Paul Avey
@paulcavey.bsky.social
Associate professor of political science at Virginia Tech. IR, foreign policy, nuclear politics. Views are my own & reposts ≠ endorsements.
Reposted by Paul Avey
Rep. Jodey Arrington, who chairs the powerful House Budget Committee, unexpectedly announces he will not seek reelection after five terms representing dark red West Texas in Congress. Arrington is 53, an age when many aspiring politicians still want to *reach* the House.
November 11, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Rep. Jodey Arrington, who chairs the powerful House Budget Committee, unexpectedly announces he will not seek reelection after five terms representing dark red West Texas in Congress. Arrington is 53, an age when many aspiring politicians still want to *reach* the House.
Reposted by Paul Avey
Just now: The plaintiffs who were arguing that Utah GOP's congressional map is illegal won in court.
The judge orders one of the two maps submitted by the plaintiffs ('map 1') be used.
The ruling, if it stands, guarantees that Democrats will pick up a congressional seat in Utah next year.
The judge orders one of the two maps submitted by the plaintiffs ('map 1') be used.
The ruling, if it stands, guarantees that Democrats will pick up a congressional seat in Utah next year.
November 11, 2025 at 6:55 AM
Just now: The plaintiffs who were arguing that Utah GOP's congressional map is illegal won in court.
The judge orders one of the two maps submitted by the plaintiffs ('map 1') be used.
The ruling, if it stands, guarantees that Democrats will pick up a congressional seat in Utah next year.
The judge orders one of the two maps submitted by the plaintiffs ('map 1') be used.
The ruling, if it stands, guarantees that Democrats will pick up a congressional seat in Utah next year.
Reposted by Paul Avey
Trump literally says "shhhhhhhh" after Laura Ingraham notes that the cost of beef, coffee, and auto repairs have gone up.
November 11, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Trump literally says "shhhhhhhh" after Laura Ingraham notes that the cost of beef, coffee, and auto repairs have gone up.
Reposted by Paul Avey
Former Pence chief of staff:
November 10, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Former Pence chief of staff:
Reposted by Paul Avey
It’s not the “economic team” who is responsible. This is what the President wants, and it’s what he’s getting.
November 10, 2025 at 8:32 PM
It’s not the “economic team” who is responsible. This is what the President wants, and it’s what he’s getting.
Reposted by Paul Avey
BTW, this is a really important message. For better or for worse, there's only one vehicle for effective opposition to democratic backsliding in this country, and that's the Democratic Party.
I have always been a Democrat and I always will be. To walk away from them now is exactly what Republicans want. After last week's election they are worried. Trump is terrified. Show them we are disappointed but united, and that they have a reason to be worried. It will make them very nervous.
November 10, 2025 at 3:01 PM
BTW, this is a really important message. For better or for worse, there's only one vehicle for effective opposition to democratic backsliding in this country, and that's the Democratic Party.
Reposted by Paul Avey
A Republican sheriff in a swing county that Trump won by 0.1% signed a contract to help ICE, then lost last week by 11.
New by me in @boltsmag.org: boltsmag.org/sheriff-of-b...
New by me in @boltsmag.org: boltsmag.org/sheriff-of-b...
Voters Ousted This Pennsylvania Sheriff After He Signed Up to Collaborate With ICE - Bolts
A populous, swing county replaced its GOP sheriff on Tuesday after months of controversy over his joining ICE’s 287(g) program. The Democratic winner promises he’ll end the contract.
boltsmag.org
November 10, 2025 at 7:20 PM
A Republican sheriff in a swing county that Trump won by 0.1% signed a contract to help ICE, then lost last week by 11.
New by me in @boltsmag.org: boltsmag.org/sheriff-of-b...
New by me in @boltsmag.org: boltsmag.org/sheriff-of-b...
Reposted by Paul Avey
A felon freed by Trump in his first term is sentenced again, this time to 27 months after a judge found that he sexually assaulted a nanny, swung an IV pole at a nurse and dodged tolls in his Lamborghini and Ferrari. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/n...
