The Hometown Holler
@thehometownholler.bsky.social
Tar Heel politics in a shot glass🥃
From Alamance County 🏡
For North Carolina 🇺🇸🦅
Find all of our episodes, editorials, and more at
thehometownholler.substack.com as well as wherever you get your podcasts
From Alamance County 🏡
For North Carolina 🇺🇸🦅
Find all of our episodes, editorials, and more at
thehometownholler.substack.com as well as wherever you get your podcasts
Pinned
The 2026 Election Is in Danger — David A. Graham Explains
YouTube video by The Hometown Holler
youtu.be
This might be our most important episode yet.
We sat down with David A. Graham @dgraham.bsky.social (The Atlantic) & what he says about 2026 is WILD.
Why dictators love elections.
How ICE raids, gerrymandering, media pressure & “competitive authoritarianism” set the stage before anyone votes.
We sat down with David A. Graham @dgraham.bsky.social (The Atlantic) & what he says about 2026 is WILD.
Why dictators love elections.
How ICE raids, gerrymandering, media pressure & “competitive authoritarianism” set the stage before anyone votes.
The porch is alive, the conversations are real,and your seat is waiting. Step in and join the Holler fam!
www.patreon.com/c/TheHometownHoller
www.patreon.com/c/TheHometownHoller
December 2, 2025 at 12:52 AM
The porch is alive, the conversations are real,and your seat is waiting. Step in and join the Holler fam!
www.patreon.com/c/TheHometownHoller
www.patreon.com/c/TheHometownHoller
This might be our most important episode yet.
We sat down with David A. Graham @dgraham.bsky.social (The Atlantic) & what he says about 2026 is WILD.
Why dictators love elections.
How ICE raids, gerrymandering, media pressure & “competitive authoritarianism” set the stage before anyone votes.
We sat down with David A. Graham @dgraham.bsky.social (The Atlantic) & what he says about 2026 is WILD.
Why dictators love elections.
How ICE raids, gerrymandering, media pressure & “competitive authoritarianism” set the stage before anyone votes.
The 2026 Election Is in Danger — David A. Graham Explains
YouTube video by The Hometown Holler
youtu.be
December 1, 2025 at 3:33 PM
This might be our most important episode yet.
We sat down with David A. Graham @dgraham.bsky.social (The Atlantic) & what he says about 2026 is WILD.
Why dictators love elections.
How ICE raids, gerrymandering, media pressure & “competitive authoritarianism” set the stage before anyone votes.
We sat down with David A. Graham @dgraham.bsky.social (The Atlantic) & what he says about 2026 is WILD.
Why dictators love elections.
How ICE raids, gerrymandering, media pressure & “competitive authoritarianism” set the stage before anyone votes.
Reposted by The Hometown Holler
Hey Hometown Hollerinos!
Here’s the “Thanksgiving Wishes Montage” that debuted Thurs on Instagram.
We get that some folks don’t “insta” much (I’m one… IG confounds my GenX brain).
So here it is, just for you!
**NB: it’s in 2 parts b/c big (and you don’t wanna miss the big finish)**
PART 1 of 2:
Here’s the “Thanksgiving Wishes Montage” that debuted Thurs on Instagram.
We get that some folks don’t “insta” much (I’m one… IG confounds my GenX brain).
So here it is, just for you!
**NB: it’s in 2 parts b/c big (and you don’t wanna miss the big finish)**
PART 1 of 2:
November 30, 2025 at 11:08 PM
Hey Hometown Hollerinos!
Here’s the “Thanksgiving Wishes Montage” that debuted Thurs on Instagram.
We get that some folks don’t “insta” much (I’m one… IG confounds my GenX brain).
So here it is, just for you!
**NB: it’s in 2 parts b/c big (and you don’t wanna miss the big finish)**
PART 1 of 2:
Here’s the “Thanksgiving Wishes Montage” that debuted Thurs on Instagram.
We get that some folks don’t “insta” much (I’m one… IG confounds my GenX brain).
So here it is, just for you!
**NB: it’s in 2 parts b/c big (and you don’t wanna miss the big finish)**
PART 1 of 2:
KAVANAUGH STOP — READ THIS
Manny is an 18-year-old U.S. citizen. Born here. Raised here.
And on Nov 19, masked ICE agents pulled up on him while he slept in his work truck.
No crime. No reason. Just pure intimidation.
