Andrew Bates
@andrewbatesnc.bsky.social
Former Biden White House Senior Deputy Press Secretary and founder of Wolfpack Strategies. Winston-Salem native. @NCState alum.
Wrote for @zeteo.com about how the legacy of 4-term NC Governor Jim Hunt, who passed away last month, has new relevance for Democrats in 2026 and 2028.
-Framing investments in working people - especially education - as a measure of community pride
-Framing investments in working people - especially education - as a measure of community pride
January 5, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Wrote for @zeteo.com about how the legacy of 4-term NC Governor Jim Hunt, who passed away last month, has new relevance for Democrats in 2026 and 2028.
-Framing investments in working people - especially education - as a measure of community pride
-Framing investments in working people - especially education - as a measure of community pride
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Reposted by Andrew Bates
“His biggest problem is that costs are continuing to go up, and he promised people they would go down, and whenever people see him creating some other kind of a problem, rather than buckling down and trying to un-break that key promise, they turn against him more,” says @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social.
How Trump’s foreign intervention could shake up the midterm elections
Democrats immediately argued that U.S. military action in Venezuela was an abandonment of the president’s promise to focus on improving lives at home.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 5, 2026 at 2:50 PM
“His biggest problem is that costs are continuing to go up, and he promised people they would go down, and whenever people see him creating some other kind of a problem, rather than buckling down and trying to un-break that key promise, they turn against him more,” says @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social.
Reposted by Andrew Bates
BREAKING: We are suing Trump & his cronies to restore the Kennedy Center’s lawful name
We @democracydefendersaction.org are proud to represent Kennedy Center Trustee @repbeatty.bsky.social w/ our friends at Washington Litigation Group
Congress named the Kennedy Center & only they can change it
We @democracydefendersaction.org are proud to represent Kennedy Center Trustee @repbeatty.bsky.social w/ our friends at Washington Litigation Group
Congress named the Kennedy Center & only they can change it
Press Release | Democracy Defenders Action
Congresswoman Joyce Beatty today sued President Trump and others to stop the unlawful renaming of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The lawsuit was brought on behalf of the Congressw...
www.democracydefendersaction.org
December 23, 2025 at 1:57 AM
BREAKING: We are suing Trump & his cronies to restore the Kennedy Center’s lawful name
We @democracydefendersaction.org are proud to represent Kennedy Center Trustee @repbeatty.bsky.social w/ our friends at Washington Litigation Group
Congress named the Kennedy Center & only they can change it
We @democracydefendersaction.org are proud to represent Kennedy Center Trustee @repbeatty.bsky.social w/ our friends at Washington Litigation Group
Congress named the Kennedy Center & only they can change it
Reposted by Andrew Bates
“Would a lame duck build himself an assisted living ballroom?”: Eleven months into his second term, Donald Trump’s agenda is stalling, fueling questions about whether he has already become a lame duck president. The Weeknight panel weighs in.
December 16, 2025 at 3:53 AM
“Would a lame duck build himself an assisted living ballroom?”: Eleven months into his second term, Donald Trump’s agenda is stalling, fueling questions about whether he has already become a lame duck president. The Weeknight panel weighs in.
More corrupt knee-bending.
Instacart illegally fired an employee for exercising her right to run for Congress as a Democrat, saying they were worried about how the Trump Administration would respond to her support for reproductive rights and gun reform. www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Instacart illegally fired an employee for exercising her right to run for Congress as a Democrat, saying they were worried about how the Trump Administration would respond to her support for reproductive rights and gun reform. www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Instacart director says she was fired for Democratic congressional campaign
Lisa Vedernikova Khanna, a candidate in Virginia, says in a lawsuit that the mobile shopping giant cited concerns her bid could hurt the company with President Donald Trump.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 15, 2025 at 5:56 PM
More corrupt knee-bending.
Instacart illegally fired an employee for exercising her right to run for Congress as a Democrat, saying they were worried about how the Trump Administration would respond to her support for reproductive rights and gun reform. www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Instacart illegally fired an employee for exercising her right to run for Congress as a Democrat, saying they were worried about how the Trump Administration would respond to her support for reproductive rights and gun reform. www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Andrew Bates
In the new Emerson poll in TN 07, 97% of Harris voters support Aftyn Behn (D) and 88% of Trump voters support Matt Van Epps (R). If that pattern holds across races in 2026 and there is a slight Democratic turnout edge, Democrats would be favored in any CD that Trump won by 12 points or less.
