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
Reposted by Amy Fried
This is the last I’ll say. Platner called Jeffries “stupid” that isn’t the same as criticizing his negotiating strategy. He called the man “stupid”. If you can’t understand why the Congressional Black Caucus might take umbrage at that I don’t think I’m going to be able to explain it to you.
February 8, 2026 at 3:54 AM
This is the last I’ll say. Platner called Jeffries “stupid” that isn’t the same as criticizing his negotiating strategy. He called the man “stupid”. If you can’t understand why the Congressional Black Caucus might take umbrage at that I don’t think I’m going to be able to explain it to you.
Reposted by Amy Fried
I’m curious why Platner thinks that it’s possible to get any kind of progressive legislation through Congress without the support of the Congressional Black Caucus. It certainly is a novel way to get that support to call one of their leaders “stupid”.
February 7, 2026 at 11:33 PM
I’m curious why Platner thinks that it’s possible to get any kind of progressive legislation through Congress without the support of the Congressional Black Caucus. It certainly is a novel way to get that support to call one of their leaders “stupid”.
Reposted by Amy Fried
"Since Trump returned to the White House, Democrats have picked up eight Republican-controlled districts through special elections, as well as 18 seats in New Jersey and Virginia during those states’ regularly scheduled contests last November. Republicans have flipped none."
The GOP just had its best chance to finally flip a legislative seat in Trump 2.0. Democrats had other ideas.
Chasity Martinez just won a rural Trump+13 in the Louisiana House in a 24-point landslide—an overperformance of 37 points.
Our complete writeup on this remarkable outcome -->
Chasity Martinez just won a rural Trump+13 in the Louisiana House in a 24-point landslide—an overperformance of 37 points.
Our complete writeup on this remarkable outcome -->
Breaking: Democrats resoundingly defend red district in Louisiana, denying GOP its first pickup
Republicans have yet to flip a single legislative seat since Trump's return
www.the-downballot.com
February 8, 2026 at 3:18 AM
"Since Trump returned to the White House, Democrats have picked up eight Republican-controlled districts through special elections, as well as 18 seats in New Jersey and Virginia during those states’ regularly scheduled contests last November. Republicans have flipped none."
Do not believe anything ICE says.
ICE told nurses this Minneapolis man “purposefully ran headfirst into a brick wall.”
What actually happened is that they pulled him from a car, beat him so viciously with a steel baton that he had 8 skull fractures, 5 life-threatening brain hemorrhages, and couldn’t remember he had a daughter.
What actually happened is that they pulled him from a car, beat him so viciously with a steel baton that he had 8 skull fractures, 5 life-threatening brain hemorrhages, and couldn’t remember he had a daughter.
February 7, 2026 at 6:28 PM
Do not believe anything ICE says.
Republicans are trying to keep college students from voting.
Another new provision prohibits the use of any photo ID cards 'provided by an educational institution.'
Valid ID's to vote would include state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards, US passport, military ID, and tribal ID - but nothing from colleges or universities. 3/
Valid ID's to vote would include state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards, US passport, military ID, and tribal ID - but nothing from colleges or universities. 3/
February 7, 2026 at 4:08 PM
Republicans are trying to keep college students from voting.
Reposted by Amy Fried
By the way, for those of you not in MN: Homan’s strategy was to withdraw some agents, so it felt like we were in the denouement of the crisis, and then escalate hard against observers. They’re being incredibly aggressive with observers now. National media may not want to check out just yet
February 7, 2026 at 3:38 AM
By the way, for those of you not in MN: Homan’s strategy was to withdraw some agents, so it felt like we were in the denouement of the crisis, and then escalate hard against observers. They’re being incredibly aggressive with observers now. National media may not want to check out just yet
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...