Felon Freed by Trump Is Sentenced Again, This Time to 27 Months
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:00 PM
A felon freed by Trump in his first term is sentenced again, this time to 27 months after a judge found that he sexually assaulted a nanny, swung an IV pole at a nurse and dodged tolls in his Lamborghini and Ferrari. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/n...
Reposted by Paul Avey
News coverage of this has focused on the pardon of those involved in the fake electors plot.
But the pardon also extends to key figures who participated in the unauthorized breach of voting systems in Coffee County, Georgia
My reporting on the breach: www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what...
But the pardon also extends to key figures who participated in the unauthorized breach of voting systems in Coffee County, Georgia
My reporting on the breach: www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what...
November 10, 2025 at 6:02 PM
News coverage of this has focused on the pardon of those involved in the fake electors plot.
But the pardon also extends to key figures who participated in the unauthorized breach of voting systems in Coffee County, Georgia
My reporting on the breach: www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what...
But the pardon also extends to key figures who participated in the unauthorized breach of voting systems in Coffee County, Georgia
My reporting on the breach: www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what...
Reposted by Paul Avey
What would happen if Chicago were the target of a nuclear bomb?
Jeffrey Lewis @armscontrolwonk.bsky.social spoke to the Bulletin about what people should know about nuclear weapons—from basic terminology, to which nations have them, and what could occur when they're used.
Jeffrey Lewis @armscontrolwonk.bsky.social spoke to the Bulletin about what people should know about nuclear weapons—from basic terminology, to which nations have them, and what could occur when they're used.
What you should know about nuclear weapons
On October 29th, Donald Trump announced on his social media site, Truth Social, that he had instructed the Department of War (formerly the Department of Defense) to “start testing our Nuclear Weapons…
youtu.be
November 10, 2025 at 7:17 PM
What would happen if Chicago were the target of a nuclear bomb?
Jeffrey Lewis @armscontrolwonk.bsky.social spoke to the Bulletin about what people should know about nuclear weapons—from basic terminology, to which nations have them, and what could occur when they're used.
Jeffrey Lewis @armscontrolwonk.bsky.social spoke to the Bulletin about what people should know about nuclear weapons—from basic terminology, to which nations have them, and what could occur when they're used.
Reposted by Paul Avey
Justice Department struggles as thousands exit — and few are replaced
Justice Department struggles as thousands exit — and few are replaced
The Justice Department has lost thousands of experienced attorneys and backfilled a fraction of the open jobs, in part because of a lack of qualified candidates.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Justice Department struggles as thousands exit — and few are replaced
Reposted by Paul Avey
Trump is pardoning people who tried to steal the election on his behalf.
Once again using his office to help his friends, attack his enemies, and undermine the rule of law and our democracy.
But he can’t change this simple fact: He lost the 2020 election.
Once again using his office to help his friends, attack his enemies, and undermine the rule of law and our democracy.
But he can’t change this simple fact: He lost the 2020 election.
Trump pardons Rudy Giuliani and other key figures involved in efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election: https://cnn.it/4r8Y21h
November 10, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Trump is pardoning people who tried to steal the election on his behalf.
Once again using his office to help his friends, attack his enemies, and undermine the rule of law and our democracy.
But he can’t change this simple fact: He lost the 2020 election.
Once again using his office to help his friends, attack his enemies, and undermine the rule of law and our democracy.
But he can’t change this simple fact: He lost the 2020 election.
Reposted by Paul Avey
The moves to fire or sideline generals and admirals are without precedent in recent decades and have rattled the top brass. From NYT Politics:
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/u...
Hegseth Is Purging Military Leaders With Little Explanation
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:46 PM
The moves to fire or sideline generals and admirals are without precedent in recent decades and have rattled the top brass. From NYT Politics:
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/u...
Reposted by Paul Avey
now they've done it www.wsj.com/world/europe...
Italian Pasta Is Poised to Disappear From American Grocery Shelves
The Trump administration is set to impose duties of 107% on Italian pasta imports, among most punitive of the tariffs it has levied.
www.wsj.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:51 PM
now they've done it www.wsj.com/world/europe...
