Hari Rao
@hariarao.bsky.social
If you DM me and I don’t know you I’m probably going to block you.
Pinned
Hari Rao
@hariarao.bsky.social
· Nov 23
Weirdos sliding into my DMs, just like old times.
Reposted by Hari Rao
Rubio: That Ukraine plan was never ours, it's Russian wishlist we're factoring in to negotiations, but not our position.
Trump: Marco, do you want your war with Venezuela or not?
Rubio: But this—
Trump: Marco...
Rubio: America developed the plan with input from both the Russians and Ukrainians.
Trump: Marco, do you want your war with Venezuela or not?
Rubio: But this—
Trump: Marco...
Rubio: America developed the plan with input from both the Russians and Ukrainians.
November 23, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Rubio: That Ukraine plan was never ours, it's Russian wishlist we're factoring in to negotiations, but not our position.
Trump: Marco, do you want your war with Venezuela or not?
Rubio: But this—
Trump: Marco...
Rubio: America developed the plan with input from both the Russians and Ukrainians.
Trump: Marco, do you want your war with Venezuela or not?
Rubio: But this—
Trump: Marco...
Rubio: America developed the plan with input from both the Russians and Ukrainians.
Reposted by Hari Rao
Reposted by Hari Rao
The thing about Trump saying it’s fine for Mamdani to call him a fascist is that he genuinely thinks all of this is kayfabe, just as he could insult Rubio or Cruz but still work with them. It’s not possible for him to imagine other people being sincere about anything.
November 23, 2025 at 12:20 AM
The thing about Trump saying it’s fine for Mamdani to call him a fascist is that he genuinely thinks all of this is kayfabe, just as he could insult Rubio or Cruz but still work with them. It’s not possible for him to imagine other people being sincere about anything.
Reposted by Hari Rao
you know what? good advice.
Reporter: Are you affirming that you think the president is a fascist?
Mamdani: I've spoken about --
Trump: Just say yes, it's easier than explaining.
Mamdani: I've spoken about --
Trump: Just say yes, it's easier than explaining.
November 21, 2025 at 9:21 PM
you know what? good advice.
Reposted by Hari Rao
Laura Loomer may handcuff herself to the door of the Oval Office
November 21, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Laura Loomer may handcuff herself to the door of the Oval Office
Reposted by Hari Rao
In normal democracy terms, we've in bad shape and things are getting worse.
In consolidated authoritarianism terms, we're doing pretty well, as the regime is haphazard, meeting resistance, and growing increasingly unpopular.
Depends on one's perspective. I started using the latter standard in Jan.
In consolidated authoritarianism terms, we're doing pretty well, as the regime is haphazard, meeting resistance, and growing increasingly unpopular.
Depends on one's perspective. I started using the latter standard in Jan.
It is good to see the pushback on Trump lead to real losses for him. But it's hard to be optimistic when he still wields the enormous power of the presidency. ICE is still rampaging, HHS is harming people, the U.S. may be about to sell out Ukraine, the boat strikes...he's still doing so much damage.
November 22, 2025 at 5:48 PM
In normal democracy terms, we've in bad shape and things are getting worse.
In consolidated authoritarianism terms, we're doing pretty well, as the regime is haphazard, meeting resistance, and growing increasingly unpopular.
Depends on one's perspective. I started using the latter standard in Jan.
In consolidated authoritarianism terms, we're doing pretty well, as the regime is haphazard, meeting resistance, and growing increasingly unpopular.
Depends on one's perspective. I started using the latter standard in Jan.
Reposted by Hari Rao
Pardoning Nixon, moving beyond Watergate, brought us his henchmen for decades. Democrats aren't being magnanimous about letting bygones be bygones. They are being cowards. Holding people you know to account takes bravery, that they lack. So we need to make them do it kicking, dragging, & screaming.
There are going to be prominent Democrats and mainstream media voices who insist that we have to "turn the page" and "forgive and forget" and they should all be roundly ignored, if not mercilessly mocked.
It’s crazy to think about the crimes we’re going to learn about after this regime ends.
We’re already hearing about Watergate level crimes every week. Imagine what will come out after it’s over.
We’re going to need a full accounting of all that’s been done in violation of the constitution.
We’re already hearing about Watergate level crimes every week. Imagine what will come out after it’s over.
We’re going to need a full accounting of all that’s been done in violation of the constitution.