Hear Manny’s story. It’ll piss you off.
Manny is an 18-year-old U.S. citizen. Born here. Raised here.
And on Nov 19, masked ICE agents pulled up on him while he slept in his work truck.
No crime. No reason. Just pure intimidation.
Hear Manny’s story. It’ll piss you off.
ICE Detained an 18-Year-Old U.S. Citizen. This Is His Story.
YouTube video by The Hometown Holler
youtu.be
November 27, 2025 at 2:55 AM
KAVANAUGH STOP — READ THIS
Manny is an 18-year-old U.S. citizen. Born here. Raised here.
And on Nov 19, masked ICE agents pulled up on him while he slept in his work truck.
No crime. No reason. Just pure intimidation.
Hear Manny’s story. It’ll piss you off.
Manny is an 18-year-old U.S. citizen. Born here. Raised here.
And on Nov 19, masked ICE agents pulled up on him while he slept in his work truck.
No crime. No reason. Just pure intimidation.
Hear Manny’s story. It’ll piss you off.
Reposted by The Hometown Holler
An 18yo US citizen, surrounded by eight masked, armed agents of the state, taken into custody, not read his rights, not offered a chance to contact a lawyer, proof of citizenship ignored, handcuffed so tightly he later required medical attention.
Profoundly, profoundly anti-American shit.
Profoundly, profoundly anti-American shit.
ICE Detained an 18-Year-Old U.S. Citizen. This Is His Story.
YouTube video by The Hometown Holler
youtu.be
November 26, 2025 at 10:00 PM
An 18yo US citizen, surrounded by eight masked, armed agents of the state, taken into custody, not read his rights, not offered a chance to contact a lawyer, proof of citizenship ignored, handcuffed so tightly he later required medical attention.
Profoundly, profoundly anti-American shit.
Profoundly, profoundly anti-American shit.
Reposted by The Hometown Holler
Meet Manny.
Like me, he was born in this country. We share a zip code and both have NC DLs.
Unlike me, he caught the attention of ICE because of his appearance.
Manny was detained for over an hour, handcuffed.
Manny now has no job because ICE has his whole construction crew.
youtu.be/Q0mQxt9jlCM
Like me, he was born in this country. We share a zip code and both have NC DLs.
Unlike me, he caught the attention of ICE because of his appearance.
Manny was detained for over an hour, handcuffed.
Manny now has no job because ICE has his whole construction crew.
youtu.be/Q0mQxt9jlCM
ICE Detained an 18-Year-Old U.S. Citizen. This Is His Story.
YouTube video by The Hometown Holler
youtu.be
November 24, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Meet Manny.
Like me, he was born in this country. We share a zip code and both have NC DLs.
Unlike me, he caught the attention of ICE because of his appearance.
Manny was detained for over an hour, handcuffed.
Manny now has no job because ICE has his whole construction crew.
youtu.be/Q0mQxt9jlCM
Like me, he was born in this country. We share a zip code and both have NC DLs.
Unlike me, he caught the attention of ICE because of his appearance.
Manny was detained for over an hour, handcuffed.
Manny now has no job because ICE has his whole construction crew.
youtu.be/Q0mQxt9jlCM
Batch doesn’t hold back. From the 129 days & counting w/o a state budget to the looming fiscal cliff, she breaks down exactly why North Carolina is stuck & how the GOP legislative dysfunction brought us here. She explains what’s truly at stake for working families, public schools & state employees.
Sen. Sydney Batch Exposes the Chaos Behind NC’s Budget Meltdown
YouTube video by The Hometown Holler
youtu.be
November 24, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Batch doesn’t hold back. From the 129 days & counting w/o a state budget to the looming fiscal cliff, she breaks down exactly why North Carolina is stuck & how the GOP legislative dysfunction brought us here. She explains what’s truly at stake for working families, public schools & state employees.
Reposted by The Hometown Holler
One of the perks of being involved w/ @thehometownholler.bsky.social is chatting w/ smart, talented people I’d never usually get to meet.
Feel lucky to have spent the afternoon w/ The Atlantic’s @dgraham.bsky.social chatting about politics, music, & NC livin’.
He’s a hoot & as sharp as they come.
Feel lucky to have spent the afternoon w/ The Atlantic’s @dgraham.bsky.social chatting about politics, music, & NC livin’.
