David S. Moon
@daimoon.bsky.social
Senior Lecturer in Politics, teaching and writing about politics, ideology and pro-wrestling, with a bit of Wales 🏴 when I can. https://www.davidsmoon.co.uk
Pinned
David S. Moon
@daimoon.bsky.social
· Sep 15
New article out in @bjpir.bsky.social that investigates the #WWE + Welsh Government 🏴 deal to host “Clash at the Castle 2002” in Cardiff.
Mixing nation branding & pro-wrestling literature it analyses how WWE fit the Cymru Wales Brand into its broadcasts. (1/?)
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Mixing nation branding & pro-wrestling literature it analyses how WWE fit the Cymru Wales Brand into its broadcasts. (1/?)
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
. @peterallen.bsky.social and I wrote about this approach to politics - an excited, fan-like focus on Westminster gossip, to the exclusion of the material impact of political decision - in our paper “‘Huge fan of the drama’: Politics as an object of fandom” journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
January 16, 2026 at 9:51 AM
. @peterallen.bsky.social and I wrote about this approach to politics - an excited, fan-like focus on Westminster gossip, to the exclusion of the material impact of political decision - in our paper “‘Huge fan of the drama’: Politics as an object of fandom” journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Reposted by David S. Moon
Genuinely mind blowing that Wales - after a century of Labour monogamy, and 70 years of Liberal monogamy before that - could elect a pro-independence coalition govt in May at #Senedd26 #Wales #Cymru
A Pro-Indy vote share of 50% is higher than the current numbers in Scotland.
A Plaid Cymru/Green deal would give the combined pro-Indy parties an outright majority.
A Plaid Cymru/Green deal would give the combined pro-Indy parties an outright majority.
January 14, 2026 at 11:33 AM
In 2010, while Business Secretary, Mandelson used known sex-criminal Jeffrey Epstein as an an intermediate to facilitate the UK Government’s sale of Sempra Commodities – a joint venture between the British taxpayer-backed Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Sempra Energy – to JP Morgan.
January 11, 2026 at 1:14 PM
In 2010, while Business Secretary, Mandelson used known sex-criminal Jeffrey Epstein as an an intermediate to facilitate the UK Government’s sale of Sempra Commodities – a joint venture between the British taxpayer-backed Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Sempra Energy – to JP Morgan.
Jesse Ventura praises anti-ICE protestors, slams Trump as a coward, and floats a running for a second term in office.
Considering Jesse had gone quiet up until his recent return to WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event I was getting a bit worried about him. So good to see him.
nypost.com/2026/01/08/u...
Considering Jesse had gone quiet up until his recent return to WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event I was getting a bit worried about him. So good to see him.
nypost.com/2026/01/08/u...
Former Minnesota Gov. and WWE legend Jesse Ventura ‘proud’ of Minneapolis anti-ICE protesters
Ventura added that he fully backs embattled Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, whom he endorsed for reelection 2022, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
nypost.com
January 9, 2026 at 9:14 AM
Jesse Ventura praises anti-ICE protestors, slams Trump as a coward, and floats a running for a second term in office.
Considering Jesse had gone quiet up until his recent return to WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event I was getting a bit worried about him. So good to see him.
nypost.com/2026/01/08/u...
Considering Jesse had gone quiet up until his recent return to WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event I was getting a bit worried about him. So good to see him.
nypost.com/2026/01/08/u...
CM Punk: “Freddy Krueger molested children, and people are stoked on him. I guess that makes him a Republican.”
www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/409146/m...
www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/409146/m...
Foley talks blowback from WWE/Trump stance; Punk cracks a Republican joke
Punk jokes about Freddy Krueger being an R, around the same time Mick says he’s lost fans for denouncing the President.
www.cagesideseats.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:56 PM
CM Punk: “Freddy Krueger molested children, and people are stoked on him. I guess that makes him a Republican.”
www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/409146/m...
www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/409146/m...
It is a key part of the British political tradition that nobody suffers any consequences from wrongdoings identified in official inquiries, and no lessons are learnt - but British COINTELPRO deserves far more attention and outrage than it obviously is and will get.
Spycops sent thousands of surveillance reports to MI5, inquiry documents reveal
Spycops sent thousands of surveillance reports to MI5, inquiry documents reveal
Security Service was able to compile detailed files on members of legitimate protest groups infiltrated by undercover police officers
Thousands of surveillance reports compiled by undercover police officers who spied on political campaigners were routinely passed to MI5, documents obtained by the spycops inquiry have revealed.
Police sent undercover officers on long-term deployments to infiltrate mainly leftwing protest groups and gather enormous quantities of information about their political and personal activities. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
January 4, 2026 at 10:13 AM
It is a key part of the British political tradition that nobody suffers any consequences from wrongdoings identified in official inquiries, and no lessons are learnt - but British COINTELPRO deserves far more attention and outrage than it obviously is and will get.
