James Fallows
@jfallows.bsky.social
Reporter and writer: https://fallows.substack.com/ and https://www.ourtownsfoundation.org/ One-time speechwriter, long-time pilot, longer-time husband of linguist/writer Deborah Fallows. Note same wristwatch in the two photos, more than 50 years apart.
Reposted by James Fallows
In the most predictable development ever, Mike Johnson is not committing to hold a House vote on ACA subsidies
November 10, 2025 at 10:19 PM
In the most predictable development ever, Mike Johnson is not committing to hold a House vote on ACA subsidies
On J Carol Oates/Muskie cage match:
-Never met JCO, though have read (nearly!) all her books
-Have met EM, interviewed him at public event and otherwise
Benchmark: Have also met/interviewed 4 US prez, 5 VPs, multiple Nobel winners, multiple tech billionaires.
Of smarts in that group, EM = meh.
-Never met JCO, though have read (nearly!) all her books
-Have met EM, interviewed him at public event and otherwise
Benchmark: Have also met/interviewed 4 US prez, 5 VPs, multiple Nobel winners, multiple tech billionaires.
Of smarts in that group, EM = meh.
November 10, 2025 at 8:17 PM
On J Carol Oates/Muskie cage match:
-Never met JCO, though have read (nearly!) all her books
-Have met EM, interviewed him at public event and otherwise
Benchmark: Have also met/interviewed 4 US prez, 5 VPs, multiple Nobel winners, multiple tech billionaires.
Of smarts in that group, EM = meh.
-Never met JCO, though have read (nearly!) all her books
-Have met EM, interviewed him at public event and otherwise
Benchmark: Have also met/interviewed 4 US prez, 5 VPs, multiple Nobel winners, multiple tech billionaires.
Of smarts in that group, EM = meh.
Still no sure which of these sad sacks was most pathetic in "explaining" the cave in.
So far, I think it's a tie between King, and Hassan.
(But unfair contest, because we didn't get to hear from Fetterman or Durbin.)
So far, I think it's a tie between King, and Hassan.
(But unfair contest, because we didn't get to hear from Fetterman or Durbin.)
Not a political consultant but I’m not sure “standing up to trump doesn’t work” is the best midterm message, even if if accurately represents senate dems position. Not much point in putting you in power then bsky.app/profile/atru...
Sen. Angus King: "Standing up to Donald Trump didn't work"
November 10, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Still no sure which of these sad sacks was most pathetic in "explaining" the cave in.
So far, I think it's a tie between King, and Hassan.
(But unfair contest, because we didn't get to hear from Fetterman or Durbin.)
So far, I think it's a tie between King, and Hassan.
(But unfair contest, because we didn't get to hear from Fetterman or Durbin.)
Good to see two of our stand-up governors standing together on this one. (As they have on many other issues.)
@governor.ca.gov just weighed in to similar effect.
@governor.ca.gov just weighed in to similar effect.
This is not a deal — it's an empty promise.
Trump and his Republican Congress are making healthcare more expensive for the middle class and ending it for working families.
Time for Democrats to stand tall for affordable healthcare. www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Trump and his Republican Congress are making healthcare more expensive for the middle class and ending it for working families.
Time for Democrats to stand tall for affordable healthcare. www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Senate reaches deal on ending the shutdown
Democrats are coalescing around a bipartisan agreement to fund the government.
www.politico.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:19 AM
Good to see two of our stand-up governors standing together on this one. (As they have on many other issues.)
@governor.ca.gov just weighed in to similar effect.
@governor.ca.gov just weighed in to similar effect.
Reposted by James Fallows
How about we shut down the government for this very popular and specific goal and then, hear me out, we hold out for like a month and a half and then, ok this part is important, after a watershed election where we ran the table, ONLY THEN, fold and don't get the one thing we said we wanted.
November 10, 2025 at 2:31 AM
How about we shut down the government for this very popular and specific goal and then, hear me out, we hold out for like a month and a half and then, ok this part is important, after a watershed election where we ran the table, ONLY THEN, fold and don't get the one thing we said we wanted.
Reposted by James Fallows
Your work is cut out for you, VA & NV voters
Okay, anyway gongshow of this aside, a very important note:
there is another cloture vote! 4 days, because Rand Paul is going to draw it out. The squishes have no spines, at all, and this goes two ways. Incandescent anger, especially at Kaine and CCM/Rosen.
there is another cloture vote! 4 days, because Rand Paul is going to draw it out. The squishes have no spines, at all, and this goes two ways. Incandescent anger, especially at Kaine and CCM/Rosen.
November 10, 2025 at 3:12 AM
Your work is cut out for you, VA & NV voters
-Oct 18, more than 7 million Americans stand up and stand together.