Reposted by Paul Avey
Brian Daboll's dismissal means that there are no current NFL head coaches from Bill Belichick's tree.
November 10, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Brian Daboll's dismissal means that there are no current NFL head coaches from Bill Belichick's tree.
Reposted by Paul Avey
November 10, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Reposted by Paul Avey
Not surprising after the blown leads. What’s concerned me the most is the usage of Dart, who’s been evaluated for multiple concussions now.
BREAKING: The Giants are firing head coach Brian Daboll after Sunday’s loss to the Bears, per sources.
Daboll, who won Coach of the Year in 2022, finishes his New York tenure with a 20-40-1 record in 3+ seasons.
Daboll, who won Coach of the Year in 2022, finishes his New York tenure with a 20-40-1 record in 3+ seasons.
November 10, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Not surprising after the blown leads. What’s concerned me the most is the usage of Dart, who’s been evaluated for multiple concussions now.
Reposted by Paul Avey
The President pardoned members of his private militia after they failed to overturn an election; they, in turn, pledge their support to him and urge him to use them to police civil society.
New:
On The Gateway Pundit's podcast yesterday, Stewart Rhodes announced he's relaunching the Oath Keepers
He also urged Trump to “call us up as a militia" & "order us all to come together in our counties under his command."
www.mediamatters.org/oath-keepers...
On The Gateway Pundit's podcast yesterday, Stewart Rhodes announced he's relaunching the Oath Keepers
He also urged Trump to “call us up as a militia" & "order us all to come together in our counties under his command."
www.mediamatters.org/oath-keepers...
![STEWART RHODES (FOUNDER, OATH KEEPERS): And one other thing I want to say is that President Trump, as commander in chief, always has absolute authority to call all of us up as the militia because every one of us — in federal statues defining the militia, it's every able-bodied male from age 17-45. And for us veterans, it goes up to age 64 because of our prior training and experience.
Right now, under federal statutes, President Trump can call us up as the militia if he sees it necessary, especially for three purposes: to repel invasions, to suppress insurrections, and to execute the laws of the union. And right now, we see all three of those in play.
...
And the militia is all of us. So the National Guard is part of the militia, which is why it's completely lawful for him to use the National Guard as he has, and he should do more of that, I think, across the country.
...
He could just say given the circumstances of an invasion, insurrection, and resistance against federal law being being enforced, I'm calling up the militia, ordering all the men to come together [in] every county, put the veterans in charge of training and organizing all the other men and just have them stand too and await his orders. He can do that and I think he should do that. And so that's what I'll be advocating for from him. So from the bottom, from down the rank and file, we can let President Trump know that we're ready to serve, encourage him to do that, call us up as a militia, order us all to come together in our counties under his command, which gives you complete legal sanction to do what you're doing.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:af7tqcetuyt352aolf3znlxe/bafkreialm4skuozqobejpd6vx4m6kuwsgtidxmmxvj3ftcff6otiuyohiy@jpeg)
November 10, 2025 at 5:17 PM
The President pardoned members of his private militia after they failed to overturn an election; they, in turn, pledge their support to him and urge him to use them to police civil society.
Reposted by Paul Avey
Simon Rosenberg is correct, as usual -- as a political matter -- Trump and the Republicans lost this shutdown badly, as they did the election.
And the cracks in the TrumpedGOP coalition are showing, and will only grow. It is Democrats' job to aid in turning those cracks into crevasses.
And the cracks in the TrumpedGOP coalition are showing, and will only grow. It is Democrats' job to aid in turning those cracks into crevasses.
Some thoughts on what comes next for Democrats....👇
www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/ok-the-sen...
www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/ok-the-sen...
OK. The Senate Voted To Re-Open The Government. What Do We Do Now? Some Early Thoughts
I am going live with Stuart Stevens at noon ET today. Join us - we have a lot to talk about.....
www.hopiumchronicles.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Simon Rosenberg is correct, as usual -- as a political matter -- Trump and the Republicans lost this shutdown badly, as they did the election.
