Topher Brennan (he/they)
@topherbrennan.bsky.social
Protect trans rights!
Reposted by Topher Brennan (he/they)
US senators will say anything. "Standing up to donald trump gave him more power." No it didn't. That isn't true.
This is what bullies want you to think, and it's why they get stronger
November 11, 2025 at 8:09 PM
US senators will say anything. "Standing up to donald trump gave him more power." No it didn't. That isn't true.
Reposted by Topher Brennan (he/they)
SNAP benefits weren’t stopped by the shutdown, they were stopped by Trump’s lawbreaking.
Under US law there is a dedicated SNAP fund for shutdowns, Trump refused to spend it, lost in court, defied the court order, took the issue to the Supreme Court.
And guess what? He’s still pursuing that case.
Under US law there is a dedicated SNAP fund for shutdowns, Trump refused to spend it, lost in court, defied the court order, took the issue to the Supreme Court.
And guess what? He’s still pursuing that case.
The Trump administration continued Monday to press the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn lower court decisions requiring the federal government pay full SNAP benefits, even as Congress appeared to approach an end to the record-breaking government shutdown. ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/11/11/r...
Shutdown battle ebbs, but Trump won’t give up trying to withhold full SNAP benefits • Ohio Capital Journal
The Trump administration continued Monday to press the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn lower court decisions requiring the federal government pay full SNAP benefits, even as Congress appeared to…
ohiocapitaljournal.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:43 PM
SNAP benefits weren’t stopped by the shutdown, they were stopped by Trump’s lawbreaking.
Under US law there is a dedicated SNAP fund for shutdowns, Trump refused to spend it, lost in court, defied the court order, took the issue to the Supreme Court.
And guess what? He’s still pursuing that case.
Under US law there is a dedicated SNAP fund for shutdowns, Trump refused to spend it, lost in court, defied the court order, took the issue to the Supreme Court.
And guess what? He’s still pursuing that case.
Reposted by Topher Brennan (he/they)
If there's one thing I would like everyone over 25 to know, it's that way more of the government is run by the people who just decided to show up to meetings than you realize.
Attend a couple city commission meetings yourself, and they lose a lot of the mystique.
Attend a couple city commission meetings yourself, and they lose a lot of the mystique.
Right, the answer isn't to abandon the party to these weasels.
The answer is to flood the party with people who will take it over and transform it.
The answer is to flood the party with people who will take it over and transform it.
Hey, a lot of people are talking about changing affiliation from Democratic to Independent.
Let me tell you why you shouldn’t do that in Colorado.
One of the main ways to get a primary challenge candidate on a ballot is to caucus for your party. You need to be registered as a Dem to caucus.
Let me tell you why you shouldn’t do that in Colorado.
One of the main ways to get a primary challenge candidate on a ballot is to caucus for your party. You need to be registered as a Dem to caucus.
November 11, 2025 at 5:08 PM
If there's one thing I would like everyone over 25 to know, it's that way more of the government is run by the people who just decided to show up to meetings than you realize.
Attend a couple city commission meetings yourself, and they lose a lot of the mystique.
Attend a couple city commission meetings yourself, and they lose a lot of the mystique.
Reposted by Topher Brennan (he/they)
also apparently pelosi screamed at milley to arrest trump on j6 and I think if he had then he’s successfully impeached and we don’t get trump vs united states
November 11, 2025 at 1:01 PM
also apparently pelosi screamed at milley to arrest trump on j6 and I think if he had then he’s successfully impeached and we don’t get trump vs united states
Reposted by Topher Brennan (he/they)
This seems like the most straightforward and also basically accurate message.
instead of saying this was good strategy, maybe senate dems should say: "the republicans were going to kill people by starving them to death, and because we aren't monsters, we decided to let this fight go. We'll keep fighting. Stop electing monsters."
November 11, 2025 at 2:50 PM
This seems like the most straightforward and also basically accurate message.