At this difficult time please think of the true victims, The UK Government and Labour Party MPs scared of losing the whip who now have to find a way to comment on the U.S. launching an unprovoked war without upsetting the only basket they have all their eggs in.
January 3, 2026 at 9:28 AM
At this difficult time please think of the true victims, The UK Government and Labour Party MPs scared of losing the whip who now have to find a way to comment on the U.S. launching an unprovoked war without upsetting the only basket they have all their eggs in.
I’ve taken a screenshot of this to use as a prompt in class for a student debate about the state of our political-media class and subsequent discourse.
It can go alongside my screenshot of John on Twitter stating that he doesn’t know what ‘neoliberalism’ is.
It can go alongside my screenshot of John on Twitter stating that he doesn’t know what ‘neoliberalism’ is.
January 2, 2026 at 12:12 PM
I’ve taken a screenshot of this to use as a prompt in class for a student debate about the state of our political-media class and subsequent discourse.
It can go alongside my screenshot of John on Twitter stating that he doesn’t know what ‘neoliberalism’ is.
It can go alongside my screenshot of John on Twitter stating that he doesn’t know what ‘neoliberalism’ is.
Thinking again of the time Welsh Twitter 🏴 melted down over a ‘Desolation Radio’ podcast (RIP) poll asking if people would rather be ruled by Welsh Labour or the Taliban, then making fun of complaints, and former Plaid leader Leanne Wood being dragged into the furore 😌🙏 nation.cymru/news/leanne-...
December 27, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Thinking again of the time Welsh Twitter 🏴 melted down over a ‘Desolation Radio’ podcast (RIP) poll asking if people would rather be ruled by Welsh Labour or the Taliban, then making fun of complaints, and former Plaid leader Leanne Wood being dragged into the furore 😌🙏 nation.cymru/news/leanne-...
For those not following the latest pro-wrestling and politics news: we have *Triple H* doing social media for the White House the same week *Mick Foley* broke ties with WWE over its links to Trump, while fellow liberal *Kevin Nash* makes excuses for not doing the same.
December 22, 2025 at 6:23 PM
For those not following the latest pro-wrestling and politics news: we have *Triple H* doing social media for the White House the same week *Mick Foley* broke ties with WWE over its links to Trump, while fellow liberal *Kevin Nash* makes excuses for not doing the same.
A bold photo choice for the cover of the “UK Politics” textbook’s latest edition
December 20, 2025 at 9:37 AM
A bold photo choice for the cover of the “UK Politics” textbook’s latest edition
Based upon the fallout of every other major inquiry in British history can assume nobody of any significance is going to suffer anything beyond the mildest discomfort here.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
MI5 impeded inquiry into Stakeknife agent who murdered for IRA, says official report
Nine-year investigation paints highly critical picture of agency’s handling of double agent
www.theguardian.com
December 9, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Based upon the fallout of every other major inquiry in British history can assume nobody of any significance is going to suffer anything beyond the mildest discomfort here.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Young Zack confirmed as a pro-wrestling fan. But what about adult Zack? People need to know.
December 6, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Young Zack confirmed as a pro-wrestling fan. But what about adult Zack? People need to know.
Incredible analysis from the national broadcaster
December 3, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Incredible analysis from the national broadcaster
Reposted by David S. Moon
Trump's playlist includes the Undertaker's theme before his remarks at the McDonald's Summit
November 17, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Trump's playlist includes the Undertaker's theme before his remarks at the McDonald's Summit
Increasingly few people identify with a party - they don’t *feel* “I’m Labour”, etc.
A fascinating question is how quickly that sense drains away after someone exits the party & its parasocial elements. To not belong to the ‘imagined community’, both alive and dead.
And once drained, what remains
A fascinating question is how quickly that sense drains away after someone exits the party & its parasocial elements. To not belong to the ‘imagined community’, both alive and dead.
And once drained, what remains
I’d also be interested to see polling differentiating between the willingness of ex-Labour voters to hold their noses and vote Labour vs. ex-Labour members to return to the fold.
For many (not all), leaving Labour is a last resort, deep decision. A key cord is cut & that release can feel visceral.
For many (not all), leaving Labour is a last resort, deep decision. A key cord is cut & that release can feel visceral.
Another thing people don’t get about Labour IMO is the innate, tribal dismissal, at all levels, of criticism from outside the party. If you’re ‘not Labour’, then tbh most won’t cares about your opinion.
Even for your average member, the feeling is ‘if you won’t work to fix this inside, then STFU’.
Even for your average member, the feeling is ‘if you won’t work to fix this inside, then STFU’.
