Amy Fried
@asfried.bsky.social
Political scientist, kayaker
Emeritus, UMaine
Political Sightlines at https://amyfried.substack.com/
Books on how U.S. conservatives weaponized distrust, New England politics, professionalizing polling, and perceptions of public opinion as a resource
Emeritus, UMaine
Political Sightlines at https://amyfried.substack.com/
Books on how U.S. conservatives weaponized distrust, New England politics, professionalizing polling, and perceptions of public opinion as a resource
Pinned
Amy Fried
@asfried.bsky.social
· Nov 12
Blueskyers, I’m a retired political scientist, still actively writing and doing more real politics, whose core research has been on the history and political uses of public opinion. But I've done research other topics, too! My 1st pub was on abortion politics, the latest on ranked choice voting. 1/5
Last week Steve Robinson of the Maine Wire said that only non mainstream clergy were critical of ICE. Tells you what he thinks of Catholics, who have their own history of discrimination against them. #mepolitics
Now the Catholic bishop are joining the cardinals.
Bishop Tyson is clearly saying if Alex Pretti was a terrorist, then Jesus was a terrorist.
www.americamagazine.org/short-take/2...
Bishop Tyson is clearly saying if Alex Pretti was a terrorist, then Jesus was a terrorist.
www.americamagazine.org/short-take/2...
Bishop Tyson: Not all are called to be martyrs like Alex Pretti. But we can be witnesses.
People of faith are being called to view politics through the lens of faith, not the other way around.
www.americamagazine.org
February 6, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Last week Steve Robinson of the Maine Wire said that only non mainstream clergy were critical of ICE. Tells you what he thinks of Catholics, who have their own history of discrimination against them. #mepolitics
Reposted by Amy Fried
This is my friends’ 73-year-old dad. He was protesting against DHS’s murder of Alex Pretti when ICE goons broke his jaw in three places with a flashbang grenade.
“I wanted to go [back to protest] this morning. … they need to be told that what they’re doing ain’t going to happen here.”
“I wanted to go [back to protest] this morning. … they need to be told that what they’re doing ain’t going to happen here.”
February 6, 2026 at 3:39 AM
This is my friends’ 73-year-old dad. He was protesting against DHS’s murder of Alex Pretti when ICE goons broke his jaw in three places with a flashbang grenade.
“I wanted to go [back to protest] this morning. … they need to be told that what they’re doing ain’t going to happen here.”
“I wanted to go [back to protest] this morning. … they need to be told that what they’re doing ain’t going to happen here.”
Reposted by Amy Fried
A January 6, 2021, rioter, who was pardoned by President Donald Trump, pleaded guilty to a harassment charge after being accused of threatening to kill U.S. House of Representatives Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, prosecutors said on Thursday.
Pardoned January 6 rioter pleads guilty to threatening US Democratic leader Jeffries
A January 6, 2021, rioter, who was pardoned by President Donald Trump, pleaded guilty to a harassment charge after being accused of threatening to kill U.S. House of Representatives Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, prosecutors said on Thursday.
reut.rs
February 6, 2026 at 4:20 AM
A January 6, 2021, rioter, who was pardoned by President Donald Trump, pleaded guilty to a harassment charge after being accused of threatening to kill U.S. House of Representatives Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, prosecutors said on Thursday.
Reposted by Amy Fried
"Not knowing the first thing about the position you're applying or being nominated for is not just a negative, it can be a positive!" is kinda how we got about 98.5% of the current admin's appointees and nominees.
It's kinda not the approach you want to take to undo this admin's horrors.
It's kinda not the approach you want to take to undo this admin's horrors.
February 6, 2026 at 1:04 AM
"Not knowing the first thing about the position you're applying or being nominated for is not just a negative, it can be a positive!" is kinda how we got about 98.5% of the current admin's appointees and nominees.
It's kinda not the approach you want to take to undo this admin's horrors.
It's kinda not the approach you want to take to undo this admin's horrors.
Reposted by Amy Fried
“military-grade intelligence tactics”
“Pattern-of-life” intelligence
Bro, you are eating microwaveable Campbell’s Soup for every meal and crashing out in front of the Home2Suites while you’re geared up like you’re in Fallujah
“Pattern-of-life” intelligence
Bro, you are eating microwaveable Campbell’s Soup for every meal and crashing out in front of the Home2Suites while you’re geared up like you’re in Fallujah
February 6, 2026 at 2:57 AM
“military-grade intelligence tactics”
“Pattern-of-life” intelligence
Bro, you are eating microwaveable Campbell’s Soup for every meal and crashing out in front of the Home2Suites while you’re geared up like you’re in Fallujah
“Pattern-of-life” intelligence
Bro, you are eating microwaveable Campbell’s Soup for every meal and crashing out in front of the Home2Suites while you’re geared up like you’re in Fallujah
Reposted by Amy Fried
They’re trying to run the Kilmar Abrego Garcia playbook with a five year old boy in a bunny hat because nobody can find peace if they embarrass the Trump administration publicly. Normal people didn’t like it with Garcia and they really aren’t going to like it for Liam.