He’s a hoot & as sharp as they come.
a man standing in a bathroom with the words " it is so choice " above him
Alt: a man standing in a bathroom with the words " it is so choice " above him
media.tenor.com
November 23, 2025 at 10:54 PM
One of the perks of being involved w/ @thehometownholler.bsky.social is chatting w/ smart, talented people I’d never usually get to meet.
Feel lucky to have spent the afternoon w/ The Atlantic’s @dgraham.bsky.social chatting about politics, music, & NC livin’.
He’s a hoot & as sharp as they come.
Feel lucky to have spent the afternoon w/ The Atlantic’s @dgraham.bsky.social chatting about politics, music, & NC livin’.
He’s a hoot & as sharp as they come.
Reposted by The Hometown Holler
On the other hand, the blatant abuse of power can energize voters as well
ICE raids are not about safety — their own data proves it. This is a political fear campaign ahead of 2026, designed to intimidate Black and Brown voters into staying home.
This is the most violent voter suppression campaign we’ve seen so far this century.
The good news? People are fighting back.
This is the most violent voter suppression campaign we’ve seen so far this century.
The good news? People are fighting back.
The Hometown Holler on Instagram: "ICE raids are not about safety — their own data proves it. This is a political fear campaign ahead of 2026, designed to intimidate Black and Brown voters into stayin...
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been accused of running a secret mission in North Carolina, aimed at intimidating voters and suppressing turnout. Experts claim ICE's data shows th...
www.instagram.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:38 PM
On the other hand, the blatant abuse of power can energize voters as well
ICE raids are not about safety — their own data proves it. This is a political fear campaign ahead of 2026, designed to intimidate Black and Brown voters into staying home.
This is the most violent voter suppression campaign we’ve seen so far this century.
The good news? People are fighting back.
This is the most violent voter suppression campaign we’ve seen so far this century.
The good news? People are fighting back.
The Hometown Holler on Instagram: "ICE raids are not about safety — their own data proves it. This is a political fear campaign ahead of 2026, designed to intimidate Black and Brown voters into stayin...
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been accused of running a secret mission in North Carolina, aimed at intimidating voters and suppressing turnout. Experts claim ICE's data shows th...
www.instagram.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:30 PM
ICE raids are not about safety — their own data proves it. This is a political fear campaign ahead of 2026, designed to intimidate Black and Brown voters into staying home.
This is the most violent voter suppression campaign we’ve seen so far this century.
The good news? People are fighting back.
This is the most violent voter suppression campaign we’ve seen so far this century.
The good news? People are fighting back.
Reposted by The Hometown Holler
Scenes from this afternoon’s “emergency protest” in the North Carolina capital against BP/ICE/La Migra —after Bovino & Co arrived in the Tar Heel State yesterday.
#ncpol
#raleigh
#charlotte
#ncpol
#raleigh
#charlotte
November 16, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Scenes from this afternoon’s “emergency protest” in the North Carolina capital against BP/ICE/La Migra —after Bovino & Co arrived in the Tar Heel State yesterday.
#ncpol
#raleigh
#charlotte
#ncpol
#raleigh
#charlotte
This week's column is a must read. Also, if you don't already know/follow @tressiemcphd.bsky.social this is your sign.
The Very Model of a Modern Public Intellectual
Choose Your Fighter! This week I pick Tressie McMillan Cottom.
open.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:59 PM
This week's column is a must read. Also, if you don't already know/follow @tressiemcphd.bsky.social this is your sign.
We keep hearing that a 2% tax hike on it's top earners will drive NYC's tax base out of the city.
Hogwash.
New York City is The Hometown to 20 million people who live there BECAUSE it is New York City.
And the last time NY millionaires saw their taxes go up, in 2021, they moved LESS, not more.
Hogwash.
New York City is The Hometown to 20 million people who live there BECAUSE it is New York City.
And the last time NY millionaires saw their taxes go up, in 2021, they moved LESS, not more.
Raising taxes on the wealthy won’t drive millionaires out of New York—it will help keep the city livable for everyone.
Our Chair, and proud New Yorker, Morris Pearl explains why he’s willing to pay more in taxes so everyone can afford to live and enjoy all that New York City has to offer.
Our Chair, and proud New Yorker, Morris Pearl explains why he’s willing to pay more in taxes so everyone can afford to live and enjoy all that New York City has to offer.
October 28, 2025 at 9:23 PM
We keep hearing that a 2% tax hike on it's top earners will drive NYC's tax base out of the city.
