David Atkins
@davidoatkins.bsky.social
Contributor @washingtonmonthly.com. Bylines @theprospect & elsewhere. Elected DNC Member from CA. Progressive reformist. Dad of two. I run a qualitative research firm.
Reposted by David Atkins
November 11, 2025 at 3:14 AM
Ah yes. Just what I want to do: haggle with Aetna over unsubsidized private plans.
Trump: "I want the money to go into an account for people where they buy their own health insurance. It's so good. The insurance will be better. It'll cost less. Everybody is gonna be happy. They're gonna feel like entrepreneurs. They're actually able to go out & negotiate their own insurance"
November 11, 2025 at 2:29 AM
Ah yes. Just what I want to do: haggle with Aetna over unsubsidized private plans.
Ah yes. Just what I want to do: haggle with Aetna over unsubsidized private plans.
Trump: "I want the money to go into an account for people where they buy their own health insurance. It's so good. The insurance will be better. It'll cost less. Everybody is gonna be happy. They're gonna feel like entrepreneurs. They're actually able to go out & negotiate their own insurance"
November 11, 2025 at 2:17 AM
Ah yes. Just what I want to do: haggle with Aetna over unsubsidized private plans.
Reposted by David Atkins
🚨 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 David Atkins
MSNBC reported Schumer's office felt that the longer that shutdown went on, the more likely it was that people would start to blame the Dems.
My kingdom for Democrats that don't govern out of fear. I've said it before and I'll say it again: The American people are far braver than their reps.
My kingdom for Democrats that don't govern out of fear. I've said it before and I'll say it again: The American people are far braver than their reps.
November 10, 2025 at 2:18 AM
MSNBC reported Schumer's office felt that the longer that shutdown went on, the more likely it was that people would start to blame the Dems.
My kingdom for Democrats that don't govern out of fear. I've said it before and I'll say it again: The American people are far braver than their reps.
My kingdom for Democrats that don't govern out of fear. I've said it before and I'll say it again: The American people are far braver than their reps.
Reposted by David Atkins
Any "deal" with Senate Republicans for a future vote does not necessarily apply to the House. And even if Johnson goes back on his word that he would never put a subsidy extension on the floor, Trump hasn't signed on to anything.
Surely the Democrats understand this, right?
Surely the Democrats understand this, right?
November 9, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Any "deal" with Senate Republicans for a future vote does not necessarily apply to the House. And even if Johnson goes back on his word that he would never put a subsidy extension on the floor, Trump hasn't signed on to anything.
Surely the Democrats understand this, right?
Surely the Democrats understand this, right?
How is this the fault of The Party? The vast majority of the caucus opposes it. A DNC vice Chair just came out in opposition. I'm a DNC member and I oppose it.
People who want to burn down the Dem Party over this don't know what a party is or how it works.
This is what primaries are for.
People who want to burn down the Dem Party over this don't know what a party is or how it works.
This is what primaries are for.
if Democrats cave for absolutely nothing I don't want to hear another conversation about how we make it the current party organization work ever again.
they will be fucking dead to me.
I don't care if we have to build a new coalition from absolute zero
they will be fucking dead to me.
I don't care if we have to build a new coalition from absolute zero
November 9, 2025 at 10:58 PM
How is this the fault of The Party? The vast majority of the caucus opposes it. A DNC vice Chair just came out in opposition. I'm a DNC member and I oppose it.
People who want to burn down the Dem Party over this don't know what a party is or how it works.
This is what primaries are for.
People who want to burn down the Dem Party over this don't know what a party is or how it works.
This is what primaries are for.
Reposted by David Atkins
the angry base has been right and the savvy "calm down" caucus has been wrong every step of the way for the last 10 years
This seems significant
November 9, 2025 at 10:39 PM
the angry base has been right and the savvy "calm down" caucus has been wrong every step of the way for the last 10 years
Reposted by David Atkins
Under Biden, the IRS launched a program for people to file their taxes FOR FREE (finally!)
Well, Trump ended it because TurboTax donated $1 million to him. This White House is just one big grift while the rest of us pay more for everything.
Well, Trump ended it because TurboTax donated $1 million to him. This White House is just one big grift while the rest of us pay more for everything.
The IRS is reportedly not offering its Direct File program next year. Here’s a look back at how TurboTax owner Intuit spent two decades fighting to prevent Americans from filing their taxes online for free:
(Published 2019)
(Published 2019)
Inside TurboTax’s 20-Year Fight to Stop Americans From Filing Their Taxes for Free
Using lobbying, the revolving door and “dark pattern” customer tricks, Intuit fended off the government’s attempts to make tax filing free and easy, and created its multi-billion-dollar franchise.
www.propublica.org
November 9, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Under Biden, the IRS launched a program for people to file their taxes FOR FREE (finally!)
Well, Trump ended it because TurboTax donated $1 million to him. This White House is just one big grift while the rest of us pay more for everything.
Well, Trump ended it because TurboTax donated $1 million to him. This White House is just one big grift while the rest of us pay more for everything.
Reposted by David Atkins
I found this today on TikTok by the creator @TrashCaulin
I think this short expresses PERFECTLY what is happening now.