November 22, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Pardoning Nixon, moving beyond Watergate, brought us his henchmen for decades. Democrats aren't being magnanimous about letting bygones be bygones. They are being cowards. Holding people you know to account takes bravery, that they lack. So we need to make them do it kicking, dragging, & screaming.
Reposted by Hari Rao
I'm skeptical that Trump's make Ukraine surrender plan wasn't real.
Trump envoy Witkoff negotiated it, details and threats to Ukraine were public for multiple days, and Rubio didn't dispute it then, only after the plan got a bad reception and rejected by Europe.
Look like attempting to save face.
Trump envoy Witkoff negotiated it, details and threats to Ukraine were public for multiple days, and Rubio didn't dispute it then, only after the plan got a bad reception and rejected by Europe.
Look like attempting to save face.
Republican Senator Mike Rounds said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a call to senators, confirmed the so-called 28-point “peace plan” was actually a Russian wishlist and is “not the administration’s position”. Nor is there any threat to cut off weapons or intelligence to Ukraine.
November 22, 2025 at 11:46 PM
I'm skeptical that Trump's make Ukraine surrender plan wasn't real.
Trump envoy Witkoff negotiated it, details and threats to Ukraine were public for multiple days, and Rubio didn't dispute it then, only after the plan got a bad reception and rejected by Europe.
Look like attempting to save face.
Trump envoy Witkoff negotiated it, details and threats to Ukraine were public for multiple days, and Rubio didn't dispute it then, only after the plan got a bad reception and rejected by Europe.
Look like attempting to save face.
Reposted by Hari Rao
America putting most of its eggs in the generative AI basket, China going hard into green tech. When history looks back on this period, someone is going to look awfully stupid.
November 22, 2025 at 7:18 PM
America putting most of its eggs in the generative AI basket, China going hard into green tech. When history looks back on this period, someone is going to look awfully stupid.
Reposted by Hari Rao
I’m a law prof & a YLS grad and anyone familiar w elite law schools knows it is beyond laughable to describe these places as radicalism hotbeds. Cruz knows this, as does JD Vance. But they assume that their marks are too unsophisticated to know it too. It’s condescending as hell.
Ah yes. Harvard Law School in the early 1990s, well known for its Communist professors.
November 22, 2025 at 3:34 PM
I’m a law prof & a YLS grad and anyone familiar w elite law schools knows it is beyond laughable to describe these places as radicalism hotbeds. Cruz knows this, as does JD Vance. But they assume that their marks are too unsophisticated to know it too. It’s condescending as hell.
Reposted by Hari Rao
Trump’s plan for peace in Ukraine is a win-win for Russia
After a year of the U.S. president leaning harder on Zelenskyy than Putin, Washington was unlikely to conduct a real pressure campaign against Moscow.
After a year of the U.S. president leaning harder on Zelenskyy than Putin, Washington was unlikely to conduct a real pressure campaign against Moscow.
Trump’s plan for peace in Ukraine is a win-win for Russia
Opinion | Given the U.S. president's behavior toward Putin, it was unlikely the Trump administration would seriously pressure Moscow
www.ms.now
November 22, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Trump’s plan for peace in Ukraine is a win-win for Russia
After a year of the U.S. president leaning harder on Zelenskyy than Putin, Washington was unlikely to conduct a real pressure campaign against Moscow.
After a year of the U.S. president leaning harder on Zelenskyy than Putin, Washington was unlikely to conduct a real pressure campaign against Moscow.
Reposted by Hari Rao
The White House doesn’t offer a plausible legal rationale because the orders are illegal.
Various lawyers wouldn’t sign off on it because the orders are illegal.
Trump flipped out at veterans saying don’t follow illegal orders because he’s giving illegal orders.
Real Occam’s razor situation here.
Various lawyers wouldn’t sign off on it because the orders are illegal.
Trump flipped out at veterans saying don’t follow illegal orders because he’s giving illegal orders.
Real Occam’s razor situation here.
On the patently unlawful boat strikes
It's hard for USGs to claim ‘mistake of law’ or ‘advice of counsel’ – when they’re firing lawyers who wouldn't sign off on the strikes.