November 16, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Increasingly few people identify with a party - they don’t *feel* “I’m Labour”, etc.
A fascinating question is how quickly that sense drains away after someone exits the party & its parasocial elements. To not belong to the ‘imagined community’, both alive and dead.
And once drained, what remains
A fascinating question is how quickly that sense drains away after someone exits the party & its parasocial elements. To not belong to the ‘imagined community’, both alive and dead.
And once drained, what remains
I’d also be interested to see polling differentiating between the willingness of ex-Labour voters to hold their noses and vote Labour vs. ex-Labour members to return to the fold.
For many (not all), leaving Labour is a last resort, deep decision. A key cord is cut & that release can feel visceral.
For many (not all), leaving Labour is a last resort, deep decision. A key cord is cut & that release can feel visceral.
Another thing people don’t get about Labour IMO is the innate, tribal dismissal, at all levels, of criticism from outside the party. If you’re ‘not Labour’, then tbh most won’t cares about your opinion.
Even for your average member, the feeling is ‘if you won’t work to fix this inside, then STFU’.
Even for your average member, the feeling is ‘if you won’t work to fix this inside, then STFU’.
I also understand why people stay, ofc. The grand history of ‘the Movement’, with its iconic figures and moments is a powerful emotive link and core to many if not most members’ self-understanding. “It’s our party”, etc.
If you leave, the pull remains strong - reflexively saying “we” in critiques
If you leave, the pull remains strong - reflexively saying “we” in critiques
November 16, 2025 at 10:57 AM
I’d also be interested to see polling differentiating between the willingness of ex-Labour voters to hold their noses and vote Labour vs. ex-Labour members to return to the fold.
For many (not all), leaving Labour is a last resort, deep decision. A key cord is cut & that release can feel visceral.
For many (not all), leaving Labour is a last resort, deep decision. A key cord is cut & that release can feel visceral.
Another thing people don’t get about Labour IMO is the innate, tribal dismissal, at all levels, of criticism from outside the party. If you’re ‘not Labour’, then tbh most won’t cares about your opinion.
Even for your average member, the feeling is ‘if you won’t work to fix this inside, then STFU’.
Even for your average member, the feeling is ‘if you won’t work to fix this inside, then STFU’.
I also understand why people stay, ofc. The grand history of ‘the Movement’, with its iconic figures and moments is a powerful emotive link and core to many if not most members’ self-understanding. “It’s our party”, etc.
If you leave, the pull remains strong - reflexively saying “we” in critiques
If you leave, the pull remains strong - reflexively saying “we” in critiques
November 16, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Another thing people don’t get about Labour IMO is the innate, tribal dismissal, at all levels, of criticism from outside the party. If you’re ‘not Labour’, then tbh most won’t cares about your opinion.
Even for your average member, the feeling is ‘if you won’t work to fix this inside, then STFU’.
Even for your average member, the feeling is ‘if you won’t work to fix this inside, then STFU’.
The cognitive dissonance of your basic Labour Party member - mainly social democrat w. liberal social views - during the Blair years was tempered by the fact there was a positive narrative in public service investment & poverty reduction. I can’t imagine what it’s like now with nothing to hold onto.
Many professional Labour watchers expressing incredulity at them pursuing racist policies for no clear electoral gain. Born & bred in this tendency, I get it. The standard view is Labour does racist things as triangulation.
But maybe (😱) they’re doing it bcs they do actually like/want these things.
But maybe (😱) they’re doing it bcs they do actually like/want these things.
Shabana Mahmood has vowed to end Britain’s “golden ticket” for asylum seekers by forcing people arriving illegally to wait 20 years before they can apply for permanent settlement
November 16, 2025 at 10:23 AM
The cognitive dissonance of your basic Labour Party member - mainly social democrat w. liberal social views - during the Blair years was tempered by the fact there was a positive narrative in public service investment & poverty reduction. I can’t imagine what it’s like now with nothing to hold onto.
Many professional Labour watchers expressing incredulity at them pursuing racist policies for no clear electoral gain. Born & bred in this tendency, I get it. The standard view is Labour does racist things as triangulation.
But maybe (😱) they’re doing it bcs they do actually like/want these things.
But maybe (😱) they’re doing it bcs they do actually like/want these things.
Shabana Mahmood has vowed to end Britain’s “golden ticket” for asylum seekers by forcing people arriving illegally to wait 20 years before they can apply for permanent settlement
Shabana Mahmood: ‘Illegal migration is tearing Britain apart’
The home secretary is planning to introduce a 20-year wait for permanent stay to end a ‘golden ticket’ for asylum seekers
www.thetimes.com
November 16, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Many professional Labour watchers expressing incredulity at them pursuing racist policies for no clear electoral gain. Born & bred in this tendency, I get it. The standard view is Labour does racist things as triangulation.
