J. Offir, PhD
@joffirphd.bsky.social
Ph.D. in social psychology. Former researcher in pandemic behavioral risk reduction (non-pharma intervention). Only here to keep up. @joffir@med-mastodon.com
Pinned
J. Offir, PhD
@joffirphd.bsky.social
· Aug 23
In The Bad Place, I have a pinned thread of my covid essays & threads, w/ short descriptions of ea. Here's one for This Place, though w/o descriptions, b/c I'm tired. As is true there, I've put them in reverse chrono order, but anything new will post at the end. I flagged ones people liked best:
Updated 📌 list of my essays on the psychology of public health (inc. topics like covid, HIV & reproductive health). As of 8/22/25, there are *31* long-form pieces in this 🧵.
The list starts in reverse chrono. order, but in Oct. 2024 starts rolling forward, so oldest posts are in the middle. Doh.
The list starts in reverse chrono. order, but in Oct. 2024 starts rolling forward, so oldest posts are in the middle. Doh.
Note that Tammy Baldwin did try to get a one year ACA subsidy extension amendment passed in the bill tonight; every Republican voted against it. Just something to remind your GOP family members at the Thanksgiving dinner table.
www.cbsnews.com/live-updates...
www.cbsnews.com/live-updates...
November 11, 2025 at 4:39 AM
Note that Tammy Baldwin did try to get a one year ACA subsidy extension amendment passed in the bill tonight; every Republican voted against it. Just something to remind your GOP family members at the Thanksgiving dinner table.
www.cbsnews.com/live-updates...
www.cbsnews.com/live-updates...
"Democrats have just taught Trump that they will fold under pressure. That’s the kind of lesson he remembers."
But then Klein loses me when he says the shutdown was merely a skirmish, not "the real battle." I disagree; wars are lost over smaller upsets than this.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/o...
But then Klein loses me when he says the shutdown was merely a skirmish, not "the real battle." I disagree; wars are lost over smaller upsets than this.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/o...
Opinion | Democrats Were Winning the Shutdown. Why Did They Fold?
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:27 AM
"Democrats have just taught Trump that they will fold under pressure. That’s the kind of lesson he remembers."
But then Klein loses me when he says the shutdown was merely a skirmish, not "the real battle." I disagree; wars are lost over smaller upsets than this.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/o...
But then Klein loses me when he says the shutdown was merely a skirmish, not "the real battle." I disagree; wars are lost over smaller upsets than this.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/o...
Reposted by J. Offir, PhD
Democrats were overwhelmingly united on their shutdown demands.
Americans understood that Trump and Republicans were to blame.
Voters made it known last Tuesday that they'll elect leaders who stand up to Trump.
Democrats held the cards — and folded for no reason.
Americans understood that Trump and Republicans were to blame.
Voters made it known last Tuesday that they'll elect leaders who stand up to Trump.
Democrats held the cards — and folded for no reason.
November 10, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Democrats were overwhelmingly united on their shutdown demands.
Americans understood that Trump and Republicans were to blame.
Voters made it known last Tuesday that they'll elect leaders who stand up to Trump.
Democrats held the cards — and folded for no reason.
Americans understood that Trump and Republicans were to blame.
Voters made it known last Tuesday that they'll elect leaders who stand up to Trump.
Democrats held the cards — and folded for no reason.
What's that, you say, Dr. Oz? A "secret health care plan," but you just "don’t want to show our cards?" Why, sure!
Maybe it's privatizing all Medicare.
The sad thing is that MAGA fell for this exact "secret plan" lie in 2016. No plan, though, b/c healthcare costs money.
www.nj.com/politics/202...
Maybe it's privatizing all Medicare.
The sad thing is that MAGA fell for this exact "secret plan" lie in 2016. No plan, though, b/c healthcare costs money.
www.nj.com/politics/202...