November 26, 2025 at 4:13 PM
In the new Emerson poll in TN 07, 97% of Harris voters support Aftyn Behn (D) and 88% of Trump voters support Matt Van Epps (R). If that pattern holds across races in 2026 and there is a slight Democratic turnout edge, Democrats would be favored in any CD that Trump won by 12 points or less.
Reposted by Andrew Bates
BREAKING: We won! 3rd Circuit affirms illegality of Habba appointment
We @democracydefendersfund.org are honored to work on this case with the wonderful folks at Lowell & Associates, Gerald Krovatin & many others 👇
We @democracydefendersfund.org are honored to work on this case with the wonderful folks at Lowell & Associates, Gerald Krovatin & many others 👇
December 1, 2025 at 3:25 PM
BREAKING: We won! 3rd Circuit affirms illegality of Habba appointment
We @democracydefendersfund.org are honored to work on this case with the wonderful folks at Lowell & Associates, Gerald Krovatin & many others 👇
We @democracydefendersfund.org are honored to work on this case with the wonderful folks at Lowell & Associates, Gerald Krovatin & many others 👇
Reposted by Andrew Bates
From the problems created by his old friend Epstein to those presented by his new friend Zohran....
this was Trump's weakest week.
I explain in my weekly column @contrariannews.org
open.substack.com/pub/contrari...
this was Trump's weakest week.
I explain in my weekly column @contrariannews.org
open.substack.com/pub/contrari...
Has Trump’s Power Peaked?
Publisher's Roundup 45
open.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 3:51 PM
From the problems created by his old friend Epstein to those presented by his new friend Zohran....
this was Trump's weakest week.
I explain in my weekly column @contrariannews.org
open.substack.com/pub/contrari...
this was Trump's weakest week.
I explain in my weekly column @contrariannews.org
open.substack.com/pub/contrari...
Reposted by Andrew Bates
It’s remarkable how bad right-leaning polling has gotten for Trump. Cygnal and McLaughlin have sent big warnings about 2026. Echelon found him dropping 8 points. TIPP showed him losing 10. Now this - Fox has him dropping 9 points. No illusions now. They know they are in a bad place.
November 20, 2025 at 2:20 AM
It’s remarkable how bad right-leaning polling has gotten for Trump. Cygnal and McLaughlin have sent big warnings about 2026. Echelon found him dropping 8 points. TIPP showed him losing 10. Now this - Fox has him dropping 9 points. No illusions now. They know they are in a bad place.
Reposted by Andrew Bates
NJ voters: keep on turning out to the Polls today!
Some voter suppression BS going on in with bomb threats to Democratic precincts
The threats have now been officially determined to be NON CREDIBLE. Voting is perfectly safe, it's a beautiful day, make your choices known!
Some voter suppression BS going on in with bomb threats to Democratic precincts
The threats have now been officially determined to be NON CREDIBLE. Voting is perfectly safe, it's a beautiful day, make your choices known!
Statement of Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin Regarding Today’s Election.
November 4, 2025 at 2:19 PM
NJ voters: keep on turning out to the Polls today!
Some voter suppression BS going on in with bomb threats to Democratic precincts
The threats have now been officially determined to be NON CREDIBLE. Voting is perfectly safe, it's a beautiful day, make your choices known!
Some voter suppression BS going on in with bomb threats to Democratic precincts
The threats have now been officially determined to be NON CREDIBLE. Voting is perfectly safe, it's a beautiful day, make your choices known!
Reposted by Andrew Bates
The Trump family's multibillion dollar crypto fortune raises new questions about the prices of Hunter Biden's paintings.
October 8, 2025 at 4:18 PM
The Trump family's multibillion dollar crypto fortune raises new questions about the prices of Hunter Biden's paintings.
Wrote for @foxnews.com.web.brid.gy about how 2/3 of Trump voters agree w/ Democrats that he should not take health care from millions.
As polls get even worse for him, Trump should "admit he got this wrong, reach back out to Democrats and his own voters, and end his health care shutdown."
As polls get even worse for him, Trump should "admit he got this wrong, reach back out to Democrats and his own voters, and end his health care shutdown."
October 7, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Wrote for @foxnews.com.web.brid.gy about how 2/3 of Trump voters agree w/ Democrats that he should not take health care from millions.
