics of breaking manifesto promises
The history of politicians who go back on their words has lessons for Rachel Reeves as she mulls raising taxes
on.ft.com
November 8, 2025 at 3:41 PM
As I say in this @FT piece: “The issue is never the manifesto or its specifics per se. The issue is trust. It is: what is the point that the voter decides they can’t trust somebody.”
and
“People voted in 2024 for change, they didn’t vote for social democratic austerity.”
on.ft.com/47LNlsy
and
“People voted in 2024 for change, they didn’t vote for social democratic austerity.”
on.ft.com/47LNlsy
Reposted by John McTernan
Seems also to be a very rare, charismatic and likeable guy. Enjoys what he is doing, is witty, believes what he says and sounds authentic as a result.
November 5, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Seems also to be a very rare, charismatic and likeable guy. Enjoys what he is doing, is witty, believes what he says and sounds authentic as a result.
The lessons of Mamdani’s victory for progressives:
1. Tell compelling stories
2. Identify clear enemies
3. Create policies that address voters’ problems
4. Mix modern online campaigning with face to face conversations
5. Mobilise
1. Tell compelling stories
2. Identify clear enemies
3. Create policies that address voters’ problems
4. Mix modern online campaigning with face to face conversations
5. Mobilise
November 5, 2025 at 3:50 PM
The lessons of Mamdani’s victory for progressives:
1. Tell compelling stories
2. Identify clear enemies
3. Create policies that address voters’ problems
4. Mix modern online campaigning with face to face conversations
5. Mobilise
1. Tell compelling stories
2. Identify clear enemies
3. Create policies that address voters’ problems
4. Mix modern online campaigning with face to face conversations
5. Mobilise
Reposted by John McTernan
Early this morning, our city still plunged into darkness, I set off to walk the Brooklyn Bridge.
As the sun came up, we were joined by canvassers, labor leaders, elected officials, and working people — a movement to bring a new day to our city.
Tomorrow, we win it together.
As the sun came up, we were joined by canvassers, labor leaders, elected officials, and working people — a movement to bring a new day to our city.
Tomorrow, we win it together.
November 3, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Early this morning, our city still plunged into darkness, I set off to walk the Brooklyn Bridge.
As the sun came up, we were joined by canvassers, labor leaders, elected officials, and working people — a movement to bring a new day to our city.
Tomorrow, we win it together.
As the sun came up, we were joined by canvassers, labor leaders, elected officials, and working people — a movement to bring a new day to our city.
Tomorrow, we win it together.
Reposted by John McTernan
Great, sobering, piece.
And HOUSE OF DYNAMITE is an absolute must-see. A reminder that nuclear weapons are very much with us, and they are utterly existential.
And HOUSE OF DYNAMITE is an absolute must-see. A reminder that nuclear weapons are very much with us, and they are utterly existential.
I couldn't let this week go without reviewing HOUSE OF DYNAMITE — which gets right to me the four core principles of nuclear thrillers. Most of all it should serve as a reminder why Trump's nuclear threats this week are so dangerous: www.doomsdayscenario.co/p/trump-s-od...
Trump’s Odd Nuclear Threat and America’s House of Dynamite
Almost nothing about Trump's latest nuke tweet is correct. Plus what Netflix's HOUSE OF DYNAMITE gets right about nuclear war.
www.doomsdayscenario.co
October 31, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Great, sobering, piece.
And HOUSE OF DYNAMITE is an absolute must-see. A reminder that nuclear weapons are very much with us, and they are utterly existential.
And HOUSE OF DYNAMITE is an absolute must-see. A reminder that nuclear weapons are very much with us, and they are utterly existential.
Reposted by John McTernan
BOSTON (AP) — Judges order the federal government to use contingency funds for SNAP food aid payments during the shutdown.
October 31, 2025 at 6:07 PM
BOSTON (AP) — Judges order the federal government to use contingency funds for SNAP food aid payments during the shutdown.