But maybe (😱) they’re doing it bcs they do actually like/want these things.
But maybe (😱) they’re doing it bcs they do actually like/want these things.
So, it seems that the one rich perverted guy who *wasn’t* emailing Epstein was Vince McMahon.
November 14, 2025 at 4:18 PM
So, it seems that the one rich perverted guy who *wasn’t* emailing Epstein was Vince McMahon.
I missed this article at the time - further use of Kayfabe as the lens to understand Trump-world.
Hat-tip @pabloredux.bsky.social !
Hat-tip @pabloredux.bsky.social !
A Trumped-Up Spectacle: James Chandler considers what Roland Barthes’s famous essay about wrestling can tell us about reality and shared illusion in Donald Trump’s Washington. lareviewofbooks.org/article/a-tr...
A Trumped-Up Spectacle | Los Angeles Review of Books
James Chandler considers what Roland Barthes’s famous essay about wrestling can tell us about reality and shared illusion in Donald Trump’s Washington.
lareviewofbooks.org
November 10, 2025 at 9:29 PM
I missed this article at the time - further use of Kayfabe as the lens to understand Trump-world.
Hat-tip @pabloredux.bsky.social !
Hat-tip @pabloredux.bsky.social !
2017: Trump tweeted out the video off him ‘clotheslining’ Vince McMahon - with the CNN logo replacing his head. One of those key “everything is becoming wrestling” media report moments.
2025: Newsom is putting out videos of him giving Trump the ‘pedigree’. 🇺🇸 🤷🏻
www.wrestlezone.com/news/1589184...
2025: Newsom is putting out videos of him giving Trump the ‘pedigree’. 🇺🇸 🤷🏻
www.wrestlezone.com/news/1589184...
November 7, 2025 at 2:42 PM
2017: Trump tweeted out the video off him ‘clotheslining’ Vince McMahon - with the CNN logo replacing his head. One of those key “everything is becoming wrestling” media report moments.
2025: Newsom is putting out videos of him giving Trump the ‘pedigree’. 🇺🇸 🤷🏻
www.wrestlezone.com/news/1589184...
2025: Newsom is putting out videos of him giving Trump the ‘pedigree’. 🇺🇸 🤷🏻
www.wrestlezone.com/news/1589184...
On Palantir
April: Ambassador Peter Mandelson arranged for Keir Starmer to have an “informal visit” (unminuted) to Palantir, a client of his lobbying firm Global Counsel
11 Sept: UK Gov announced a strategic partnership with Palantir
18 Sept: Mandelson sacked 🤷🏻
goodlawproject.org/mandelsons-e...
April: Ambassador Peter Mandelson arranged for Keir Starmer to have an “informal visit” (unminuted) to Palantir, a client of his lobbying firm Global Counsel
11 Sept: UK Gov announced a strategic partnership with Palantir
18 Sept: Mandelson sacked 🤷🏻
goodlawproject.org/mandelsons-e...
November 7, 2025 at 1:39 PM
On Palantir
April: Ambassador Peter Mandelson arranged for Keir Starmer to have an “informal visit” (unminuted) to Palantir, a client of his lobbying firm Global Counsel
11 Sept: UK Gov announced a strategic partnership with Palantir
18 Sept: Mandelson sacked 🤷🏻
goodlawproject.org/mandelsons-e...
April: Ambassador Peter Mandelson arranged for Keir Starmer to have an “informal visit” (unminuted) to Palantir, a client of his lobbying firm Global Counsel
11 Sept: UK Gov announced a strategic partnership with Palantir
18 Sept: Mandelson sacked 🤷🏻
goodlawproject.org/mandelsons-e...
I am reminded of the fact that as LOTO Keir Starmer whipped Labour MPs to abstain on the Covert Human Intelligence Sources Act 2021, which allows undercover state actors to commit crimes when covertly infiltrating organisations.
Undercover police officer fabricated gun plot by animal rights activists, his managers tell inquiry
Undercover police officer fabricated gun plot by animal rights activists, his managers tell inquiry
Spycops inquiry has heard James Thomson lied to superiors and deceived two women into relationships
Managers of an undercover police officer believed that he had concocted a plot in which animal rights activists purportedly sought to obtain a gun to inflict a revenge attack on a political opponent, the spycops public inquiry has heard.
The officer, James Thomson, claimed he had uncovered the plot while he infiltrated animal rights groups. But his managers later came to doubt whether it was genuine, one of them appearing to call it “bollocks”. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:14 PM
I am reminded of the fact that as LOTO Keir Starmer whipped Labour MPs to abstain on the Covert Human Intelligence Sources Act 2021, which allows undercover state actors to commit crimes when covertly infiltrating organisations.