As polls get even worse for him, Trump should "admit he got this wrong, reach back out to Democrats and his own voters, and end his health care shutdown."
As polls get even worse for him, Trump should "admit he got this wrong, reach back out to Democrats and his own voters, and end his health care shutdown."
Reposted by Andrew Bates
👀 Marjorie Taylor Greene breaks with Republicans on Obamacare funding, saying she’s not a fan of the law but demands action to prevent a premium hike. “I’m absolutely disgusted that health insurance premiums will DOUBLE if the tax credits expire this year.” She says GOP leaders don’t have a plan.
October 7, 2025 at 12:28 AM
👀 Marjorie Taylor Greene breaks with Republicans on Obamacare funding, saying she’s not a fan of the law but demands action to prevent a premium hike. “I’m absolutely disgusted that health insurance premiums will DOUBLE if the tax credits expire this year.” She says GOP leaders don’t have a plan.
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Oregon AG Rayfield: Huge win at this moment in our democracy right now.
This is the president that is normalizing the use of the United States military in our country.
So to get this strong of a ruling out today for the public to see—it’s incredibly important.
This is the president that is normalizing the use of the United States military in our country.
So to get this strong of a ruling out today for the public to see—it’s incredibly important.
October 5, 2025 at 2:35 AM
Oregon AG Rayfield: Huge win at this moment in our democracy right now.
This is the president that is normalizing the use of the United States military in our country.
So to get this strong of a ruling out today for the public to see—it’s incredibly important.
This is the president that is normalizing the use of the United States military in our country.
So to get this strong of a ruling out today for the public to see—it’s incredibly important.
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Oct 3 poll of 2,811 U.S. adults (+/-2.4%)
% of U.S. adults saying Democrats' bigger goal in congressional shutdown talks is to:
Preserve Affordable Care Act tax credits & restore Medicaid funds 61%
Expand Medicaid benefits to immigrants in the U.S. illegally 13%
today.yougov.com/topics/polit...
% of U.S. adults saying Democrats' bigger goal in congressional shutdown talks is to:
Preserve Affordable Care Act tax credits & restore Medicaid funds 61%
Expand Medicaid benefits to immigrants in the U.S. illegally 13%
today.yougov.com/topics/polit...
October 4, 2025 at 1:13 AM
Oct 3 poll of 2,811 U.S. adults (+/-2.4%)
% of U.S. adults saying Democrats' bigger goal in congressional shutdown talks is to:
Preserve Affordable Care Act tax credits & restore Medicaid funds 61%
Expand Medicaid benefits to immigrants in the U.S. illegally 13%
today.yougov.com/topics/polit...
% of U.S. adults saying Democrats' bigger goal in congressional shutdown talks is to:
Preserve Affordable Care Act tax credits & restore Medicaid funds 61%
Expand Medicaid benefits to immigrants in the U.S. illegally 13%
today.yougov.com/topics/polit...
Trump in 2011: A shutdown is "a tremendously negative mark on the President of the United States. He's the one that has to get people together."
October 2, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Trump in 2011: A shutdown is "a tremendously negative mark on the President of the United States. He's the one that has to get people together."
Reposted by Andrew Bates
New WaPo poll:
Extend ACA subsidies 71%-29%
Blame Rs for shutdown 47%
Blame Ds for shutdown 30%
Dems winning the big arguments so far
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/int...
Extend ACA subsidies 71%-29%
Blame Rs for shutdown 47%
Blame Ds for shutdown 30%
Dems winning the big arguments so far
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/int...
We asked 1,000 Americans who is to blame for the shutdown. Here’s what they said.
More Americans blame Trump and Republicans than Democrats for shutdown, poll finds.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 2, 2025 at 10:45 AM
New WaPo poll:
Extend ACA subsidies 71%-29%
Blame Rs for shutdown 47%
Blame Ds for shutdown 30%
Dems winning the big arguments so far
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/int...
Extend ACA subsidies 71%-29%
Blame Rs for shutdown 47%
Blame Ds for shutdown 30%
Dems winning the big arguments so far
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/int...
Reposted by Andrew Bates
An extraordinary statement from more than 40 former federal judges & state high court ones appointed by both D's & R's
They condemn Trump's abuse of DOJ powers & his prosecution of Comey
We @democracydefendersfund.org were proud to support!
www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus...