Oh, and make sure you give your Senators a jingle and let them know that the need to #HoldTheLine (202)224-3121 ☎️
I think this short expresses PERFECTLY what is happening now.
Oh, and make sure you give your Senators a jingle and let them know that the need to #HoldTheLine (202)224-3121 ☎️
November 8, 2025 at 7:38 PM
I found this today on TikTok by the creator @TrashCaulin
I think this short expresses PERFECTLY what is happening now.
Oh, and make sure you give your Senators a jingle and let them know that the need to #HoldTheLine (202)224-3121 ☎️
I think this short expresses PERFECTLY what is happening now.
Oh, and make sure you give your Senators a jingle and let them know that the need to #HoldTheLine (202)224-3121 ☎️
All these "mods" care about is setting themselves up for attack ads to use in the midterms. They still think it's the 1990s.
No one watches or cares about attack ads. What will rule the day is social media influencers who aren't fooled by these games. Either you saved the ACA or you didn't.
No one watches or cares about attack ads. What will rule the day is social media influencers who aren't fooled by these games. Either you saved the ACA or you didn't.
Even the corporatist Hill reporters are gobsmacked by how complete @schumer.senate.gov's collapse is: "And this does absolutely zero on Obamacare. The most Democrats get is a Senate vote. After 40 days."
November 9, 2025 at 9:17 PM
All these "mods" care about is setting themselves up for attack ads to use in the midterms. They still think it's the 1990s.
No one watches or cares about attack ads. What will rule the day is social media influencers who aren't fooled by these games. Either you saved the ACA or you didn't.
No one watches or cares about attack ads. What will rule the day is social media influencers who aren't fooled by these games. Either you saved the ACA or you didn't.
Reposted by David Atkins
When you look at the red states, their tax systems drastically favor the rich over regular people.
Republicans want to steal your money and give it to rich people who do not contribute to society.
Right-wing tax policy is the biggest scam in history.
Republicans want to steal your money and give it to rich people who do not contribute to society.
Right-wing tax policy is the biggest scam in history.
November 9, 2025 at 7:52 PM
When you look at the red states, their tax systems drastically favor the rich over regular people.
Republicans want to steal your money and give it to rich people who do not contribute to society.
Right-wing tax policy is the biggest scam in history.
Republicans want to steal your money and give it to rich people who do not contribute to society.
Right-wing tax policy is the biggest scam in history.
Reposted by David Atkins
If other Democrats are compelled to put out statements against the “deal” then there has to be some smoke
Torres is a no and DNC Vice Chair Kenyatta says its a mistake
November 9, 2025 at 8:37 PM
If other Democrats are compelled to put out statements against the “deal” then there has to be some smoke
Reposted by David Atkins
I assumed that since Schumer asked for such a pathetically low number on the ACA extension (1 year) it would get whittled down to maybe four months and pinky promises.
But if this reporting is accurate, they're not even going to try for four months. They're just going to take the pinky promises.
But if this reporting is accurate, they're not even going to try for four months. They're just going to take the pinky promises.
BREAKING: Deal to end government shutdown in reach
Deal to end government shutdown in reach
At least 10 Senate Democrats are expected to support a key procedural motion.
www.axios.com
November 9, 2025 at 6:51 PM
I assumed that since Schumer asked for such a pathetically low number on the ACA extension (1 year) it would get whittled down to maybe four months and pinky promises.
But if this reporting is accurate, they're not even going to try for four months. They're just going to take the pinky promises.
But if this reporting is accurate, they're not even going to try for four months. They're just going to take the pinky promises.
Reposted by David Atkins
The whole GOP shutdown strategy is hoping that sheer force of propaganda can convince the public that things getting worse does not reflect badly on the people in charge of the government, and that hurting America more will get Democrats to acquiesce to the Trump admin hurting America in other ways.
Sean Duffy: "We have a number of people who want to get home for the holidays, they want to see their family. Listen, many of them are not going to be able to get on an airplane."
November 9, 2025 at 4:28 PM
The whole GOP shutdown strategy is hoping that sheer force of propaganda can convince the public that things getting worse does not reflect badly on the people in charge of the government, and that hurting America more will get Democrats to acquiesce to the Trump admin hurting America in other ways.
This is one of the funniest things I have ever seen. It won't make much sense if you haven't played Disco Elysium, but if you have....
It gave us the great Disco Elysium Vance video:
November 9, 2025 at 2:14 AM
This is one of the funniest things I have ever seen. It won't make much sense if you haven't played Disco Elysium, but if you have....
Reposted by David Atkins
The makeup line is insane but we should talk about how the cartilage in his ear magically grew back
November 8, 2025 at 9:46 PM
The makeup line is insane but we should talk about how the cartilage in his ear magically grew back
Reposted by David Atkins
Not ICE. Border Patrol. They’re wearing Border Patrol uniforms with clear Border Patrol patches on them.
There are many videos of ICE officers doing outrageous stuff but a lot of the absolute worst videos are of Border Patrol, who are basically Bovino and Miller’s most aggressive tool right now.