This Trump official swears Republicans have a secret health care plan: ‘I don’t want to show our cards’
"We have lots of great ideas, but I don’t want to show our cards," said Dr. Mehmet Oz.
www.nj.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:12 AM
What's that, you say, Dr. Oz? A "secret health care plan," but you just "don’t want to show our cards?" Why, sure!
Maybe it's privatizing all Medicare.
The sad thing is that MAGA fell for this exact "secret plan" lie in 2016. No plan, though, b/c healthcare costs money.
www.nj.com/politics/202...
Maybe it's privatizing all Medicare.
The sad thing is that MAGA fell for this exact "secret plan" lie in 2016. No plan, though, b/c healthcare costs money.
www.nj.com/politics/202...
FDA's Makary just had a little slip on PBS News - he said that no pharmacological treatment has ever had such a widespread beneficial effect as HRT except for antibiotics and vaccines.
Wait, what's that you said about vaccines, sir? A little louder please so your boss can hear you.
Wait, what's that you said about vaccines, sir? A little louder please so your boss can hear you.
November 11, 2025 at 12:45 AM
FDA's Makary just had a little slip on PBS News - he said that no pharmacological treatment has ever had such a widespread beneficial effect as HRT except for antibiotics and vaccines.
Wait, what's that you said about vaccines, sir? A little louder please so your boss can hear you.
Wait, what's that you said about vaccines, sir? A little louder please so your boss can hear you.
Does anyone know how someone else could access my Google calendar to add items? I recently saw an item added to my calendar supposedly from "Norton lifelink" about an "automatic payment date" for a product I don't have. How did they load this into my calendar? I don't even see a spam text from them.
November 10, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Does anyone know how someone else could access my Google calendar to add items? I recently saw an item added to my calendar supposedly from "Norton lifelink" about an "automatic payment date" for a product I don't have. How did they load this into my calendar? I don't even see a spam text from them.
International rule by criminal mob boss.
"More than 100 nations were poised last month to approve a historic deal to slash pollution from cargo ships." "That’s when the Trump administration began the threats."
"An ambassador from Asia was told that, if he...
1/3
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/c...
"More than 100 nations were poised last month to approve a historic deal to slash pollution from cargo ships." "That’s when the Trump administration began the threats."
"An ambassador from Asia was told that, if he...
1/3
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/c...
Trump Officials Accused of Bullying Tactics to Kill a Climate Measure
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:48 PM
International rule by criminal mob boss.
"More than 100 nations were poised last month to approve a historic deal to slash pollution from cargo ships." "That’s when the Trump administration began the threats."
"An ambassador from Asia was told that, if he...
1/3
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/c...
"More than 100 nations were poised last month to approve a historic deal to slash pollution from cargo ships." "That’s when the Trump administration began the threats."
"An ambassador from Asia was told that, if he...
1/3
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/c...
🧵One of my main frustrations last night & today has been that Sunday's procedural vote in the Senate to advance the funding resolution was represented in the press, on SM, & by Dem Senators as having actually passed the bill. They didn't want people thinking there was still time to change...
1/5
1/5
November 10, 2025 at 9:07 PM
🧵One of my main frustrations last night & today has been that Sunday's procedural vote in the Senate to advance the funding resolution was represented in the press, on SM, & by Dem Senators as having actually passed the bill. They didn't want people thinking there was still time to change...
1/5
1/5
Everyone needs to call. Everyone, everyone, everyone - first thing Monday morning!
Final votes can differ from the procedural vote to advance the bill. CALL your Democratic Senators, & tell your friends & family to call theirs.
Final votes can differ from the procedural vote to advance the bill. CALL your Democratic Senators, & tell your friends & family to call theirs.
They need to be overwhelmed by the volume of calls. Those currently able NEED to understand that poverty and needing help can happen to anyone, at any time!
November 10, 2025 at 4:32 AM
Everyone needs to call. Everyone, everyone, everyone - first thing Monday morning!
Final votes can differ from the procedural vote to advance the bill. CALL your Democratic Senators, & tell your friends & family to call theirs.