Reposted by Topher Brennan (he/they)
Every senator let through the unanimous consent to make the whole thing take 5 minutes. Every one of them is lying to you about their opposition
November 11, 2025 at 7:18 AM
Every senator let through the unanimous consent to make the whole thing take 5 minutes. Every one of them is lying to you about their opposition
Reposted by Topher Brennan (he/they)
i just realized what hes describing here is a fundraising email, they sold us out for for the promise of dope ass fundraising emails
Kaine on why he thinks just getting a vote on healthcare is a win: "We're the minority party, but everybody will get to see who is standing for them when it comes to lowering their healthcare costs"
November 11, 2025 at 3:32 PM
i just realized what hes describing here is a fundraising email, they sold us out for for the promise of dope ass fundraising emails
Reposted by Topher Brennan (he/they)
we're only just getting to the fun part #TeslaTakedown
WELLS: ".. Available $TSLA Oct delivery data shows steep weakness. Of the 4 major markets we track, Oct $TSLA deliveries are trending down -23%y/y, -54%m/m & YTD -9% y/y. The weakness is widespread across all markets."
Reiterates Underweight, $120 target
November 11, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Reiterates Underweight, $120 target
November 11, 2025 at 10:30 AM
November 11, 2025 at 3:38 PM
we're only just getting to the fun part #TeslaTakedown
Reposted by Topher Brennan (he/they)
Republicans constantly attack their Congressional leadership, and they remove leaders who fail to achieve the objectives desired by the base.
This 'infighting' hasn't been a 'distraction' or 'weakness' for them, it has produced victory after victory, including control of all three branches.
This 'infighting' hasn't been a 'distraction' or 'weakness' for them, it has produced victory after victory, including control of all three branches.
Oh yeah - never a convenient time to have some real talk about the dynamic that the Democrats in the Senate are led by bunch of chumps. Certainly not after they created the conditions for yet another base demoralizing surrender.
This kind of activity is just what you should want to see, if your are a Republican, eager to see the opposition distracted by self-destructive infighting.
November 11, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Republicans constantly attack their Congressional leadership, and they remove leaders who fail to achieve the objectives desired by the base.
This 'infighting' hasn't been a 'distraction' or 'weakness' for them, it has produced victory after victory, including control of all three branches.
This 'infighting' hasn't been a 'distraction' or 'weakness' for them, it has produced victory after victory, including control of all three branches.
Reposted by Topher Brennan (he/they)
It’s amazing how defensive a segment of the Democratic base get when their feckless leaders get deserved criticism.
The fact is if I were a Republican Schumer or his type of Democrat that dominates the Senate Leadership in charge eternally.
All chumps who are only ruthless to their base.
The fact is if I were a Republican Schumer or his type of Democrat that dominates the Senate Leadership in charge eternally.
All chumps who are only ruthless to their base.
November 11, 2025 at 3:31 PM
It’s amazing how defensive a segment of the Democratic base get when their feckless leaders get deserved criticism.
The fact is if I were a Republican Schumer or his type of Democrat that dominates the Senate Leadership in charge eternally.
All chumps who are only ruthless to their base.
The fact is if I were a Republican Schumer or his type of Democrat that dominates the Senate Leadership in charge eternally.
All chumps who are only ruthless to their base.
Reposted by Topher Brennan (he/they)
Can everyone stop pretending that the new CBS is in the news business, and admit that it’s a post-truth propagandistic organization, now that they openly admit it?
“I’ve been hearing that standards will be eliminated or severely cut back. Bari has told people that she wants to get rid of standards and is shocked that they have so much power. She also asked openly, ‘What’s the point of standards?’” one CBS source said.
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a...
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a...
Bari Weiss wants to take down ‘too much power’ CBS News Standards unit: sources
EXCLUSIVE: Internal rumblings within the newsroom come after the S&P head resigned and the network disbanded its vaunted Race and Culture unit.
www.independent.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Can everyone stop pretending that the new CBS is in the news business, and admit that it’s a post-truth propagandistic organization, now that they openly admit it?
Reposted by Topher Brennan (he/they)
🚨 Tim Kaine is saying the quiet part out loud - underscoring why anyone shouldn't be satisfied with any of the "no" statements or posts from Dem Senators.
If Dem Senators are truly disgusted with this save they should be calling on #SurrenderSchumer to step aside as the Leader immediately.
If Dem Senators are truly disgusted with this save they should be calling on #SurrenderSchumer to step aside as the Leader immediately.
November 10, 2025 at 7:32 PM
🚨 Tim Kaine is saying the quiet part out loud - underscoring why anyone shouldn't be satisfied with any of the "no" statements or posts from Dem Senators.
If Dem Senators are truly disgusted with this save they should be calling on #SurrenderSchumer to step aside as the Leader immediately.
If Dem Senators are truly disgusted with this save they should be calling on #SurrenderSchumer to step aside as the Leader immediately.