-Nov 4, millions of Dems turn out for landslide wins in VA, NJ, NY, CA, GA, many other places.
-Nov 9, eight "Dems" say "Oh, this nice Mike Johnson and Mr. Trump say they care about health. If they don't, well shame on them..."
-Nov 4, millions of Dems turn out for landslide wins in VA, NJ, NY, CA, GA, many other places.
-Nov 9, eight "Dems" say "Oh, this nice Mike Johnson and Mr. Trump say they care about health. If they don't, well shame on them..."
November 10, 2025 at 2:55 AM
-Oct 18, more than 7 million Americans stand up and stand together.
-Nov 4, millions of Dems turn out for landslide wins in VA, NJ, NY, CA, GA, many other places.
-Nov 9, eight "Dems" say "Oh, this nice Mike Johnson and Mr. Trump say they care about health. If they don't, well shame on them..."
-Nov 4, millions of Dems turn out for landslide wins in VA, NJ, NY, CA, GA, many other places.
-Nov 9, eight "Dems" say "Oh, this nice Mike Johnson and Mr. Trump say they care about health. If they don't, well shame on them..."
Reposted by James Fallows
Listening to these 8 Dem Senators explain their vote convinces me that they are either idiots or liars. Either is plausible.
November 10, 2025 at 2:40 AM
Listening to these 8 Dem Senators explain their vote convinces me that they are either idiots or liars. Either is plausible.
Listening to these pathetic rationalizations from King, Hassan, Shaheen, whoever else they have queued up.
Disappointed that they're not having windup speech by Sen. Neville Chamberlain.
Disappointed that they're not having windup speech by Sen. Neville Chamberlain.
November 10, 2025 at 2:33 AM
Listening to these pathetic rationalizations from King, Hassan, Shaheen, whoever else they have queued up.
Disappointed that they're not having windup speech by Sen. Neville Chamberlain.
Disappointed that they're not having windup speech by Sen. Neville Chamberlain.
Agree with this.
About to publish something on the airplane mess. But this too is ON THE REPUBS. It is not a reason to cave. Dems, it is a time to keep standing up.
About to publish something on the airplane mess. But this too is ON THE REPUBS. It is not a reason to cave. Dems, it is a time to keep standing up.
Opening the government with no concessions from GOP merely to alleviate airline cancellations - when Congress has been dragging its feet for years on chronic FAA staffing issues - is a lame ass choice.
Also, doing it while the House refuses to work is appalling.
Also, doing it while the House refuses to work is appalling.
November 9, 2025 at 10:34 PM
Agree with this.
About to publish something on the airplane mess. But this too is ON THE REPUBS. It is not a reason to cave. Dems, it is a time to keep standing up.
About to publish something on the airplane mess. But this too is ON THE REPUBS. It is not a reason to cave. Dems, it is a time to keep standing up.
I guess I chose the wrong moment in history to sell our little propeller plane...
As Trump's shutdown hits the skies, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns that far more dramatic flight reductions could come—and quickly.
Trump's shutdown hits the skies
Disruptions, so far, are said to be limited. But the Transportation Secretary warns that far worse could come—and quickly.
www.motherjones.com
November 8, 2025 at 3:58 PM
I guess I chose the wrong moment in history to sell our little propeller plane...
Flight restrictions, day one, evening update:
We *did* make it to DCA, National Airport in DC, starting from Sioux Falls. Quite late, but we're fortunate.
Here was the arrival board:
—Red is cancelled flights.
—Yellow lettering, delayed flights.
—I count only three saying "on time."
We *did* make it to DCA, National Airport in DC, starting from Sioux Falls. Quite late, but we're fortunate.
Here was the arrival board:
—Red is cancelled flights.
—Yellow lettering, delayed flights.
—I count only three saying "on time."
November 8, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Flight restrictions, day one, evening update:
We *did* make it to DCA, National Airport in DC, starting from Sioux Falls. Quite late, but we're fortunate.
Here was the arrival board:
—Red is cancelled flights.
—Yellow lettering, delayed flights.
—I count only three saying "on time."
We *did* make it to DCA, National Airport in DC, starting from Sioux Falls. Quite late, but we're fortunate.
Here was the arrival board:
—Red is cancelled flights.
—Yellow lettering, delayed flights.
—I count only three saying "on time."
Few people are better positioned than Don Brown to point you toward realistic info on what's happening with ATC right now. Follow @gettheflick.bsky.social for informed, no-BS guidance.
Again, for those that have the time to keep up.
nasstatus.faa.gov
It's real easy to make assumptions. I was a controller at ZTL (Atlanta Center) for 25 years and I can't tell you them implications of every detail. But I can point you towards the data the FAA releases.
(More in the remarks)
nasstatus.faa.gov
It's real easy to make assumptions. I was a controller at ZTL (Atlanta Center) for 25 years and I can't tell you them implications of every detail. But I can point you towards the data the FAA releases.