Hogwash.
New York City is The Hometown to 20 million people who live there BECAUSE it is New York City.
And the last time NY millionaires saw their taxes go up, in 2021, they moved LESS, not more.
Hogwash.
New York City is The Hometown to 20 million people who live there BECAUSE it is New York City.
And the last time NY millionaires saw their taxes go up, in 2021, they moved LESS, not more.
"They referred to Black people as monkeys and 'the watermelon people' and mused about putting their political opponents in gas chambers. They talked about raping their enemies and driving them to suicide and lauded Republicans who they believed support slavery."
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
‘I love Hitler’: Leaked messages expose Young Republicans’ racist chat
Thousands of private messages reveal young GOP leaders joking about gas chambers, slavery and rape.
www.politico.com
October 14, 2025 at 11:22 PM
"They referred to Black people as monkeys and 'the watermelon people' and mused about putting their political opponents in gas chambers. They talked about raping their enemies and driving them to suicide and lauded Republicans who they believed support slavery."
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
Proud to discover that NC's Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) is one of the nation's airports where Kristi Noem's "all your problems are belong to Dems" video is *not* playing.
The video would be hilarious...if violating the Hatch Act wasn't so unfunny.
#ncpol
www.newsweek.com/full-list-ai...
The video would be hilarious...if violating the Hatch Act wasn't so unfunny.
#ncpol
www.newsweek.com/full-list-ai...
October 14, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Proud to discover that NC's Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) is one of the nation's airports where Kristi Noem's "all your problems are belong to Dems" video is *not* playing.
The video would be hilarious...if violating the Hatch Act wasn't so unfunny.
#ncpol
www.newsweek.com/full-list-ai...
The video would be hilarious...if violating the Hatch Act wasn't so unfunny.
#ncpol
www.newsweek.com/full-list-ai...
Reposted by The Hometown Holler
We considered some options for Bill Belichick if he loses his job. (this consideration involved photoshops)
triangleblogblog.com/2025/10/09/w...
triangleblogblog.com/2025/10/09/w...
October 9, 2025 at 2:01 PM
We considered some options for Bill Belichick if he loses his job. (this consideration involved photoshops)
triangleblogblog.com/2025/10/09/w...
triangleblogblog.com/2025/10/09/w...
Our guy @milobaynes.bsky.social just dropped a fantastic Substack today. Its sharp, thoughtful, and absolutely worth your time. Go read it.
Everything But The Guy
One month later...a minor meditation on a local congregation, faith, politics and just about anything but Charlie Kirk.
open.substack.com
October 10, 2025 at 11:29 PM
Our guy @milobaynes.bsky.social just dropped a fantastic Substack today. Its sharp, thoughtful, and absolutely worth your time. Go read it.
Reposted by The Hometown Holler
What. A. Discussion.
New Hometown Holler drop: We sit down with @tressiemcphd.bsky.social - scholar, writer, truth-teller. From North Carolina roots to national influence, Dr. Cottom talks about home, politics, and the power of paying attention. Don’t miss this one.
#home #community #politics #whiskey
#home #community #politics #whiskey
Tressie McMillan Cottom on Nostalgia, Belonging, and Why Calling Trump an “Idiot” Misses the Point
YouTube video by The Hometown Holler
youtu.be
October 8, 2025 at 7:25 PM
What. A. Discussion.
New Hometown Holler drop: We sit down with @tressiemcphd.bsky.social - scholar, writer, truth-teller. From North Carolina roots to national influence, Dr. Cottom talks about home, politics, and the power of paying attention. Don’t miss this one.
#home #community #politics #whiskey
#home #community #politics #whiskey
Tressie McMillan Cottom on Nostalgia, Belonging, and Why Calling Trump an “Idiot” Misses the Point
YouTube video by The Hometown Holler
youtu.be
October 8, 2025 at 1:41 PM
New Hometown Holler drop: We sit down with @tressiemcphd.bsky.social - scholar, writer, truth-teller. From North Carolina roots to national influence, Dr. Cottom talks about home, politics, and the power of paying attention. Don’t miss this one.
#home #community #politics #whiskey
#home #community #politics #whiskey
Our full conversation with Mayor Smathers on the one-year anniversary of Helene is out now.
The most important conversations in NC are happening here on The Hometown Holler. Wherever you find us, smash that subscribe button & never miss an episode.