BREAKING: The federal government has filed a motion seeking to end asylum claims for the family of Liam Conejo Ramos, according to the lawyer representing the family.
DHS has requested expedited deportation proceedings against family of Liam Conejo Ramos
The federal government has filed a motion seeking to end asylum claims for the family of Liam Conejo Ramos, according to the lawyer representing the family.
www.mprnews.org
February 6, 2026 at 2:51 AM
They’re trying to run the Kilmar Abrego Garcia playbook with a five year old boy in a bunny hat because nobody can find peace if they embarrass the Trump administration publicly. Normal people didn’t like it with Garcia and they really aren’t going to like it for Liam.
Reposted by Amy Fried
They have made clear that it was never just about illegal immigration: they hate all immigrants.
The Small Business Administration said in a policy note that green card holders won't be allowed to apply for SBA loans, effective March 1.
SBA to bar green card holders from applying for small business loans
The Small Business Administration said in a policy note that green card holders won't be allowed to apply for SBA loans, effective March 1.
www.10news.com
February 5, 2026 at 7:12 PM
They have made clear that it was never just about illegal immigration: they hate all immigrants.
The push number was actually after hearing positive messaging about Collins and negative info about Platner or Mills. I wouldn’t be surprised if Platner is indeed more vulnerable to attacks, given he never ran before, etc. #mepolitics
This is a terrible poll for Platner. He loses to Collins 51-38% when voters are pushed to decide. Mills is also behind but more narrowly, with Collins getting a plurality. #mepolitics
Fabrizio poll (Susan Collins internal)
US Senate Maine 2026
🟥Susan Collins 45%
🟦Janet Mills 44%
🟥Susan Collins 45%
🟦Graham Platner 44%
Final ballot (push poll)
🟥Susan Collins 48%
🟦Janet Mills 42%
🟥Susan Collins 51%
🟦Graham Platner 38%
subscriber.politicopro.com/f/?id=000001...
US Senate Maine 2026
🟥Susan Collins 45%
🟦Janet Mills 44%
🟥Susan Collins 45%
🟦Graham Platner 44%
Final ballot (push poll)
🟥Susan Collins 48%
🟦Janet Mills 42%
🟥Susan Collins 51%
🟦Graham Platner 38%
subscriber.politicopro.com/f/?id=000001...
February 5, 2026 at 8:24 PM
The push number was actually after hearing positive messaging about Collins and negative info about Platner or Mills. I wouldn’t be surprised if Platner is indeed more vulnerable to attacks, given he never ran before, etc. #mepolitics
This is a terrible poll for Platner. He loses to Collins 51-38% when voters are pushed to decide. Mills is also behind but more narrowly, with Collins getting a plurality. #mepolitics
Fabrizio poll (Susan Collins internal)
US Senate Maine 2026
🟥Susan Collins 45%
🟦Janet Mills 44%
🟥Susan Collins 45%
🟦Graham Platner 44%
Final ballot (push poll)
🟥Susan Collins 48%
🟦Janet Mills 42%
🟥Susan Collins 51%
🟦Graham Platner 38%
subscriber.politicopro.com/f/?id=000001...
US Senate Maine 2026
🟥Susan Collins 45%
🟦Janet Mills 44%
🟥Susan Collins 45%
🟦Graham Platner 44%
Final ballot (push poll)
🟥Susan Collins 48%
🟦Janet Mills 42%
🟥Susan Collins 51%
🟦Graham Platner 38%
subscriber.politicopro.com/f/?id=000001...
February 5, 2026 at 8:06 PM
This is a terrible poll for Platner. He loses to Collins 51-38% when voters are pushed to decide. Mills is also behind but more narrowly, with Collins getting a plurality. #mepolitics
Reposted by Amy Fried
My friend lives in this building and said it was truly terrifying. The whole building woke up to their building being broken into by federal agents all to grab some guy who’s posted about being anti facist.
After 6am this morning in Whittier, Minneapolis—FOUR BLOCKS from where Pretti was murdered.
18 agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) markings smashed an apartment window, ran in, and came out with one man.
18 agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) markings smashed an apartment window, ran in, and came out with one man.
February 5, 2026 at 3:10 PM
My friend lives in this building and said it was truly terrifying. The whole building woke up to their building being broken into by federal agents all to grab some guy who’s posted about being anti facist.