Final votes can differ from the procedural vote to advance the bill. CALL your Democratic Senators, & tell your friends & family to call theirs.
The final passage vote hasn't happened in the Senate yet. (They won't need Dem House votes in for passage.) @indivisible.org @moveon.org @50501movement.bsky.social what protests can you whip up in DC Monday? This is the fight that determines the fate of the party & the country, not just healthcare.
November 10, 2025 at 4:29 AM
The final passage vote hasn't happened in the Senate yet. (They won't need Dem House votes in for passage.) @indivisible.org @moveon.org @50501movement.bsky.social what protests can you whip up in DC Monday? This is the fight that determines the fate of the party & the country, not just healthcare.
Reposted by J. Offir, PhD
Sanders: Let’s be clear… If this vote succeeds, over 20 million Americans are going to see at least a doubling in their premiums… if resolution is passed tonight, we are on a path way to throw 15 million Americans off of medicaid and the affordable care act, 15 million.
November 10, 2025 at 1:25 AM
Sanders: Let’s be clear… If this vote succeeds, over 20 million Americans are going to see at least a doubling in their premiums… if resolution is passed tonight, we are on a path way to throw 15 million Americans off of medicaid and the affordable care act, 15 million.
Reposted by J. Offir, PhD
Yeah, I'm sorry, but you do not keep the government shut for more than a month and then NOT get a deal on the main item you have been messaging on without completely shifting the blame dynamic.
Major concession from Democrats here is enhanced ACA funds aren’t extended. Preserving them was Dems’ central demand in this fight. They secured a promise of a vote (which Thune has been offering for weeks), but that could still fail. Even if it passes, Johnson has made no promise of a House vote.
Tentative Senate deal to end shutdown, multiple sources tell me & @frankthorp.bsky.social:
—CR through Jan 30
—Approps minibus
—Fully funds SNAP
—Reverses Trump’s shutdown RIFs
—Promise of Senate vote on ACA subsidies by Dec second week (details/outcome uncertain)
—Led by King/Shaheen/Hassan
—CR through Jan 30
—Approps minibus
—Fully funds SNAP
—Reverses Trump’s shutdown RIFs
—Promise of Senate vote on ACA subsidies by Dec second week (details/outcome uncertain)
—Led by King/Shaheen/Hassan
November 10, 2025 at 1:24 AM
Yeah, I'm sorry, but you do not keep the government shut for more than a month and then NOT get a deal on the main item you have been messaging on without completely shifting the blame dynamic.
Nope, I'm pretty sure they did something wrong, not just that they should go.
And I say this as someone with a family member on SNAP, & whose own LIHEAP application (for heating assistance - they also had their funding frozen) is sitting in a pile somewhere in my state.
We need protests tomorrow!
And I say this as someone with a family member on SNAP, & whose own LIHEAP application (for heating assistance - they also had their funding frozen) is sitting in a pile somewhere in my state.
We need protests tomorrow!
anyone who is not willing to take the risk of gambling with starvation in order to save our system of government has no place in the Senate, and those who decided that they couldn't play a game with those stakes have not necessarily done anything wrong. they just have to leave.
November 10, 2025 at 4:16 AM
Nope, I'm pretty sure they did something wrong, not just that they should go.
And I say this as someone with a family member on SNAP, & whose own LIHEAP application (for heating assistance - they also had their funding frozen) is sitting in a pile somewhere in my state.
We need protests tomorrow!
And I say this as someone with a family member on SNAP, & whose own LIHEAP application (for heating assistance - they also had their funding frozen) is sitting in a pile somewhere in my state.
We need protests tomorrow!
It's NOT 100% over yet; don't mourn, organize! Call your Senators right away; demand they vote NO!
Tonight's vote "paved the way for the spending agreement to begin making its way through Congress, where it would still need to be debated and passed by the Senate,...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/09/u...