Reposted by Topher Brennan (he/they)
this is why both online communists and people like @billkristolbulwark.bsky.social are better allies right now than someone like angus king. it's painful to confront that reality but it is the reality and the sooner everyone accepts, the sooner we can build a better one and better future
i’m ready to look past differences and align with anyone who actually believes we are in an existential fight. unfortunately that doesn’t include significant number of elected democrats!!
November 11, 2025 at 3:23 AM
this is why both online communists and people like @billkristolbulwark.bsky.social are better allies right now than someone like angus king. it's painful to confront that reality but it is the reality and the sooner everyone accepts, the sooner we can build a better one and better future
Reposted by Topher Brennan (he/they)
While I don’t ride or die for Pete Buttigieg, the vitriol directed at him is completely insane.
“When I was younger I wished that I could have taken a pill to turn me straight; but I have accepted and embraced my identity now” is an *extremely* common sentiment from Millennial and older gay people!
“When I was younger I wished that I could have taken a pill to turn me straight; but I have accepted and embraced my identity now” is an *extremely* common sentiment from Millennial and older gay people!
When Pete Buttigieg says he would take medicine that makes gay men straight. What do you think is Mr. Buttigieg's attitude towards gays, men and medicine?
November 9, 2025 at 7:39 PM
While I don’t ride or die for Pete Buttigieg, the vitriol directed at him is completely insane.
“When I was younger I wished that I could have taken a pill to turn me straight; but I have accepted and embraced my identity now” is an *extremely* common sentiment from Millennial and older gay people!
“When I was younger I wished that I could have taken a pill to turn me straight; but I have accepted and embraced my identity now” is an *extremely* common sentiment from Millennial and older gay people!
Reposted by Topher Brennan (he/they)
This is right.
The Dem base — the activist base, Indivisible leaders, the people who canvass and volunteer — saw that this shutdown was not mostly about healthcare, but about reining in Trump.
No wonder they are disappointed. The leader of the Senate should be able to rally the Dem base.
The Dem base — the activist base, Indivisible leaders, the people who canvass and volunteer — saw that this shutdown was not mostly about healthcare, but about reining in Trump.
No wonder they are disappointed. The leader of the Senate should be able to rally the Dem base.
And I get it - they are friends or whatever.
But the reason people are incandescently mad is because this was a proxy fight for reining in this administration. They chose to frame it as about Healthcare (which of COURSE is important!)
But folks perceived it as finally pushing back.
But the reason people are incandescently mad is because this was a proxy fight for reining in this administration. They chose to frame it as about Healthcare (which of COURSE is important!)
But folks perceived it as finally pushing back.
November 11, 2025 at 12:38 AM
This is right.
The Dem base — the activist base, Indivisible leaders, the people who canvass and volunteer — saw that this shutdown was not mostly about healthcare, but about reining in Trump.
No wonder they are disappointed. The leader of the Senate should be able to rally the Dem base.
The Dem base — the activist base, Indivisible leaders, the people who canvass and volunteer — saw that this shutdown was not mostly about healthcare, but about reining in Trump.
No wonder they are disappointed. The leader of the Senate should be able to rally the Dem base.
Reposted by Topher Brennan (he/they)
Hickenlooper already has several active primary challengers.
Markey has a non-Moulton challenger (me).
Reed has a challenger.
Markey has a non-Moulton challenger (me).
Reed has a challenger.
November 10, 2025 at 3:03 AM
Hickenlooper already has several active primary challengers.
Markey has a non-Moulton challenger (me).
Reed has a challenger.
Markey has a non-Moulton challenger (me).
Reed has a challenger.
Reposted by Topher Brennan (he/they)
Since, in the end, it was basically just an exercise in showing what Democrats stand for, the omission of clearing ICE out of cities is even more unacceptable than it had appeared before.
November 10, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Since, in the end, it was basically just an exercise in showing what Democrats stand for, the omission of clearing ICE out of cities is even more unacceptable than it had appeared before.
Reposted by Topher Brennan (he/they)
The fact that this was not even a part of the discussion is maddening
congress simply cannot deliver cities that are not under active occupation by masked secret police
in chicago’s austin neighborhood around 8 am:
this horrific video posted to social media shows at least four feds open a person’s car door, then handcuff and abduct them from laramie avenue.
this horrific video posted to social media shows at least four feds open a person’s car door, then handcuff and abduct them from laramie avenue.