ICE is lawless.
‘One officer told me that I "had no chance of returning to Minnesota" and that "the best thing for (me] is self-deportation." …
She offered me $2600 to self-deport.
I refused.
I wanted to talk to my attorney.
They didn't tell me the judge had already ordered my release and return to Minnesota.’
She offered me $2600 to self-deport.
I refused.
I wanted to talk to my attorney.
They didn't tell me the judge had already ordered my release and return to Minnesota.’
February 5, 2026 at 2:22 PM
ICE is lawless.
This is for itemized contributions only
Maine-based:
🟦Dunlap: 81%
🟥LePage: 60%
🟦Wood: 8%
Maine-based:
🟦Dunlap: 81%
🟥LePage: 60%
🟦Wood: 8%
February 5, 2026 at 2:19 PM
But I thought Susan Collins was working on this. #mepolitics
Top Senate negotiators say an effort to renew expired healthcare subsidies has effectively collapsed www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Negotiators Say Talks to Restore ACA Subsidies Likely Dead
New, higher health-insurance bills are kicking in for many households.
www.wsj.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:58 AM
But I thought Susan Collins was working on this. #mepolitics
Reposted by Amy Fried
Per Economist/YouGov, here's the % of Americans who support deporting:
• Violent criminals: 86%
• Those with nonviolent offenses: 43%
• Parents of citizens: 26%
• Long-time residents with no record: 23%
• Those brought here as kids: 21%
• Those married to US citizens: 16%
• Violent criminals: 86%
• Those with nonviolent offenses: 43%
• Parents of citizens: 26%
• Long-time residents with no record: 23%
• Those brought here as kids: 21%
• Those married to US citizens: 16%
Support For Abolishing ICE:
Support: 46%
Oppose: 44%
YouGov / Feb 2, 2026
Support: 46%
Oppose: 44%
YouGov / Feb 2, 2026
February 4, 2026 at 7:44 PM
Per Economist/YouGov, here's the % of Americans who support deporting:
• Violent criminals: 86%
• Those with nonviolent offenses: 43%
• Parents of citizens: 26%
• Long-time residents with no record: 23%
• Those brought here as kids: 21%
• Those married to US citizens: 16%
• Violent criminals: 86%
• Those with nonviolent offenses: 43%
• Parents of citizens: 26%
• Long-time residents with no record: 23%
• Those brought here as kids: 21%
• Those married to US citizens: 16%
Reposted by Amy Fried
Striking: GOP Senator Roger Wicker just came out strongly against new ICE detention center in Mississippi. The story of the moment is brewing opposition in red areas (see piece and thread below)
February 4, 2026 at 8:12 PM
Striking: GOP Senator Roger Wicker just came out strongly against new ICE detention center in Mississippi. The story of the moment is brewing opposition in red areas (see piece and thread below)
Reposted by Amy Fried
The headline should be, "DHS to keep 2,000 immigration officers in Minnesota."
Instead, it seems the entirety of the traditional media went with, "DHS to withdraw 700 immigration officers from Minnesota."
This presser worked like a charm.
Instead, it seems the entirety of the traditional media went with, "DHS to withdraw 700 immigration officers from Minnesota."
This presser worked like a charm.
Homan in Minneapolis: "Effective immediately, we will draw down 700 people effective today."
February 4, 2026 at 3:43 PM
The headline should be, "DHS to keep 2,000 immigration officers in Minnesota."
Instead, it seems the entirety of the traditional media went with, "DHS to withdraw 700 immigration officers from Minnesota."
This presser worked like a charm.
Instead, it seems the entirety of the traditional media went with, "DHS to withdraw 700 immigration officers from Minnesota."
This presser worked like a charm.
Reposted by Amy Fried
always bears repeating that this is NOT a financial decision. jeff bezos is worth over 250 billion dollars. he can afford to lose many millions and never even notice it. this is, at its core, a political and personal decision by bezos to destroy the post
WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Post says one-third of its staff across all departments, not just the newsroom, is being laid off.
February 4, 2026 at 3:04 PM
always bears repeating that this is NOT a financial decision. jeff bezos is worth over 250 billion dollars. he can afford to lose many millions and never even notice it. this is, at its core, a political and personal decision by bezos to destroy the post
Reposted by Amy Fried
This isn’t some anonymous tip. This is sworn testimony, under penalty of perjury, from someone who said Trump threatened to kill her if she exposed Epstein’s sexual abuse.
February 3, 2026 at 5:04 PM
This isn’t some anonymous tip. This is sworn testimony, under penalty of perjury, from someone who said Trump threatened to kill her if she exposed Epstein’s sexual abuse.