(More in the remarks)
November 7, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Few people are better positioned than Don Brown to point you toward realistic info on what's happening with ATC right now. Follow @gettheflick.bsky.social for informed, no-BS guidance.
Flight restrictions, day one, road report.
—Notices like one at left all over O'Hare, for flights headed to major hubs. (Several flights to small cities just took off w/o delay.)
—Updates like one at right in United app.
I actually appreciate the frankness. Also, good to see how they list DCA.
—Notices like one at left all over O'Hare, for flights headed to major hubs. (Several flights to small cities just took off w/o delay.)
—Updates like one at right in United app.
I actually appreciate the frankness. Also, good to see how they list DCA.
November 7, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Flight restrictions, day one, road report.
—Notices like one at left all over O'Hare, for flights headed to major hubs. (Several flights to small cities just took off w/o delay.)
—Updates like one at right in United app.
I actually appreciate the frankness. Also, good to see how they list DCA.
—Notices like one at left all over O'Hare, for flights headed to major hubs. (Several flights to small cities just took off w/o delay.)
—Updates like one at right in United app.
I actually appreciate the frankness. Also, good to see how they list DCA.
This is what every single person with any experience in China has been warning about from the start.
Very good WaPo story by Katrina Northrop and Rudy Lu. www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1... And good, clear headline!
Very good WaPo story by Katrina Northrop and Rudy Lu. www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1... And good, clear headline!
November 7, 2025 at 4:20 AM
This is what every single person with any experience in China has been warning about from the start.
Very good WaPo story by Katrina Northrop and Rudy Lu. www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1... And good, clear headline!
Very good WaPo story by Katrina Northrop and Rudy Lu. www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1... And good, clear headline!
I actually thought the headline was written by @nytpitchbot.bsky.social
The New York Times quickly sending out Douthat to argue that Mamdani’s victory doesn’t really matter is so predictable it borders on self-parody.
Remember, folks: Every time the Right wins an election, it’s an undeniable expression of the will of the people. If a lefty wins, it’s just a blip.
Remember, folks: Every time the Right wins an election, it’s an undeniable expression of the will of the people. If a lefty wins, it’s just a blip.
Opinion | Mamdani’s Victory Is Less Significant Than You Think
www.nytimes.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:25 PM
I actually thought the headline was written by @nytpitchbot.bsky.social
People of West River / South Dakota: Hope to see you today at Black Hills State Univ in Spearfish.
bhsu.edu/campus-calen...
People of East River: Hope to see you tomorrow at USD in Vermillion. www.usd.edu/the-south-da...
People elsewhere: will write asap on Mamdani speech, then UPS tragedy.
bhsu.edu/campus-calen...
People of East River: Hope to see you tomorrow at USD in Vermillion. www.usd.edu/the-south-da...
People elsewhere: will write asap on Mamdani speech, then UPS tragedy.
November 5, 2025 at 5:36 PM
People of West River / South Dakota: Hope to see you today at Black Hills State Univ in Spearfish.
bhsu.edu/campus-calen...
People of East River: Hope to see you tomorrow at USD in Vermillion. www.usd.edu/the-south-da...
People elsewhere: will write asap on Mamdani speech, then UPS tragedy.
bhsu.edu/campus-calen...
People of East River: Hope to see you tomorrow at USD in Vermillion. www.usd.edu/the-south-da...
People elsewhere: will write asap on Mamdani speech, then UPS tragedy.
Reposted by James Fallows
Agree with this.
And starting a little in-house betting pool on which big-thinking pundit or "analyst" will be the first to grace us with: "Well, actually, the Dems are still in disarray..."
And starting a little in-house betting pool on which big-thinking pundit or "analyst" will be the first to grace us with: "Well, actually, the Dems are still in disarray..."
i closed out my column this week with this preemptive jab at basically every commentator currently looking for ways to say that last night didn’t count
November 5, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Agree with this.
And starting a little in-house betting pool on which big-thinking pundit or "analyst" will be the first to grace us with: "Well, actually, the Dems are still in disarray..."
And starting a little in-house betting pool on which big-thinking pundit or "analyst" will be the first to grace us with: "Well, actually, the Dems are still in disarray..."
Never change, NYT politics staff!
Hint: Main thing Calif voters were thinking yesterday was *not* "Hmmm, what does this mean for Gavin Newsom?" But that is clearly main/only thing on mind of politics staff, or unnamed people laying out front page.
Voters: Doing their job! Media: .... sigh.
Hint: Main thing Calif voters were thinking yesterday was *not* "Hmmm, what does this mean for Gavin Newsom?" But that is clearly main/only thing on mind of politics staff, or unnamed people laying out front page.