November 10, 2025 at 10:45 PM
The fact that this was not even a part of the discussion is maddening
Reposted by Topher Brennan (he/they)
Warner is up for reelection. He was widely seen driving towards surrender behind the scenes, but he's voting no in public because it's unpopular. The real question is whether he supports a senate leadership change. If not, someone who supports senate leadership change should primary him.
But I cannot support a deal that still leaves millions of Americans wondering how they are going to pay for their health care or whether they will be able to afford to get sick.
November 10, 2025 at 1:56 AM
Warner is up for reelection. He was widely seen driving towards surrender behind the scenes, but he's voting no in public because it's unpopular. The real question is whether he supports a senate leadership change. If not, someone who supports senate leadership change should primary him.
Reposted by Topher Brennan (he/they)
wait -- they don't let clinic staff update AI-generated fields like *the diagnosis code*??? isn't that for the physician to do?
a few months ago I said "having generative AI handle absolutely anything with regards to healthcare is a nightmare and should be banned" and a bunch of people made fun of me and called me stupid. anyways,
November 10, 2025 at 5:04 PM
wait -- they don't let clinic staff update AI-generated fields like *the diagnosis code*??? isn't that for the physician to do?
Reposted by Topher Brennan (he/they)
Everyone is saying it. Literally everyone
November 10, 2025 at 2:47 AM
Everyone is saying it. Literally everyone
Reposted by Topher Brennan (he/they)
I can't tell you how many interviews I've done where I've been asked: If Trump's policies are so problematic, why are U.S. stocks rising so rapidly.
A bit of international context illustrates the real issue here.
U.S. stocks have dramatically underperformed other advanced economies.
A bit of international context illustrates the real issue here.
U.S. stocks have dramatically underperformed other advanced economies.
November 10, 2025 at 3:15 PM
I can't tell you how many interviews I've done where I've been asked: If Trump's policies are so problematic, why are U.S. stocks rising so rapidly.
A bit of international context illustrates the real issue here.
U.S. stocks have dramatically underperformed other advanced economies.
A bit of international context illustrates the real issue here.
U.S. stocks have dramatically underperformed other advanced economies.
The people who claimed Axios was just making stuff up about Dems cm being on the verge of caving really need to do some self-reflection but somehow I don't think they will.
November 10, 2025 at 4:45 PM
The people who claimed Axios was just making stuff up about Dems cm being on the verge of caving really need to do some self-reflection but somehow I don't think they will.
Foolish to gamble on this happening, but the possibility Trump and Johnson snatch defeat from the jaws of victory here is very real. bsky.app/profile/coop...
If Trump’s going to go full Mad King mode on SNAP like this, the optics of the Democrats caving to try to protect people are significantly better than anyone’s assuming, imo
Wait did...they not get what they wanted last night? What is happening?
*TRUMP OFFICIALS SAY SUPREME COURT SHOULD KEEP FOOD AID ON HOLD
*TRUMP: ALL AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS MUST GET BACK TO WORK, NOW
*TRUMP: AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS NOT WORKING WILL BE 'DOCKED'
*TRUMP OFFICIALS SAY SUPREME COURT SHOULD KEEP FOOD AID ON HOLD
*TRUMP: ALL AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS MUST GET BACK TO WORK, NOW
*TRUMP: AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS NOT WORKING WILL BE 'DOCKED'
November 10, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Foolish to gamble on this happening, but the possibility Trump and Johnson snatch defeat from the jaws of victory here is very real. bsky.app/profile/coop...
Reposted by Topher Brennan (he/they)
Over on xitter, the US AI czar just blamed AI "doomers" spreading concerns about x-risk/takeover for how much the general public hates AI.
But I feel confident my bskies can attest they actually think the doomers (🙋♂️) are complete idiots and they hate AI for a bunch of other reasons, right?
But I feel confident my bskies can attest they actually think the doomers (🙋♂️) are complete idiots and they hate AI for a bunch of other reasons, right?
November 10, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Over on xitter, the US AI czar just blamed AI "doomers" spreading concerns about x-risk/takeover for how much the general public hates AI.
But I feel confident my bskies can attest they actually think the doomers (🙋♂️) are complete idiots and they hate AI for a bunch of other reasons, right?
But I feel confident my bskies can attest they actually think the doomers (🙋♂️) are complete idiots and they hate AI for a bunch of other reasons, right?