#northcarolina #hurricanehelene #monday
The most important conversations in NC are happening here on The Hometown Holler. Wherever you find us, smash that subscribe button & never miss an episode.
#northcarolina #hurricanehelene #monday
Surviving Hurricane Helene: Rebuilding and Defending Small-Town America (Feat. Mayor Zeb Smathers)
YouTube video by The Hometown Holler
youtu.be
September 29, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Our full conversation with Mayor Smathers on the one-year anniversary of Helene is out now.
The most important conversations in NC are happening here on The Hometown Holler. Wherever you find us, smash that subscribe button & never miss an episode.
#northcarolina #hurricanehelene #monday
The most important conversations in NC are happening here on The Hometown Holler. Wherever you find us, smash that subscribe button & never miss an episode.
#northcarolina #hurricanehelene #monday
NC pastor saying Charlie Kirk was “martyred” & openly supporting public executions. But the worst part: his church runs a private school taking over $2M of your tax dollars through NC GOP's voucher scheme. This isn’t just preaching — it’s politics turned into a holy war, on your dime. #ncpol
NC Pastor Says Charlie Kirk Was Martyred
YouTube video by The Hometown Holler
youtu.be
September 25, 2025 at 8:47 PM
NC pastor saying Charlie Kirk was “martyred” & openly supporting public executions. But the worst part: his church runs a private school taking over $2M of your tax dollars through NC GOP's voucher scheme. This isn’t just preaching — it’s politics turned into a holy war, on your dime. #ncpol
Blaire doesn’t look back!
This weeks’ Catty Corner w/ @thehometownholler.bsky.social we’re looking forward to Rogan, Andrew Schulz & the Free Speech Warrior Team coming thru for us, the 1st Am. & their fellow comic any time now. Not counting on it, but sincerely hope they surprise us.
#jimmykimmel
youtu.be/6ZvOh-xbudc?...
#jimmykimmel
youtu.be/6ZvOh-xbudc?...
The Catty Corner: Time to Step Up For Free Speech
YouTube video by The Hometown Holler
youtu.be
September 18, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Blaire doesn’t look back!
Reposted by The Hometown Holler
After a day spent upgrading some tech in the Hometown Holler studio, I was more than compensated by sticking around for the taping of an upcoming @thehometownholler.bsky.social podcast with the astonishing** @tressiemcphd.bsky.social
**If I say more, I’ll gush, and don’t nobody need to see that
**If I say more, I’ll gush, and don’t nobody need to see that
September 17, 2025 at 7:31 PM
After a day spent upgrading some tech in the Hometown Holler studio, I was more than compensated by sticking around for the taping of an upcoming @thehometownholler.bsky.social podcast with the astonishing** @tressiemcphd.bsky.social
**If I say more, I’ll gush, and don’t nobody need to see that
**If I say more, I’ll gush, and don’t nobody need to see that
🚨New episode out today!
Find out what the Democratic National Committee is all about as we sat down with @reynawaltersmorgan.com —Vice Chair of the DNC.
Find out what the Democratic National Committee is all about as we sat down with @reynawaltersmorgan.com —Vice Chair of the DNC.
How Democrats Plan to Win in 2026 (Feat. Reyna Walters-Morgan)
YouTube video by The Hometown Holler
youtu.be
September 15, 2025 at 1:54 PM
🚨New episode out today!
Find out what the Democratic National Committee is all about as we sat down with @reynawaltersmorgan.com —Vice Chair of the DNC.
Find out what the Democratic National Committee is all about as we sat down with @reynawaltersmorgan.com —Vice Chair of the DNC.
Reposted by The Hometown Holler
_I made the tough call to tweet inaccurate information from Rao's. Not everyone would have the guts to do that._
"Kash Patel’s one-man crusade to convince everybody he actually did a great job continues. 'I made the tough calls...' During Patel’s 15 minute interview, we counted ten mentions of the word 'my,' 43 of 'I,' and 13 of 'I’m.' Oh, and four mentions of the word 'me.'”
open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...
open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...
It’s Stephen Miller’s Show Now
The most powerful guy in Trump’s ear has a plan for how to respond to the death of Charlie Kirk. You’re not going to like it.
open.substack.com
September 15, 2025 at 1:47 PM
_I made the tough call to tweet inaccurate information from Rao's. Not everyone would have the guts to do that._