WaPo's new revelations on firings or removals:
1) CIA General Counsel
2) NSC Legal Adviser
3) CIA Mission Center’s lawyer
🧵
It's hard for USGs to claim ‘mistake of law’ or ‘advice of counsel’ – when they’re firing lawyers who wouldn't sign off on the strikes.
WaPo's new revelations on firings or removals:
1) CIA General Counsel
2) NSC Legal Adviser
3) CIA Mission Center’s lawyer
🧵
White House blew past legal concerns in deadly strikes on drug boats
The Trump administration sidestepped skeptical lawyers across national security agencies as it pursued a military campaign against alleged narcotraffickers, officials say.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:29 PM
The White House doesn’t offer a plausible legal rationale because the orders are illegal.
Various lawyers wouldn’t sign off on it because the orders are illegal.
Trump flipped out at veterans saying don’t follow illegal orders because he’s giving illegal orders.
Real Occam’s razor situation here.
Various lawyers wouldn’t sign off on it because the orders are illegal.
Trump flipped out at veterans saying don’t follow illegal orders because he’s giving illegal orders.
Real Occam’s razor situation here.
Reposted by Hari Rao
Numerous House Dems have now filed reports with the Capitol Police on Trump's call for their execution, WaPo reports. Rep Chrissy Houlahan discussed the need for this on our pod yesterday:
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Democrats seek police action on Trump’s ‘threatening’ social media posts
Lawmakers responded to Trump writing that they should be arrested and potentially punished by death for encouraging service members to disobey illegal orders.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Numerous House Dems have now filed reports with the Capitol Police on Trump's call for their execution, WaPo reports. Rep Chrissy Houlahan discussed the need for this on our pod yesterday:
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Hari Rao
speaking as a virginia beach native if these kind of dudes are plotting against ICE then there is wide runway in public opinion for straight up abolishing the agency under a dem presidency
Kempsville High School assistant principal charged for threats against police, ICE
Virginia Beach assistant principal John Bennett and Mark Bennett charged for conspiring threats against police and ICE agents. Both are held without bond.
www.13newsnow.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:39 AM
speaking as a virginia beach native if these kind of dudes are plotting against ICE then there is wide runway in public opinion for straight up abolishing the agency under a dem presidency
Reposted by Hari Rao
Thousands of Asus routers have been hacked and are under the control of a suspected China-state group that has yet to reveal its intentions for the mass compromise, researchers said.
How to know if your Asus router is one of thousands hacked by China-state hackers
So far, the hackers are laying low, likely for later use.
arstechnica.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Thousands of Asus routers have been hacked and are under the control of a suspected China-state group that has yet to reveal its intentions for the mass compromise, researchers said.
Reposted by Hari Rao
Next time a Republican opens their mouth to blather about left wing extremism and violence this should be played with a microsecond so they STFU.
November 22, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Next time a Republican opens their mouth to blather about left wing extremism and violence this should be played with a microsecond so they STFU.
Reposted by Hari Rao
Kelly: "My family has suffered from political violence. My wife, Gabby, was nearly assassinated, shot in the head at a political event. Even the president -- 2 assassination attempts -- he should understand his words have significant weight and people react to things that he says."
November 21, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Kelly: "My family has suffered from political violence. My wife, Gabby, was nearly assassinated, shot in the head at a political event. Even the president -- 2 assassination attempts -- he should understand his words have significant weight and people react to things that he says."
Reposted by Hari Rao
“Dividing the Western alliance has long been Russia’s top foreign policy goal, so for Moscow, an outcome that involves the U.S. getting Ukraine to surrender and the U.S. undermining NATO is a win-win.”
The deal states “NATO agrees not to station troops in Ukraine,” which means no tripwire guarding against another Russian invasion, reducing the deterrent value. No details of a security guarantee, but says the US “will receive compensation,” treating it more like a protection racket.
Me in @ms.now:
Me in @ms.now:
Trump’s plan for peace in Ukraine is a win-win for Russia
Opinion | Given the U.S. president's behavior toward Putin, it was unlikely the Trump administration would seriously pressure Moscow
www.ms.now
November 22, 2025 at 3:36 PM
“Dividing the Western alliance has long been Russia’s top foreign policy goal, so for Moscow, an outcome that involves the U.S. getting Ukraine to surrender and the U.S. undermining NATO is a win-win.”
Reposted by Hari Rao
Artificially raise prices, get people fired, take away healthcare, do tons of corruption, give special favors to connected billionaires, usher in oligarchy, but say the word "affordability" and be briefly nice to a left-wing politician on TV.