Reposted by John McTernan
She has now ordered Bovino to appear personally at the court every day to report back what has happened and to list everyone arrested who is not being arrested for immigration enforcement reasons. This is the most insane court session I've ever been in. Feels like a headteacher bollocking
October 28, 2025 at 4:11 PM
She has now ordered Bovino to appear personally at the court every day to report back what has happened and to list everyone arrested who is not being arrested for immigration enforcement reasons. This is the most insane court session I've ever been in. Feels like a headteacher bollocking
Reposted by John McTernan
Quite a world when a federal judge has to call in a federal official to specifically tell him he can't use tear gas on children in Halloween costumes
October 28, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Quite a world when a federal judge has to call in a federal official to specifically tell him he can't use tear gas on children in Halloween costumes
Reposted by John McTernan
Check @wesstreeting.bsky.social ice clear persuasive passion denouncing Farage Cult lady’s overt racism on BBC1 just now. Labour may just have realised they have a very big politician available @peterkellner.bsky.social @pollytoynbee.bsky.social @johnmct.bsky.social
October 26, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Check @wesstreeting.bsky.social ice clear persuasive passion denouncing Farage Cult lady’s overt racism on BBC1 just now. Labour may just have realised they have a very big politician available @peterkellner.bsky.social @pollytoynbee.bsky.social @johnmct.bsky.social
Reposted by John McTernan
Via @kqednews.kqed.org
In an interview with KQED, Newsom said Trump wants to cast doubt on the Nov. 4 vote. The Department of Justice says it's sending monitors to protect the votes of "eligible American citizens."
In an interview with KQED, Newsom said Trump wants to cast doubt on the Nov. 4 vote. The Department of Justice says it's sending monitors to protect the votes of "eligible American citizens."
Newsom Says Trump Is ‘Rigging the Election’ With Federal Poll Monitors | KQED
In an interview with KQED, Gov. Gavin Newsom warned the Trump administration is laying the groundwork to question the results of California’s Proposition 50 vote.
www.kqed.org
October 24, 2025 at 10:54 PM
Via @kqednews.kqed.org
In an interview with KQED, Newsom said Trump wants to cast doubt on the Nov. 4 vote. The Department of Justice says it's sending monitors to protect the votes of "eligible American citizens."
In an interview with KQED, Newsom said Trump wants to cast doubt on the Nov. 4 vote. The Department of Justice says it's sending monitors to protect the votes of "eligible American citizens."
Reposted by John McTernan
new level of Not Writing Book unlocked: that's my tax return sorted
October 24, 2025 at 9:55 AM
new level of Not Writing Book unlocked: that's my tax return sorted
Reposted by John McTernan
New York Times reports that it is unclear whether having a federal agency accept money in excess of congressional appropriations "violates a law prohibiting federal agencies from accepting money in excess of congressional appropriations." I guess we'll never know!
October 24, 2025 at 10:05 PM
New York Times reports that it is unclear whether having a federal agency accept money in excess of congressional appropriations "violates a law prohibiting federal agencies from accepting money in excess of congressional appropriations." I guess we'll never know!
Reposted by John McTernan
Kemi Badenoch’s ability to plant political time bombs that blow up in the face of the party she leads is truly unparalleled.
What’s particularly impressive here is she could have found this out herself before raising the profile of this issue at PMQs.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
What’s particularly impressive here is she could have found this out herself before raising the profile of this issue at PMQs.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Key China spy case witness removed 'enemy' from evidence under Tories
Security adviser Matthew Collins says the term
www.bbc.co.uk
October 24, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Kemi Badenoch’s ability to plant political time bombs that blow up in the face of the party she leads is truly unparalleled.
What’s particularly impressive here is she could have found this out herself before raising the profile of this issue at PMQs.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
What’s particularly impressive here is she could have found this out herself before raising the profile of this issue at PMQs.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by John McTernan
Today is many federal workers first full paycheck they’ve missed for this shutdown.
They have bills. Rent, mortgages, kids tuition, food, credit card payments, car payments, grocery bills…
All because the Republicans don’t want people to have affordable healthcare.
They have bills. Rent, mortgages, kids tuition, food, credit card payments, car payments, grocery bills…
All because the Republicans don’t want people to have affordable healthcare.
Roughly 1.4 million federal workers are going without pay due to the government shutdown. About half of them are furloughed, while the other half has been deemed essential and is working without pay. n.pr/4ngKyx3
It's supposed to be payday for many federal workers. Instead, they're getting nothing
Roughly 1.4 million federal workers are going without pay due to the government shutdown. About half of them are furloughed, while the other half has been deemed essential and is working without pay.
n.pr
October 24, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Today is many federal workers first full paycheck they’ve missed for this shutdown.
They have bills. Rent, mortgages, kids tuition, food, credit card payments, car payments, grocery bills…
All because the Republicans don’t want people to have affordable healthcare.
They have bills. Rent, mortgages, kids tuition, food, credit card payments, car payments, grocery bills…
All because the Republicans don’t want people to have affordable healthcare.