Tonight's vote "paved the way for the spending agreement to begin making its way through Congress, where it would still need to be debated and passed by the Senate,...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/09/u...
Senate Moves Toward Ending Shutdown After Democratic Defectors Relent
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:08 AM
It's NOT 100% over yet; don't mourn, organize! Call your Senators right away; demand they vote NO!
Tonight's vote "paved the way for the spending agreement to begin making its way through Congress, where it would still need to be debated and passed by the Senate,...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/09/u...
Tonight's vote "paved the way for the spending agreement to begin making its way through Congress, where it would still need to be debated and passed by the Senate,...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/09/u...
Tonight was a vote to advance. Call your MoCs: 2S & 1 Rep.
"The Sunday vote is procedural and does not mean the package has cleared the Senate. If the measure clears the chamber, it would still have to go to the House for passage before heading to...Trump’s desk."
1/2
www.cnn.com/politics/liv...
"The Sunday vote is procedural and does not mean the package has cleared the Senate. If the measure clears the chamber, it would still have to go to the House for passage before heading to...Trump’s desk."
1/2
www.cnn.com/politics/liv...
Live updates: Senate reaches deal to extend government funding in major sign shutdown is poised to end | CNN Politics
Several Senate Democrats are signaling a willingness to vote to reopen the government if they secure some concessions from the White House, according to a source. Follow here for the latest.
www.cnn.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:56 AM
Tonight was a vote to advance. Call your MoCs: 2S & 1 Rep.
"The Sunday vote is procedural and does not mean the package has cleared the Senate. If the measure clears the chamber, it would still have to go to the House for passage before heading to...Trump’s desk."
1/2
www.cnn.com/politics/liv...
"The Sunday vote is procedural and does not mean the package has cleared the Senate. If the measure clears the chamber, it would still have to go to the House for passage before heading to...Trump’s desk."
1/2
www.cnn.com/politics/liv...
My partner has SNAP & hasn't had anything to eat except foodbank chips & apples for > a week. *He* knew how critical it was not to cave, so Dem Senators could have shown some spine.
The people who voted yes tonight aren't up in 2026, but this vote just advances the proposal. Call your Senators now.
The people who voted yes tonight aren't up in 2026, but this vote just advances the proposal. Call your Senators now.
People were donating to food banks in communities across the country. Many SNAP recipients who were struggling felt the momentum. They too need healthcare & many didn't want us to cave. 7M of us didn't march to cave. We didn't win every election last week to cave. Shame on the cavers. Vote them out.
November 10, 2025 at 3:44 AM
My partner has SNAP & hasn't had anything to eat except foodbank chips & apples for > a week. *He* knew how critical it was not to cave, so Dem Senators could have shown some spine.
The people who voted yes tonight aren't up in 2026, but this vote just advances the proposal. Call your Senators now.
The people who voted yes tonight aren't up in 2026, but this vote just advances the proposal. Call your Senators now.
🚨 Guys, we really need to push HARD to save ACA access.
None of the Dems (or Indie) who betrayed their party & country tonight are up for reelection in 2026. But it still needs to advance to a floor vote for passage, so ☎️ your own 2 Senators & tell them you won't vote for them again if they...
1/2
None of the Dems (or Indie) who betrayed their party & country tonight are up for reelection in 2026. But it still needs to advance to a floor vote for passage, so ☎️ your own 2 Senators & tell them you won't vote for them again if they...
1/2
November 10, 2025 at 3:38 AM
🚨 Guys, we really need to push HARD to save ACA access.
None of the Dems (or Indie) who betrayed their party & country tonight are up for reelection in 2026. But it still needs to advance to a floor vote for passage, so ☎️ your own 2 Senators & tell them you won't vote for them again if they...
1/2
None of the Dems (or Indie) who betrayed their party & country tonight are up for reelection in 2026. But it still needs to advance to a floor vote for passage, so ☎️ your own 2 Senators & tell them you won't vote for them again if they...
1/2
Cowards, cowards, cowards.
The American people were on their side, and they turned their backs on us.
The American people were on their side, and they turned their backs on us.
November 10, 2025 at 2:50 AM
Cowards, cowards, cowards.
The American people were on their side, and they turned their backs on us.
The American people were on their side, and they turned their backs on us.
🚨 The NYT names Sens. Shaheen of New Hampshire, King of Maine & Kaine of Virginia. If any of these are your Senators, call them NOW & tell them you'll never vote for them again if they betray the party & the millions who depend on the ACA! This is unforgivable!
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/09/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/09/u...
November 10, 2025 at 2:48 AM
🚨 The NYT names Sens. Shaheen of New Hampshire, King of Maine & Kaine of Virginia. If any of these are your Senators, call them NOW & tell them you'll never vote for them again if they betray the party & the millions who depend on the ACA! This is unforgivable!
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/09/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/09/u...
🚨🚨🚨 Who are the 10 Democratic Senators anticipated to vote Yes tonight to fund the government & end the shutdown, with ZERO Republican concessions on the ACA? We need to name them to organize calls, right away!
I heard Tim Kaine was one. Is this correct, VIrginians?
I heard Tim Kaine was one. Is this correct, VIrginians?
November 10, 2025 at 2:41 AM
🚨🚨🚨 Who are the 10 Democratic Senators anticipated to vote Yes tonight to fund the government & end the shutdown, with ZERO Republican concessions on the ACA? We need to name them to organize calls, right away!
I heard Tim Kaine was one. Is this correct, VIrginians?
I heard Tim Kaine was one. Is this correct, VIrginians?
No, no, no! Have you called your Senators yet? They're on the Hill tonight - tell them to hold the line on the ACA subsidies!
"About 10 Senate Democrats are expected to back a proposal [to end the shutdown]...But it would not extend Affordable Care Act )...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
"About 10 Senate Democrats are expected to back a proposal [to end the shutdown]...But it would not extend Affordable Care Act )...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Senate takes key vote toward ending government shutdown
The deal that split Democrats doesn’t extend ACA subsidies. If a bill passes the Senate, it needs the House to approve and President Donald Trump on board.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:38 AM
No, no, no! Have you called your Senators yet? They're on the Hill tonight - tell them to hold the line on the ACA subsidies!
"About 10 Senate Democrats are expected to back a proposal [to end the shutdown]...But it would not extend Affordable Care Act )...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
"About 10 Senate Democrats are expected to back a proposal [to end the shutdown]...But it would not extend Affordable Care Act )...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
They are in session right now. This may happen TONIGHT. Call them and Chuck Schumer now - otherwise, Republicans will never compromise on stuff that affects you, ever again. Contact info here: www.senate.gov/senators/sen...
November 9, 2025 at 10:49 PM
They are in session right now. This may happen TONIGHT. Call them and Chuck Schumer now - otherwise, Republicans will never compromise on stuff that affects you, ever again. Contact info here: www.senate.gov/senators/sen...
🚨🚨 Have you called Schumer & your 2 Senators yet to tell them not to cave, tonight? 'Cuz they're sure hanging over the edge of this abyss.
We need to live our purported values. Healthcare access is far more important than any flight you'd hoped to take. Contact info:
www.senate.gov/senators/sen...
We need to live our purported values. Healthcare access is far more important than any flight you'd hoped to take. Contact info:
www.senate.gov/senators/sen...
U.S. Senate: Contacting U.S. Senators
www.senate.gov
November 9, 2025 at 10:46 PM
🚨🚨 Have you called Schumer & your 2 Senators yet to tell them not to cave, tonight? 'Cuz they're sure hanging over the edge of this abyss.
We need to live our purported values. Healthcare access is far more important than any flight you'd hoped to take. Contact info:
www.senate.gov/senators/sen...
We need to live our purported values. Healthcare access is far more important than any flight you'd hoped to take. Contact info:
www.senate.gov/senators/sen...