Shouldn't appeal to anyone, but apparently does to some.
Shouldn't appeal to anyone, but apparently does to some.
Sheesh it's depressing watching the rubes fall for Trump’s obvious media ploy with Zohran. It shows you how we got here. People are credulous and gullible to the end.
November 22, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Artificially raise prices, get people fired, take away healthcare, do tons of corruption, give special favors to connected billionaires, usher in oligarchy, but say the word "affordability" and be briefly nice to a left-wing politician on TV.
Shouldn't appeal to anyone, but apparently does to some.
Shouldn't appeal to anyone, but apparently does to some.
Reposted by Hari Rao
"Only in Trumpworld are people fired for minor culture war grievances, or because they were performing their assigned tasks which involved investigating illegal or unethical behavior, or for refusing to engage in acts of political retribution."
Read @donmoyn.bsky.social on Trump corrupting the FBI
Read @donmoyn.bsky.social on Trump corrupting the FBI
How the FBI Became the Face of Deprofessionalization
What research tells us about national security under authoritarianism
donmoynihan.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 5:30 PM
"Only in Trumpworld are people fired for minor culture war grievances, or because they were performing their assigned tasks which involved investigating illegal or unethical behavior, or for refusing to engage in acts of political retribution."
Read @donmoyn.bsky.social on Trump corrupting the FBI
Read @donmoyn.bsky.social on Trump corrupting the FBI
Reposted by Hari Rao
That's fair, if MTG stayed in Congress and kept loudly opposing Trump on both Epstein and healthcare, that'd be more positive than her leaving Congress, since she'll get less attention.
I guess I doubt she or any Republican would do that, so I'll take early resignation and the wedge that pushes on.
I guess I doubt she or any Republican would do that, so I'll take early resignation and the wedge that pushes on.
But it would be a stronger/ongoing wedge if she stayed
November 22, 2025 at 5:42 PM
That's fair, if MTG stayed in Congress and kept loudly opposing Trump on both Epstein and healthcare, that'd be more positive than her leaving Congress, since she'll get less attention.
I guess I doubt she or any Republican would do that, so I'll take early resignation and the wedge that pushes on.
I guess I doubt she or any Republican would do that, so I'll take early resignation and the wedge that pushes on.
Reposted by Hari Rao
If Marjorie Taylor Greene is leaving Congress because she thinks she pocketed enough money, or because she has bigger political ambitions and think this will help, or whatever else, who cares. It's driving a wedge into the Trump coalition. One can recognize that as a positive development regardless.
November 22, 2025 at 5:26 PM
If Marjorie Taylor Greene is leaving Congress because she thinks she pocketed enough money, or because she has bigger political ambitions and think this will help, or whatever else, who cares. It's driving a wedge into the Trump coalition. One can recognize that as a positive development regardless.
Reposted by Hari Rao
To the men and women who wear the uniform...my brothers and sisters in arms...I know the message from those six Democratic lawmakers wasn’t just heard...it resonated. The nation will look to you to act with honor. I have full confidence you’ll rise to the moment.
#Holdfast
#Holdfast
November 22, 2025 at 4:41 AM
To the men and women who wear the uniform...my brothers and sisters in arms...I know the message from those six Democratic lawmakers wasn’t just heard...it resonated. The nation will look to you to act with honor. I have full confidence you’ll rise to the moment.
#Holdfast
#Holdfast
Reposted by Hari Rao
Q: Are you affirming that you think President Trump is a fascist?
MAMDANI: I've spoken about--
TRUMP: That's okay. You can just say yes. I don't mind.
MAMDANI: I've spoken about--
TRUMP: That's okay. You can just say yes. I don't mind.
November 21, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Q: Are you affirming that you think President Trump is a fascist?
MAMDANI: I've spoken about--
TRUMP: That's okay. You can just say yes. I don't mind.
MAMDANI: I've spoken about--
TRUMP: That's okay. You can just say yes. I don't mind.
Reposted by Hari Rao
Why not Jan. 6?
Marjorie Taylor Greene announces she is resigning from Congress
"I will be resigning from office with my last day being January 5, 2026”
"I will be resigning from office with my last day being January 5, 2026”
November 22, 2025 at 3:51 AM
Why not Jan. 6?