V. Tom Gardner
@vtomgardner.bsky.social
#PoliSci Visiting Professor. Political geek. Specialties: communications, political communications, social media, media relations, writing. RT ≠ Support. Alumni Santa Clara University and George Washington University (#GSPM).
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
Oh my god oh my god oh my goddddd the local aquarium has three new born otters and they CHIRP
December 20, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Oh my god oh my god oh my goddddd the local aquarium has three new born otters and they CHIRP
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
This is the worst case scenario that everybody was worried about
It is utterly catastrophic that RFK Jr. plans to end CDC recommendations for most childhood vaccines.
It’s a betrayal of science, ethics, compassion, and the people of the United States.
And it was also a specific goal of Project 2025 (page 254).
It’s a betrayal of science, ethics, compassion, and the people of the United States.
And it was also a specific goal of Project 2025 (page 254).
December 20, 2025 at 2:16 PM
This is the worst case scenario that everybody was worried about
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
Woman comes to US at age 6. Graduates nursing school. Work permit. No criminal record. Snatched and imprisoned by ICE for 6 months now. About to be forced back to Honduras. A life destroyed and one less nurse. Merry Christmas.
www.nola.com/news/educati...
www.nola.com/news/educati...
December 20, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Woman comes to US at age 6. Graduates nursing school. Work permit. No criminal record. Snatched and imprisoned by ICE for 6 months now. About to be forced back to Honduras. A life destroyed and one less nurse. Merry Christmas.
www.nola.com/news/educati...
www.nola.com/news/educati...
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
GOP Rep. Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna plan to draft articles of impeachment against AG Pam Bondi over the DOJ’s failure to release all Epstein files as required by law.
December 20, 2025 at 3:31 PM
GOP Rep. Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna plan to draft articles of impeachment against AG Pam Bondi over the DOJ’s failure to release all Epstein files as required by law.
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
Good discussion with @brianbeutler.bsky.social and @whstancil.bsky.social about the affordability discourse. They argue prices don't fully explain Trump's unpopularity and that keeping prices low will probably not be a panacea for Dems when they are in charge next. newrepublic.com/article/2045...
Transcript: Affordability Isn’t a “Silver Bullet” for Democrats
Political analysts Brian Beutler and Will Stancil say that Democrats may be overemphasizing affordability instead of campaigning against all of Trump’s misdeeds.
newrepublic.com
December 20, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Good discussion with @brianbeutler.bsky.social and @whstancil.bsky.social about the affordability discourse. They argue prices don't fully explain Trump's unpopularity and that keeping prices low will probably not be a panacea for Dems when they are in charge next. newrepublic.com/article/2045...
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
The $1,776 Checks for Troops Trump Claimed Were ‘Because of Tariffs’ Are Actually Congressionally-Allocated Housing Allowances
He takes every opportunity to twist things to his favor. That’s why you have to check him on everything.
He takes every opportunity to twist things to his favor. That’s why you have to check him on everything.
December 19, 2025 at 2:19 PM
The $1,776 Checks for Troops Trump Claimed Were ‘Because of Tariffs’ Are Actually Congressionally-Allocated Housing Allowances
He takes every opportunity to twist things to his favor. That’s why you have to check him on everything.
He takes every opportunity to twist things to his favor. That’s why you have to check him on everything.
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
We’re proud to serve you. And, we’re relying on your help to fuel our fair, independent reporting in the year ahead.
Click here to join the community of supporters giving the NPR Network a strong start to 2026: n.pr/4pCcFIx
Click here to join the community of supporters giving the NPR Network a strong start to 2026: n.pr/4pCcFIx
December 19, 2025 at 6:45 PM
We’re proud to serve you. And, we’re relying on your help to fuel our fair, independent reporting in the year ahead.
Click here to join the community of supporters giving the NPR Network a strong start to 2026: n.pr/4pCcFIx
Click here to join the community of supporters giving the NPR Network a strong start to 2026: n.pr/4pCcFIx
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
Not ever calling the Gulf of Mexico anything other than that either, FYI.
December 19, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Not ever calling the Gulf of Mexico anything other than that either, FYI.
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
one of the most egregious lies politicians invoke to drive their authoritarian agendas is that they’re pushing for x policy “to protect the kids”
December 19, 2025 at 4:07 PM
one of the most egregious lies politicians invoke to drive their authoritarian agendas is that they’re pushing for x policy “to protect the kids”
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
Felt a little festive at the microscope this morning for #FluorescenceFriday 🎄
Here’s the nervous system of a juvenile sea star ⭐️
Green = acetylated tubulin, red = nuclei
Happy holidays!