They condemn Trump's abuse of DOJ powers & his prosecution of Comey
We @democracydefendersfund.org were proud to support!
www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus...
James Comey case jeopardizes Americans' free speech rights, retired judges warn
A group of retired judges said Trump "continues to corruptly abuse the power of his office" by directing the Justice Department to target "his critics and his perceived political enemies."
www.nbcnews.com
September 30, 2025 at 11:04 PM
An extraordinary statement from more than 40 former federal judges & state high court ones appointed by both D's & R's
They condemn Trump's abuse of DOJ powers & his prosecution of Comey
We @democracydefendersfund.org were proud to support!
www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus...
They condemn Trump's abuse of DOJ powers & his prosecution of Comey
We @democracydefendersfund.org were proud to support!
www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus...
Reposted by Andrew Bates
BREAKING: We are going to court to stop the Trump administration’s abuse of the coming shutdown to illegally RIF employees
So proud to be part of this lawsuit w/
AFGE @afscme.bsky.social @democracyforward.org & Altshuler Berzon
Here’s the complaint
democracydefendersfund.org/prs/9.30.25-pr
So proud to be part of this lawsuit w/
AFGE @afscme.bsky.social @democracyforward.org & Altshuler Berzon
Here’s the complaint
democracydefendersfund.org/prs/9.30.25-pr
September 30, 2025 at 8:30 PM
BREAKING: We are going to court to stop the Trump administration’s abuse of the coming shutdown to illegally RIF employees
So proud to be part of this lawsuit w/
AFGE @afscme.bsky.social @democracyforward.org & Altshuler Berzon
Here’s the complaint
democracydefendersfund.org/prs/9.30.25-pr
So proud to be part of this lawsuit w/
AFGE @afscme.bsky.social @democracyforward.org & Altshuler Berzon
Here’s the complaint
democracydefendersfund.org/prs/9.30.25-pr
Reposted by Andrew Bates
An interesting argument from Ed Whelan at EPPC: He makes the case that Lindsey Halligan's appointment is invalid.
www.nationalreview.com/bench-memos/...
www.nationalreview.com/bench-memos/...
Re: Was Lindsey Halligan Validly Appointed as United States Attorney? | National Review
Some further reinforcing comments on my post last Friday in which I explained why, based on the facts as I understand them, I believe that Lindsey Halligan has not been validly appointed as United …
www.nationalreview.com
September 29, 2025 at 7:32 PM
An interesting argument from Ed Whelan at EPPC: He makes the case that Lindsey Halligan's appointment is invalid.
www.nationalreview.com/bench-memos/...
www.nationalreview.com/bench-memos/...
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Oregon AG Rayfield: I know for a fact, from talking to cities across Oregon, that if you pick up the phone and ask, “What could be helpful?” the answer would not be the United States military.
September 28, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Oregon AG Rayfield: I know for a fact, from talking to cities across Oregon, that if you pick up the phone and ask, “What could be helpful?” the answer would not be the United States military.
Reposted by Andrew Bates
A little more than two years ago, Governor Cooper first appointed me to serve as your N.C. Supreme Court Justice. Thank you for electing me to keep that seat, and I pledge to continue serving the people of this state without fear or favor.
September 18, 2025 at 8:16 PM
A little more than two years ago, Governor Cooper first appointed me to serve as your N.C. Supreme Court Justice. Thank you for electing me to keep that seat, and I pledge to continue serving the people of this state without fear or favor.
[email protected]: "Ex-Biden Adviser Says Trump Crackdown ‘Disrespectful To Charlie Kirk’s Memory’" www.mediaite.com/online/ex-bi...
Ex-Biden Adviser Says Trump Crackdown ‘Disrespectful To Charlie Kirk’s Memory’
Andrew Bates said the perceived President Donald Trump -led crackdown on speech is "disrespectful to the memory" of slain activist Charlie Kirk.
www.mediaite.com
September 18, 2025 at 6:39 PM
[email protected]: "Ex-Biden Adviser Says Trump Crackdown ‘Disrespectful To Charlie Kirk’s Memory’" www.mediaite.com/online/ex-bi...
Reposted by Andrew Bates
After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesn’t like.
Let’s be clear about what happened to Jimmy Kimmel
Trump’s most brazen attack on free speech yet.
www.yahoo.com
September 18, 2025 at 2:10 PM
After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesn’t like.