Voters: Doing their job! Media: .... sigh.
November 5, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Never change, NYT politics staff!
Hint: Main thing Calif voters were thinking yesterday was *not* "Hmmm, what does this mean for Gavin Newsom?" But that is clearly main/only thing on mind of politics staff, or unnamed people laying out front page.
Voters: Doing their job! Media: .... sigh.
Hint: Main thing Calif voters were thinking yesterday was *not* "Hmmm, what does this mean for Gavin Newsom?" But that is clearly main/only thing on mind of politics staff, or unnamed people laying out front page.
Voters: Doing their job! Media: .... sigh.
Have been on airplanes, and out of news range, since early this afternoon.
And just now turning on news of election results. Wow wow wow.
(Showing restraint by not going into relentless "Dems in disarray" "Need a new message" MSM drumbeat.)
Congrats to all who stood up and stood together.
And just now turning on news of election results. Wow wow wow.
(Showing restraint by not going into relentless "Dems in disarray" "Need a new message" MSM drumbeat.)
Congrats to all who stood up and stood together.
November 5, 2025 at 3:19 AM
Have been on airplanes, and out of news range, since early this afternoon.
And just now turning on news of election results. Wow wow wow.
(Showing restraint by not going into relentless "Dems in disarray" "Need a new message" MSM drumbeat.)
Congrats to all who stood up and stood together.
And just now turning on news of election results. Wow wow wow.
(Showing restraint by not going into relentless "Dems in disarray" "Need a new message" MSM drumbeat.)
Congrats to all who stood up and stood together.
People of California:
Don't take anything for granted. If you haven't voted early, be sure to vote today, YES on Prop 50.
(Conveniently, the only item on the usually clogged Calif ballot.)
Don't take anything for granted. If you haven't voted early, be sure to vote today, YES on Prop 50.
(Conveniently, the only item on the usually clogged Calif ballot.)
November 4, 2025 at 3:52 PM
People of California:
Don't take anything for granted. If you haven't voted early, be sure to vote today, YES on Prop 50.
(Conveniently, the only item on the usually clogged Calif ballot.)
Don't take anything for granted. If you haven't voted early, be sure to vote today, YES on Prop 50.
(Conveniently, the only item on the usually clogged Calif ballot.)
Not writing on Cheney now because I wrote a ton about him at peak of his power: converting 9/11 shock into disastrous Iraq war. Whole book featuring him: 'Blind Into Baghdad'
Met him when he was G Ford WH chief of staff. Faultlessly gracious in planning transition for Carter team.
Something changed
Met him when he was G Ford WH chief of staff. Faultlessly gracious in planning transition for Carter team.
Something changed
November 4, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Not writing on Cheney now because I wrote a ton about him at peak of his power: converting 9/11 shock into disastrous Iraq war. Whole book featuring him: 'Blind Into Baghdad'
Met him when he was G Ford WH chief of staff. Faultlessly gracious in planning transition for Carter team.
Something changed
Met him when he was G Ford WH chief of staff. Faultlessly gracious in planning transition for Carter team.
Something changed
Reposted by James Fallows
As we're remembering that Dick Cheney killed a million Iraqis, remember that the death toll from cutting USAID funding will be still larger than that.
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Study: 14 million lives could be lost due to Trump aid cuts
A new study looks at lives saved by USAID in the past and what the future without the agency will look like.
www.npr.org
November 4, 2025 at 1:45 PM
As we're remembering that Dick Cheney killed a million Iraqis, remember that the death toll from cutting USAID funding will be still larger than that.
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
People of South Dakota!
—If you're on West River side of the state, hope to see you in Spearfish at BHSU, 5:30pm Nov 5 bhsu.edu/campus-calen...
—On East River side, hope to see you in Vermillion at USD on Nov 6 www.usd.edu/the-south-da...
We've learned on each visit to the state, this one too
—If you're on West River side of the state, hope to see you in Spearfish at BHSU, 5:30pm Nov 5 bhsu.edu/campus-calen...
—On East River side, hope to see you in Vermillion at USD on Nov 6 www.usd.edu/the-south-da...
We've learned on each visit to the state, this one too
November 3, 2025 at 10:15 PM
People of South Dakota!
—If you're on West River side of the state, hope to see you in Spearfish at BHSU, 5:30pm Nov 5 bhsu.edu/campus-calen...
—On East River side, hope to see you in Vermillion at USD on Nov 6 www.usd.edu/the-south-da...
We've learned on each visit to the state, this one too
—If you're on West River side of the state, hope to see you in Spearfish at BHSU, 5:30pm Nov 5 bhsu.edu/campus-calen...
—On East River side, hope to see you in Vermillion at USD on Nov 6 www.usd.edu/the-south-da...
We've learned on each visit to the state, this one too