Here’s the nervous system of a juvenile sea star ⭐️
Green = acetylated tubulin, red = nuclei
Happy holidays!
December 19, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Felt a little festive at the microscope this morning for #FluorescenceFriday 🎄
Here’s the nervous system of a juvenile sea star ⭐️
Green = acetylated tubulin, red = nuclei
Happy holidays!
Here’s the nervous system of a juvenile sea star ⭐️
Green = acetylated tubulin, red = nuclei
Happy holidays!
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
Trump did not strengthen the arts or the Kennedy Center. He repeatedly sought to eliminate federal arts funding, politicized the Kennedy Center Honors, and fostered an environment that chilled artistic expression. Claims that he “saved” or rebuilt the Kennedy Center are demonstrably false.
December 19, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Trump did not strengthen the arts or the Kennedy Center. He repeatedly sought to eliminate federal arts funding, politicized the Kennedy Center Honors, and fostered an environment that chilled artistic expression. Claims that he “saved” or rebuilt the Kennedy Center are demonstrably false.
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
OUT: Worrying about prices.
IN: Worrying about jobs.
@wsj.com @bloomberg.com
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
IN: Worrying about jobs.
@wsj.com @bloomberg.com
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
December 19, 2025 at 12:26 PM
OUT: Worrying about prices.
IN: Worrying about jobs.
@wsj.com @bloomberg.com
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
IN: Worrying about jobs.
@wsj.com @bloomberg.com
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Woah. "Top lawyer for military joint chiefs told chairman that officers should retire if faced with an unlawful order."
I hate it when people in positions of power resign, as it just allows someone else with fewer morals to take their position and follow illegal orders.
www.cnn.com/2025/12/19/p...
I hate it when people in positions of power resign, as it just allows someone else with fewer morals to take their position and follow illegal orders.
www.cnn.com/2025/12/19/p...
Exclusive: Top lawyer for military joint chiefs told chairman that officers should retire if faced with an unlawful order | CNN Politics
How should a military commander respond if they determine they have received an unlawful order?
www.cnn.com
December 19, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Woah. "Top lawyer for military joint chiefs told chairman that officers should retire if faced with an unlawful order."
I hate it when people in positions of power resign, as it just allows someone else with fewer morals to take their position and follow illegal orders.
www.cnn.com/2025/12/19/p...
I hate it when people in positions of power resign, as it just allows someone else with fewer morals to take their position and follow illegal orders.
www.cnn.com/2025/12/19/p...
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
“Silence in the face of authoritarianism is complicity. Speaking out is a patriotic act. Democracy doesn’t defend itself. It requires participation, vigilance, and courage from ordinary people.” – Rob Reiner
December 19, 2025 at 3:24 PM
“Silence in the face of authoritarianism is complicity. Speaking out is a patriotic act. Democracy doesn’t defend itself. It requires participation, vigilance, and courage from ordinary people.” – Rob Reiner
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
“That is the most insidious corruption…Trumpism gets its defenders to insist terrible things could never happen…Until Trump does the thing. At which point these same people insist the thing which could never happen must happen. That it is right, good and necessary.”
open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...
open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...
Trump, Hunger Games, and the Kennedy Center
The dystopia everyone said was impossible is already here.
open.substack.com
December 19, 2025 at 5:52 PM
“That is the most insidious corruption…Trumpism gets its defenders to insist terrible things could never happen…Until Trump does the thing. At which point these same people insist the thing which could never happen must happen. That it is right, good and necessary.”
open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...
open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
The Conversation: Bird flu warnings are being ignored. I’ve seen this pattern before
Published: December 18, 2025 6:01am EST
https://theconversation.com/bird-flu-warnings-are-being-ignored-ive-seen-this-pattern-before-271765
#flu #influenza #pandemic #health
Published: December 18, 2025 6:01am EST
https://theconversation.com/bird-flu-warnings-are-being-ignored-ive-seen-this-pattern-before-271765
#flu #influenza #pandemic #health
Bird flu warnings are being ignored. I’ve seen this pattern before
H5N1 has a 50% fatality rate in humans. Yet we’re dismantling the systems designed to catch it early.
theconversation.com
December 19, 2025 at 4:29 AM
The Conversation: Bird flu warnings are being ignored. I’ve seen this pattern before
Published: December 18, 2025 6:01am EST
https://theconversation.com/bird-flu-warnings-are-being-ignored-ive-seen-this-pattern-before-271765
#flu #influenza #pandemic #health
Published: December 18, 2025 6:01am EST
https://theconversation.com/bird-flu-warnings-are-being-ignored-ive-seen-this-pattern-before-271765
#flu #influenza #pandemic #health
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
Judge Jeanine kicking ass and taking names at the DC US Attorney’s office.