And the cracks in the TrumpedGOP coalition are showing, and will only grow. It is Democrats' job to aid in turning those cracks into crevasses.
And the cracks in the TrumpedGOP coalition are showing, and will only grow. It is Democrats' job to aid in turning those cracks into crevasses.
Reposted by Paul Avey
Trump trade war costs US Italian pasta: “Exporters say import and antidumping duties totaling 107% on their pasta brands will make doing business in America too costly and are preparing to pull out of U.S. stores as soon as January.” Via WSJ
Italian Pasta Is Poised to Disappear From American Grocery Shelves — The Wall Street Journal
Trump administration is set to impose duties of 107% on Italian pasta imports, among most punitive of tariffs it has levied
apple.news
November 10, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Trump trade war costs US Italian pasta: “Exporters say import and antidumping duties totaling 107% on their pasta brands will make doing business in America too costly and are preparing to pull out of U.S. stores as soon as January.” Via WSJ
Reposted by Paul Avey
Trump Pardons Jan 6th Election Overthrow Co Conspirators: Trump pardoned everyone who tried to overturn the election. If this doesn't matter, we can kiss democracy goodbye. #Trump #Pardon #ElectionInterference #Democracy #Politics #Accountability
Trump Pardons Jan 6th Election Overthrow Co Conspirators
Trump pardoned everyone who tried to overturn the election. If this doesn't matter, we can kiss democracy goodbye. #Trump #Pardon #ElectionInterference #Democracy #Politics #Accountability
www.youtube.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Trump Pardons Jan 6th Election Overthrow Co Conspirators: Trump pardoned everyone who tried to overturn the election. If this doesn't matter, we can kiss democracy goodbye. #Trump #Pardon #ElectionInterference #Democracy #Politics #Accountability
Reposted by Paul Avey
Yes, the caving was shameful. But again, there are only two solutions to all of this, & both require 15-20 Congressional Republicans to decide they care about the Republic more than power & party. No, it's not going to happen. That doesn't make it less true. These folks get free passes everyday.
November 10, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Yes, the caving was shameful. But again, there are only two solutions to all of this, & both require 15-20 Congressional Republicans to decide they care about the Republic more than power & party. No, it's not going to happen. That doesn't make it less true. These folks get free passes everyday.
Reposted by Paul Avey
BREAKING: The Giants are firing head coach Brian Daboll after Sunday’s loss to the Bears, per sources.
Daboll, who won Coach of the Year in 2022, finishes his New York tenure with a 20-40-1 record in 3+ seasons.
Daboll, who won Coach of the Year in 2022, finishes his New York tenure with a 20-40-1 record in 3+ seasons.
November 10, 2025 at 5:44 PM
BREAKING: The Giants are firing head coach Brian Daboll after Sunday’s loss to the Bears, per sources.
Daboll, who won Coach of the Year in 2022, finishes his New York tenure with a 20-40-1 record in 3+ seasons.
Daboll, who won Coach of the Year in 2022, finishes his New York tenure with a 20-40-1 record in 3+ seasons.
Reposted by Paul Avey
Much thanks to @wnba.com Players Association exec. dir. Terri Jackson dropping in my @merrillcollege.bsky.social Sports, Protest and Media class today to explain how players have used opt-outs, wildcat strikes and sloganeering to fight for more equitable treatment
November 10, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Much thanks to @wnba.com Players Association exec. dir. Terri Jackson dropping in my @merrillcollege.bsky.social Sports, Protest and Media class today to explain how players have used opt-outs, wildcat strikes and sloganeering to fight for more equitable treatment
Reposted by Paul Avey
The pardon covers 77 people, including members of the president’s former legal team, including John Eastman, Jenna Ellis and Sidney Powell.
Trump Pardons Giuliani And Others Allegedly Involved In Bid To Overturn 2020 Elections
The pardon covers 77 people, including members of the president’s former legal team, including John Eastman, Jenna Ellis and Sidney Powell.
www.forbes.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:30 AM
The pardon covers 77 people, including members of the president’s former legal team, including John Eastman, Jenna Ellis and Sidney Powell.