This is excellent piece and #mepolitics folks should note the mentions of Jared Golden.
www.bostonreview.net/forum/how-no...
www.bostonreview.net/forum/how-no...
Democrats can’t simply react to polls. They must lead.
Adam Bonica and Jake Grumbach reply to their critics.
www.bostonreview.net
February 4, 2026 at 3:02 PM
This is excellent piece and #mepolitics folks should note the mentions of Jared Golden.
www.bostonreview.net/forum/how-no...
www.bostonreview.net/forum/how-no...
As a Jew, I gotta say, Johnson’s interpretive chops are pathetic.
Speaking on behalf of a religion that actively sought to spread itself to every country in the world whether invited or not, Speaker Johnson would like to share with you the Biblical case for strong borders.
February 4, 2026 at 12:13 PM
As a Jew, I gotta say, Johnson’s interpretive chops are pathetic.
ICE is demanding the employment records at a Maine jail after a sheriff openly criticized immigration agents for arresting one of his guards
ICE demanded Maine sheriff’s employment records following his criticism of arrest
The subpoena came a day after Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce blasted immigration agents for arresting one of his guards.
www.bangordailynews.com
February 4, 2026 at 1:48 AM
Reposted by Amy Fried
This is a mask *very* specifically associated with Atomwaffen and Nazi Terrorgram (as OP notes downthread)
Fucking surreal that people dressed like this and carrying assault rifles are permitted to kidnap people off our streets
February 4, 2026 at 1:09 AM
This is a mask *very* specifically associated with Atomwaffen and Nazi Terrorgram (as OP notes downthread)
Reposted by Amy Fried
Remember the incident where DHS claimed officers shot a guy because he attacked them with a snow shovel?
Yeah. It didn't happen. They shot him through the door of his own home. And then arrested him. And then lied about it. Again.
And they almost shot some kids in the process.
Yeah. It didn't happen. They shot him through the door of his own home. And then arrested him. And then lied about it. Again.
And they almost shot some kids in the process.
They just blindly shot through the fucking door.
"Additional photographs show damage consistent with a bullet fragment lodged in a bedroom wall down the hallway — suggesting it traveled between a mattress and a portable crib in a room where several small children sleep."
"Additional photographs show damage consistent with a bullet fragment lodged in a bedroom wall down the hallway — suggesting it traveled between a mattress and a portable crib in a room where several small children sleep."
"Photographic evidence from the shooting scene of a Venezuelan man by federal agents last month in Minneapolis supports the account of witnesses there – and appears to undercut the narrative provided by federal officials." www.startribune.com/ice-raids-mi...
February 3, 2026 at 11:33 PM
Remember the incident where DHS claimed officers shot a guy because he attacked them with a snow shovel?
Yeah. It didn't happen. They shot him through the door of his own home. And then arrested him. And then lied about it. Again.
And they almost shot some kids in the process.
Yeah. It didn't happen. They shot him through the door of his own home. And then arrested him. And then lied about it. Again.
And they almost shot some kids in the process.
Reposted by Amy Fried
Top Trump ally Brian Kilmeade says on the radio that Trump "wants Susan Collins to win" and they paused the ICE surge there to "help Susan Collins" with her re-election.
They're not even pretending any more.
#mesen #mepolitics
They're not even pretending any more.
#mesen #mepolitics
February 3, 2026 at 7:51 PM
Top Trump ally Brian Kilmeade says on the radio that Trump "wants Susan Collins to win" and they paused the ICE surge there to "help Susan Collins" with her re-election.
They're not even pretending any more.
#mesen #mepolitics
They're not even pretending any more.
#mesen #mepolitics
Reposted by Amy Fried
Standouts from today's Maine Republican press conference:
Claims that tipped workers represent a significant group in Maine - in fact it's abt 2% of workers
Plans to spend 2 years of revenue for 1 year of tax cuts
$300 only buys you a meal at a fancy restaurant #mepolitics
Claims that tipped workers represent a significant group in Maine - in fact it's abt 2% of workers
Plans to spend 2 years of revenue for 1 year of tax cuts
$300 only buys you a meal at a fancy restaurant #mepolitics
February 3, 2026 at 8:58 PM
Standouts from today's Maine Republican press conference:
Claims that tipped workers represent a significant group in Maine - in fact it's abt 2% of workers
Plans to spend 2 years of revenue for 1 year of tax cuts
$300 only buys you a meal at a fancy restaurant #mepolitics
Claims that tipped workers represent a significant group in Maine - in fact it's abt 2% of workers
Plans to spend 2 years of revenue for 1 year of tax cuts
$300 only buys you a meal at a fancy restaurant #mepolitics