December 18, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Judge Jeanine kicking ass and taking names at the DC US Attorney’s office.
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
For a GOP president—after the Iraq War—to say outright that invading Venezuela is all about oil is wild. But it is. It’s also about corruption, power, graft, and land. And we should take him at his word.
@msnowevents.bsky.social
@msnowevents.bsky.social
December 18, 2025 at 9:33 PM
For a GOP president—after the Iraq War—to say outright that invading Venezuela is all about oil is wild. But it is. It’s also about corruption, power, graft, and land. And we should take him at his word.
@msnowevents.bsky.social
@msnowevents.bsky.social
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
Need something to feel good about? I sure do. Here are 7 fantastic science stores from 2025. Science will continue, even if The Regime tries to kill it at home. #Science 🧪
Seven feel-good science stories to restore your faith in 2025
Immense progress in gene editing, drug discovery and conservation are just some of the reasons to be cheerful about 2025.
www.nature.com
December 19, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Need something to feel good about? I sure do. Here are 7 fantastic science stores from 2025. Science will continue, even if The Regime tries to kill it at home. #Science 🧪
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
In case laws still matter…
December 18, 2025 at 9:04 PM
In case laws still matter…
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
Muting a Black woman to claim the vote was unanimous is so incredibly on the nose
The White House claims the vote to rename the Kennedy Center was “unanimous.” That is false. I was muted on the call and denied the opportunity to speak or register my opposition. That is not consensus. That is censorship.
December 18, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Muting a Black woman to claim the vote was unanimous is so incredibly on the nose
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
IUPAT President @jimmy-iupat.bsky.social is right:
Temporary Protected Status recipients are rigorously vetted, pay taxes, and do work in critical industries. They are part of our communities and our unions—they deserve respect and protection.
America’s unions will keep fighting for them.
Temporary Protected Status recipients are rigorously vetted, pay taxes, and do work in critical industries. They are part of our communities and our unions—they deserve respect and protection.
America’s unions will keep fighting for them.
December 19, 2025 at 12:17 AM
IUPAT President @jimmy-iupat.bsky.social is right:
Temporary Protected Status recipients are rigorously vetted, pay taxes, and do work in critical industries. They are part of our communities and our unions—they deserve respect and protection.
America’s unions will keep fighting for them.
Temporary Protected Status recipients are rigorously vetted, pay taxes, and do work in critical industries. They are part of our communities and our unions—they deserve respect and protection.
America’s unions will keep fighting for them.
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
This is mental illness.
December 18, 2025 at 7:02 PM
This is mental illness.
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
Funny how those who've studied Trump most exhaustively long ago determined and publicized his intention of seeking a third term while those in corporate media who've normalized him have been publishing horse-race stories about who the 2028 GOP nominee will be
Psychopaths do not just give away power
Psychopaths do not just give away power
Exclusive | Trump Told by Alan Dershowitz Constitutionality of Third Term Is Unclear
Trump’s former lawyer presented him with his forthcoming book that concludes the Constitution is ambiguous on the question.
www.wsj.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Funny how those who've studied Trump most exhaustively long ago determined and publicized his intention of seeking a third term while those in corporate media who've normalized him have been publishing horse-race stories about who the 2028 GOP nominee will be
Psychopaths do not just give away power
Psychopaths do not just give away power
Reposted by V. Tom Gardner
For new Afghan refugees, most of whom relocated to the US after having worked for the American military in Afghanistan, their predicament is particularly dire:
Afghans across US are being targeted by ICE raids
For new Afghan refugees, most of whom relocated to the US after having worked for the American military in Afghanistan, their predicament is particularly dire.
www.newarab.com
December 18, 2025 at 12:25 PM
For new Afghan refugees, most of whom relocated to the US after having worked for the American military in Afghanistan, their predicament is particularly dire: