Smash The Bubble

News and opinion from both the left and the right, mixed together so you can break out of your filter bubble.

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Today's Headlines

Why Democratic Senate Control Seems to Be Slipping Away

A Times/Siena poll shows Jon Tester behind by seven points in Montana, while Colin Allred trails Ted Cruz by four in Texas.

Montana Senate poll finds Democratic incumbent trailing GOP challenger, with control of Senate in balance

Republicans appear poised to take control of the U.S. Senate thanks to the retirement of Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.V., and a GOP surge in Montana.

The Problem of Rising Interest Payments on the Debt

Politicians would rather talk about anything but our fiscal problems, even though we may be running out of time to fix them.

Notes for Harris

It's good that Kamala Harris is doing more one-on-one interviews, because she's getting a lot better at it. Still, she occasionally misses an opportunity.

White House Does Its Best to Make Kamala Harris Part of the Hurricane News Cycle

Harris' struggles with Michigan’s working class voters provides opening for Trump, GOP

Republicans in Michigan and the rest of the "Blue Wall" states are hoping to capitalize on Vice President Kamala Harris' struggles among working class and union voters.

The fine print of the Respect for Marriage Act

Let's start with the positive: Republicans and Democrats are coming together to protect same-sex marriage from the Supreme Court.

What Going on Call Her Daddy Did for Kamala Harris

Conventional news shows lack the podcaster Alex Cooper’s reach in young, female Middle America.

Texas Secretary of State to Election Officials: Accept Noncitizen Driver's License as Valid ID to Vote

US Denies Report of Secret Talks With Iran for Regional Cease-Fire

After Israel's Channel 12 reported that the United States and several Arab states were conducting secret talks with Iran to bring about a cease-fire throughout the region, the U.S. officially denied their involvement in such alleged talks.

The Latest College Fad: ‘Belonging’

Add that to diversity, inclusion, and equity.

Former law enforcement officers, military vets step up to save stranded hurricane survivors without FEMA

A group of civilians has banded together to help with disaster relief in North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated several areas of the state.

Vice President Kamala Harris, a former US senator from California who previously served as the state's attorney general, could be the first Black woman and Asian American to lead a major party ticket after receiving President Joe Biden's support t…

Trump and Vance Are Calling Their Abortion Ban Something New

Don’t be confused by their word games.

As Deadline for Another Debate Looms, Trump Again Rejects a Rematch

CNN said the former president had until noon on Thursday to accept an invitation to an Oct. 23 showdown with Vice President Kamala Harris, who already accepted.

From Gaza to Iran: New Fronts in Israel’s Ongoing War

The war that Hamas launched on 7 October 2023 has devolved into a regional conflict with wide and possibly calamitous international repercussions.

An Easy Interview and a Hard One: Harris Botched Both

Kamala Harris has proven that she can make a mess of even the friendliest of interviews and that she can make a mess of more difficult interviews too.

The Trump Believability Gap

Voters detest the things that Trump wants to do. But they just don’t believe he’ll follow through.

7 October, One Year Later with David Benatar: Quillette Cetera Episode 40

On the anniversary of 7 October, philosopher David Benatar talks about the ethical questions it raises and about his new book, “Very Practical Ethics.”

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez to Newsmax: Too Soon to Return Home

As Hurricane Milton leaves a path of destruction in its wake, Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez told Newsmax on Thursday that "now is not the time" for residents to return to their homes and businesses.

Kremlin Regrets Russia Being Dragged Into US Election Muck

The Kremlin said Thursday it regretted Russia was being dragged into the U.S. election campaign, but that relations with Washington were so poor it was unlikely to have any discernible impact on ties.

Trump Probably Can Unilaterally Impose Sweeping Tariffs

Dismissing Trump’s tariff proposals as crazy campaign rhetoric that he couldn’t act upon is not correct.

A Blue-Wall Warning for Kamala

New polls show that Harris has relinquished her leads in Wisconsin and Michigan, while she’s narrowly ahead in Pennsylvania.

Report: DEI Transforming National Science Foundation

Government-funded grants favor research exploring 'white supremacy' and 'non-normative forms of gender and sexuality' according to new analysis.

The Contests, Clubs and Big Promises of Trump’s Fund-Raising Emails

A review of some 7,400 emails sent by the Trump campaign turned up dozens of sweepstakes, advisory councils and other opportunities of access to Mr. Trump — and very little evidence anyone has gotten it.

The Democratic Plant Who Could Throw the Wisconsin Senate Race

Thomas Leager is the political type prone to see left-wing conspiracy theories everywhere, and, now, lo and behold, he’s part of one.

Children’s Books to Help Kids Understand Elections

How do you explain the democratic process to future voters? Start with these lively picture books and compelling histories.

ShotSpotter is Still on the Chopping Block in Chicago

In British Columbia, Censorship Wears a Pronoun Pin

Even by Canadian standards, the province has become a hostile environment for women seeking to advocate for their sex-based rights.

Good News for GOP Senate Incumbents Cruz and Scott, and Challenger Moreno

A slew of new polls reaffirm that Republicans are extremely likely to control the Senate starting in January.

In Arizona speech, Vance says next president must put Americans first, slams FEMA money for migrants

Republican vice presidential running mate Sen. JD Vance held a rally in Tucson, Arizona, and slammed the Harris-Biden administration for failing to put Americans first.

USPS Again Asks to Slow Down Mail Delivery

It May Not Be So Easy to Deorbit the ISS

The Obscene Public Humiliation Ritual of CBS’s Tony Dokoupil

He was condemned by his own company for asking pointed questions of Ta-Nehisi Coates, whose new book is an ignorant screed against Israel.

Vance and Walz Make Dueling Appearances, as Voting Begins in Arizona

The two vice-presidential candidates crisscrossed the state on the first day of early voting, saying little of each other after their debate last week.

Over-Learning the Lessons of Iraq

Russia, Iran, and the failure of US resolve.

Lake and Gallego Spar Over Immigration and Abortion in Arizona Senate Debate

At times, Kari Lake, the Republican candidate and close ally of Donald Trump, veered into personal attacks. Ruben Gallego, the Democrat, needled her over frequent visits to Mar-a-Lago.

Fmr MLB Star Steve Garvey Makes Play for Latino Votes in Calif. Senate Bid

Republican former baseball star Steve Garvey is making a late-hour push for Latino support in his longshot Senate campaign against Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., for the California seat long held by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.

The Return of the Black Flags

The conditions that first produced ISIS have been left to fester as part of a wider malign neglect toward the Muslim Middle East in the aftermath of the Iraq war.

NY Times/Siena Poll: GOP in Position to Win Senate

Republicans appear poised to capture a majority in the U.S. Senate during next month's general election, according to latest polling from The New York Times and Siena College.

Two New Polls Signal Trump's Improved Chances in Michigan

The Women of 7 October

In that moment, time stood still. There was no context, no history, no argument, no discourse. There was only pain.

The Moment of Truth

The reelection of Donald Trump would mark the end of George Washington’s vision for the presidency—and the United States.

Elon Musk Bends the Knee to Donald Trump

The alliance between the billionaire and the politician is pure strongman politics.

There’s No Such Thing as an October Surprise

Jack Smith’s new filing shows why January 6 should hurt Trump. But don’t expect a major public reaction.

Fla. Lt. Gov. to Newsmax: 'Looting Will Not Be Tolerated'

Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez told Newsmax on Wednesday that people who are considering taking advantage of Hurricane Milton to loot homes and businesses should think twice because law enforcement won't tolerate it.

People Are Missing This Basic Fact When Talking About the Polls

The notable legal clouds that continue to hang over Donald Trump

All eyes are on former President Donald Trump, who has launched another White House bid.

Towards a Post-Hamas Future

The events of 7 October did not benefit Palestinians in any way.

UAW president blasts Trump’s automotive record ahead of his Detroit visit

Searching for Presidential Rhetoric

Students should study extensively the presidential rhetoric of earlier times, because it often demonstrates civility far better than the rhetoric of the present.

Podcast #253: A Brief History of Communism

Jonathan Kay speaks with Bard College historian Sean McMeekin about his new book, To Overthrow the World: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Communism.

The Case for Kamala Harris

The Atlantic’s endorsement

Emerson Poll: Trump, Harris Virtually Tied in Swing States

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris virtually are tied in seven battleground states expected to decide the outcome of the presidential election, according to a new Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey.

Analysis: Americans tend to see Harris as more ideological than Trump

Why Won’t Criminals Steal Electric Vehicles?

Thieves and consumers seem completely in agreement that old-fashioned, gas-powered cars are still the way to go.

From Unqualified to Disqualified

Kamala Harris has embarrassed her country and should not be allowed anywhere near the Oval Office.

University of Michigan: Pro-Palestinian Activists Lose Two Votes, Then Lose Their Minds

Zelensky's 'Victory Plan' Offers No Path to Victory

VP Harris covers mouth, says ‘it’s a live broadcast’ after stumbling through Hurricane Milton speech

During a meeting with officials on Hurricane Milton, Vice President Harris stumbled through a speech and later covered her mouth and said, "It's a live broadcast."

Maryland Senate poll shows Democrat Alsobrooks maintaining lead in closely watched race

Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks has a sizeable lead over former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan in a UMBC poll. The candidates are running for US Senate.

Arizona begins in-person and absentee voting, here's what you need to know

Arizona kicks off 2024 election with early voting, absentee voting on Wednesday.

Margins of Error

Look closely at almost anything and you'll find data—lots of it. But what are those numbers really saying about who we are and what we believe? Harry Enten is on a mission to find out.

Biggest Difference Between Trump, Harris Economic Pitches

Vice President Kamala Harris has been rolling out policies that would help middle-class Americans, while Donald Trump has been focused on the upper class.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics will release new inflation data at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time. It’s...

Bogus Ballots Targeted by This New Organization

This election could come down to one or two toss-up states captured by a relative handful of problematic mail-in ballots.

With 100-Foot-Wide Trump Sign, Sticker Mule Dives Into Politics

The chief executive of Sticker Mule in Amsterdam, N.Y., set off a debate by displaying his support for Donald J. Trump in a massive sign atop the company’s headquarters.

Next Cancellation Stop — Mercer University

Rich will give a talk at the Capital City Club in Atlanta and then at the Mercer University main campus.

'Disaster 911, This Is Waffle House and We Are Open - What Is Your Emergency?'

How Kyrsten Sinema's decision makes Democrats' 2024 Senate map tighter

Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema decided to shake up the political world on Friday by becoming an independent. The former Democrat is still caucusing with the party in the Senate, so the Democratic caucus still has 51 members. Now, instead of 49 Democr…

Reading Hannah Arendt with Roger Berkowitz: Quillette Cetera Episode 39

A conversation with Roger Berkowitz, the Founder and Academic Director of the Hannah Arendt Center for Politics.

Trump drives the education debate with big, contradictory ideas

Why Are Political Campaigns Always Guilt-Tripping Us?

It's not just you: A lot of people don't like being repeatedly asked for money, even if they agree with the cause their donation would support. But as frustrating as the deluge of requests for campaign donations over text and email may be, there i…

Trump counters Harris media blitz by ripping Bob Woodward, Howard Stern and her hurricane briefing

While the Trump campaign has said Bob Woodward's new book consists of made-up stories, the Kremlin has sided with the investigative journalist on one point and disputed another.

Trump calls for CBS license to be revoked over Harris interview

Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong Say ‘The Apprentice’ Is a ‘Human Tragedy’

The “Apprentice” stars and the director Ali Abbasi say their film is a “humanistic” treatment of the former president and his mentor, Roy Cohn.

How Jack Smith Outsmarted the Supreme Court

And why the special counsel’s last-ditch January 6 filing may not matter

The GOP, 2020, and Now

‘Who won the 2020 election?’ A crucial question.

Analysis: Why former Freedom Caucus leader Scott Perry could lose

Political storm: Back-to-back hurricanes rock Harris-Trump presidential campaign

The back-to-back hurricanes that slammed into the southeast make a major impact on the Harris-Trump presidential race

In the wake of the Republican National Convention earlier this month, Fareed speaks with historian Niall Ferguson about how and why the modern-day GOP has changed since the Reagan era of the 1980s.

Analysis: The candidate taking on an election denier — by focusing on other things

November Will Be Worse

Hurricane disinformation was just the start.

Journalism Happens — CBS Staffers Cry

Needless to say, Edward R. Murrow never had to deal with a Race and Culture Unit.

Democrats Start To Hit the Panic Button

Democrats' nerves are at an all-time high.

Here's What Happened With the Border in January '21

Megyn Kelly compares what Kamala Harris told "60 Minutes" about the Biden administration's record on immigration with what actually happened:

CBS 60 Minutes Scandals Pile Up

Is the Trump campaign’s male-dominated culture losing women’s votes?

Tim Walz Rally Is Livestreamed on Twitch in Pitch to Young Voters

A streamer played World of Warcraft while commenting on the Democratic nominee’s rally speech. At one point he criticized Project 2025 and at another mused about his character: “Wait, am I dying?”

Fareed explains why AI's massive energy demands are straining the power grid, but also why AI could enable big breakthroughs in sustainability and clean energy.

Rep. Steube to Newsmax: WH Claims on FEMA 'Outright Lie'

Claims that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is not facing funding problems because of money spent to house illegal immigrants is an "outright lie," said Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., whose state went through the double hurricane strikes of Hel…

Court to Hear Case for 535K Dreamers to Get Legal Status

Outside a federal courthouse in New Orleans on Thursday, immigrants who grew up in the United States after being brought here illegally as children will be among demonstrators.

NC lawmaker accuses Mayorkas of politicizing 'tragedy for personal gain' after FEMA funding alarms

Rep. Chuck Edwards of hard-hit North Carolina penned an open letter to take on "outrageous rumors" about the response to Hurricane Helene.

Death of a Repentant Iconoclast

Steve Albini and the new problem with music.

Rep. Comer to Newsmax: Biden Admin Under Pressure Over Milton

House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., told Newsmax on Wednesday that the Biden-Harris administration dropped the ball with Hurricane Helene and appears to be switching up its strategy for Hurricane Milton.

The Most Dramatic Shift in U.S. Public Opinion

The size and speed of the immigration backlash over the past four years are nearly unheard-of.

DeSantis Doesn't Have Time for Harris' Political Games

Vice President Kamala Harris is putting politics over the people of Florida. All she needed to say was that she's ready and willing to help.

The New York Race That Could Tip the House

The state is home to some of the country’s most vulnerable Republicans, but one key district is proving tough for Democrats to flip.

Inflation eased slightly in September, as election nears

Trump charges hurricane response 'worst since Katrina' as Biden argues Trump 'onslaught of lies' must 'stop'

Former President Trump, President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris trade fire over the federal government's response to Hurricane Helene and preparations as Hurricane Milton bears down on Florida.

Meet the woman steering Biden's bipartisan winning streak on Capitol Hill

The Biden administration managed to rack up a long list of major legislative wins in its first two years despite facing one of the most closely-divided Congresses in history. From bipartisan action on infrastructure, gun safety and same-sex marria…

CNN Political Briefing

The political news you need to know, in 10 minutes or less. Hosted by David Chalian.

Obama Heads to Pennsylvania to Give Harris a Jolt of Democratic Energy

The former president, one of the party’s most popular figures, will rally in Pittsburgh for Kamala Harris, as her campaign deploys its most influential surrogates in a push to get out the vote.

San Francisco Finally Releases List of Schools to Close and Parents are Furious

Former president Barack Obama is hitting the campaign trail Thursday for Vice President Kamala Harris and...

Election 2024 live updates: Trump to address Detroit Economic Club; Harris campaigning in Nev., Ariz.

Get the latest news from the 2024 campaign trail in the contest between Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump.

Trump Spreads His Politics of Grievance to Nonwhite Voters

Eight years ago, he won over many white voters, who were often called the forgotten Americans. Now, he hopes to make inroads with Black and Latinos by stoking resentments and pointing to scapegoats.

Harris Calls DeSantis 'Selfish,' Biden Praises Him as 'Gracious'

Two hours before Hurricane Milton made landfall, President Biden had only kind words for Ron DeSantis - even though his vice president Kamala Harris accused Florida's Republican governor of being "utterly irresponsible." At issue: a phone call.

Podcast #254: In Defence of Beauty

Iona Italia talks to artist Megan Gafford about how we have come to value statement-making over beauty and craftsmanship in art and architecture.

Sen. Rick Scott to Newsmax: Congress Must Ensure Full Funding for FEMA

Congress must make sure the Federal Emergency Management Agency is "fully funded" so that it can continue to respond to natural disasters like the back-to-back Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Sen. Rick Scott told Newsmax on Thursday.

Haitian migration into US becomes major political issue as election looms

The impact of Haitian migration into the United States has become a top 2024 political issue, after former President Trump put the issue into the spotlight.

Republicans Appear Poised to Take Control of Senate, New Poll Shows

The latest polling from The New York Times and Siena College shows Republicans leading in key Senate races in Montana, Texas and Florida.

What Conservatives Mean by ‘Freedom of Speech’

They believe that right-wing speech should be sacrosanct, and liberal speech officially disfavored.

Trump's Mind-Boggling Outreach to Putin

Bob Woodward is back with a new book and bombshell revelations about Donald Trump and Vladmir Putin

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

Go beyond the soundbites and get to know some of the most interesting players in politics.

More Americans see Harris than Trump as very ideological

It’s presumably in part because Trump’s already shifted conservative ideology so far to the right.

Obama Targets Young Vote at Rally for Harris in Pittsburgh

Former President Barack Obama will make his case for Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday at a rally in Pittsburgh aimed at motivating young people to support the Democrat nominee and spurring them to vote in the Nov. 5 election.

Tariffs Hurt the People They’re Supposed to Help, Again

Protectionists talk a big game about the ‘forgotten working man,’ but the results of tariffs on Chinese imports to the U.S. tell a different story.

Everything you need to know about Biden's student loan forgiveness program

President Joe Biden's federal student loan forgiveness program, which promises to deliver up to $20,000 of debt relief for millions of borrowers, is on hold indefinitely as legal challenges work their way through the courts.