There are many videos of ICE officers doing outrageous stuff but a lot of the absolute worst videos are of Border Patrol, who are basically Bovino and Miller’s most aggressive tool right now.
ICE agents in Chicago violently detain a non verbal autistic man for being “non compliant”
He couldn’t “comply” because of his disability…they don’t care
This is not the first time they’ve gone after a disabled person
They target the most vulnerable because it’s an easy way to meet their quota
He couldn’t “comply” because of his disability…they don’t care
This is not the first time they’ve gone after a disabled person
They target the most vulnerable because it’s an easy way to meet their quota
November 8, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Not ICE. Border Patrol. They’re wearing Border Patrol uniforms with clear Border Patrol patches on them.
There are many videos of ICE officers doing outrageous stuff but a lot of the absolute worst videos are of Border Patrol, who are basically Bovino and Miller’s most aggressive tool right now.
There are many videos of ICE officers doing outrageous stuff but a lot of the absolute worst videos are of Border Patrol, who are basically Bovino and Miller’s most aggressive tool right now.
Reposted by David Atkins
Went back to the history of the Sicilian Mafia to illustrate something obvious but worth stating explicitly: The Trump administration behaves like an organized crime syndicate running a protection racket, not a representative government www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
November 8, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Went back to the history of the Sicilian Mafia to illustrate something obvious but worth stating explicitly: The Trump administration behaves like an organized crime syndicate running a protection racket, not a representative government www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
The movement incentives that hobbled Sierra Club are a big part of why Yglesias, Klein et al are so "anti-woke." And it's true that Standpoint Theory damaged the effectiveness of many liberal orgs.
But that's different from what is happening with swing voters!
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/u...
But that's different from what is happening with swing voters!
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/u...
The Sierra Club Embraced Social Justice. Then It Tore Itself Apart.
www.nytimes.com
November 8, 2025 at 5:36 PM
The movement incentives that hobbled Sierra Club are a big part of why Yglesias, Klein et al are so "anti-woke." And it's true that Standpoint Theory damaged the effectiveness of many liberal orgs.
But that's different from what is happening with swing voters!
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/u...
But that's different from what is happening with swing voters!
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/u...
Trump and his GOP allies are desperately trying to starve 40 million people as hostages so that Dems will let them double everyone's health insurance costs.
All so they can pay for tax cuts for billionaires.
All so they can pay for tax cuts for billionaires.
November 8, 2025 at 1:21 AM
Trump and his GOP allies are desperately trying to starve 40 million people as hostages so that Dems will let them double everyone's health insurance costs.
All so they can pay for tax cuts for billionaires.
All so they can pay for tax cuts for billionaires.
Reposted by David Atkins
LET ME BE PERFECTLY CLEAR: DOJ DID ALL OF THIS TO TRY AND STOP PAYMENTS TO PEOPLE UNDER AN ANTI-HUNGER PROGRAM.
Oh, this is wild.
DOJ went to SCOTUS *before* we got the First Circuit's administrative stay denial. (We know this because DOJ just filed a letter at SCOTUS about the admin stay denial.)
So, DOJ went to SCOTUS b/c the First Circuit did not meet its less-than-seven-hour "deadline" for a ruling.
DOJ went to SCOTUS *before* we got the First Circuit's administrative stay denial. (We know this because DOJ just filed a letter at SCOTUS about the admin stay denial.)
So, DOJ went to SCOTUS b/c the First Circuit did not meet its less-than-seven-hour "deadline" for a ruling.
November 8, 2025 at 12:06 AM
LET ME BE PERFECTLY CLEAR: DOJ DID ALL OF THIS TO TRY AND STOP PAYMENTS TO PEOPLE UNDER AN ANTI-HUNGER PROGRAM.
Reposted by David Atkins
A long and comprehensive opinion, but this jumped out at me: The judge accused the Federal Protective Service—which was called in to suppress the protests—of lying under oath to slander the regular Portland police.😬
DOJ recently admitted that other FPS claims in this case were objectively false.
DOJ recently admitted that other FPS claims in this case were objectively false.
November 8, 2025 at 1:13 AM
A long and comprehensive opinion, but this jumped out at me: The judge accused the Federal Protective Service—which was called in to suppress the protests—of lying under oath to slander the regular Portland police.😬
DOJ recently admitted that other FPS claims in this case were objectively false.
DOJ recently admitted that other FPS claims in this case were objectively false.
An out-of-shape racist buffoon Batman who beats up nannies and gardeners for no reason while all of Gotham screams shame and obscenities at him
Border Patrol's Greg Bovino just posted a new Batman-themed propaganda video to social media
November 8, 2025 at 12:26 AM
An out-of-shape racist buffoon Batman who beats up nannies and gardeners for no reason while all of Gotham screams shame and obscenities at him
Reposted by David Atkins
establishment journalism's abject failure to express that this man has absolutely no idea how anything works should never be forgiven or forgotten
Trump: Our groceries are way down. Everything is way down. So I don't want to hear about the affordability.
November 7, 2025 at 2:10 PM
establishment journalism's abject failure to express that this man has absolutely no idea how anything works should never be forgiven or forgotten