David Kusnet
@davidkusnet.bsky.social
Was chief speechwriter for President Bill Clinton. Author: Love the Work, Hate the Job; Speaking American. Co-author: America Needs a Raise; To Build New York:100 Years of Infrastructure. Posts are my own.
Reposted by David Kusnet
And we're off -- @elisegould.bsky.social with the analysis of the latest #JOLTS 👀
After a dearth of economic data, the latest #JOLTS report is out this morning for both Sept and Oct 2025.
Main findings:
- hires rate continues to be depressed, at rates we haven't seen since 2013
- quits rate lowest since 2014
- layoffs ticked up slightly
Note: these ignore low points in 2020
Main findings:
- hires rate continues to be depressed, at rates we haven't seen since 2013
- quits rate lowest since 2014
- layoffs ticked up slightly
Note: these ignore low points in 2020
December 9, 2025 at 3:27 PM
And we're off -- @elisegould.bsky.social with the analysis of the latest #JOLTS 👀
Reposted by David Kusnet
Florida’s voucher audit is a warning: the state lost track of 30,000 students and hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars that should have supported public schools. Kids pay the price when there’s no oversight. www.washingtonpost.com/education/20...
How Florida lost track of 30,000 students, a ‘cautionary tale’ for vouchers
The state’s auditor general found “a myriad of accountability problems” in the nation’s largest voucher program.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 9, 2025 at 5:37 AM
Florida’s voucher audit is a warning: the state lost track of 30,000 students and hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars that should have supported public schools. Kids pay the price when there’s no oversight. www.washingtonpost.com/education/20...
In another era, JFK welcome the democratically elected, social democratic president of Venezuela, Romulo Betancourt, to the White House.
www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer...
www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer...
Meeting with Rómulo Betancourt, President of Venezuela, 4:30PM
AR32, ST20, KN30
www.jfklibrary.org
December 2, 2025 at 3:20 PM
In another era, JFK welcome the democratically elected, social democratic president of Venezuela, Romulo Betancourt, to the White House.
www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer...
www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer...
Reposted by David Kusnet
DC is absolutely worth fighting for. Over the last five years, @janeese4dc.bsky.social has consistently chosen the side of DC's families, workers, tenants, small businesses, and vulnerable residents. Join me in donating to her on Day 1 of her historic campaign for mayor: bit.ly/jlg-2026
December 1, 2025 at 2:24 PM
DC is absolutely worth fighting for. Over the last five years, @janeese4dc.bsky.social has consistently chosen the side of DC's families, workers, tenants, small businesses, and vulnerable residents. Join me in donating to her on Day 1 of her historic campaign for mayor: bit.ly/jlg-2026
JFK "jawboned" major corporations to keep price increases in line with wage increases. In early '60s, with union density near 33%, labor was more responsible than Big Business. #JFK #affordability
THE ECONOMY : A Presidential Fix for Cruelties in the Workplace
Last week, American Telephone & Telegraph Co. and Wall Street followed a familiar script in the drama of downsizing.
www.latimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:31 PM
JFK "jawboned" major corporations to keep price increases in line with wage increases. In early '60s, with union density near 33%, labor was more responsible than Big Business. #JFK #affordability
The great Jimmy Breslin interviewed the man who dug JFK's grave. "He was paid $3.01 an hour for it, and he said the whole thing was an honor."
www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2024/11/from...
www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2024/11/from...
From the Archive: Jimmy Breslin on the Legacy of JFK | The Saturday Evening Post
One year after the assassination, one man pays humble tribute to President Kennedy.
www.saturdayeveningpost.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:12 PM
The great Jimmy Breslin interviewed the man who dug JFK's grave. "He was paid $3.01 an hour for it, and he said the whole thing was an honor."
www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2024/11/from...
www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2024/11/from...
Reposted by David Kusnet
Mamdani stole the show this month, but ‘Moderate Mikie’ across the Hudson ran on an even bolder platform to rein in corporate power. From the governor’s mansion, she’ll have the authority to deliver.
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/11/20/m...
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/11/20/m...
Sherrill and Mamdani Just Showed How to Unify the Democratic Party—And Win
Mamdani stole the show this month, but ‘Moderate Mikie’ across the Hudson ran on an even bolder platform to rein in corporate power.
washingtonmonthly.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Mamdani stole the show this month, but ‘Moderate Mikie’ across the Hudson ran on an even bolder platform to rein in corporate power. From the governor’s mansion, she’ll have the authority to deliver.
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/11/20/m...
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/11/20/m...
Reposted by David Kusnet
21% of workers do not get a single paid sick day.
Part-time workers, low-wage workers, hospitality workers, the very people who keep this country running, are the least likely to have paid sick time.
This is why we unionize.
Part-time workers, low-wage workers, hospitality workers, the very people who keep this country running, are the least likely to have paid sick time.
This is why we unionize.
November 18, 2025 at 8:19 PM
21% of workers do not get a single paid sick day.
Part-time workers, low-wage workers, hospitality workers, the very people who keep this country running, are the least likely to have paid sick time.
This is why we unionize.
Part-time workers, low-wage workers, hospitality workers, the very people who keep this country running, are the least likely to have paid sick time.
This is why we unionize.
Reposted by David Kusnet
In some states, cities and counties can establish a higher minimum wage to better address local costs of living.
In other states, lawmakers are blocking local leaders from setting adequate wage requirements.
Does your city have the power to raise its own minimum wage?
1/
In other states, lawmakers are blocking local leaders from setting adequate wage requirements.
Does your city have the power to raise its own minimum wage?
1/
Minimum wage: State solutions to the U.S. worker rights crisis
What does current federal law say about minimum wages? The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes a “floor under wages” mandating that employers pay covered employees no less than a minimum hourl...
www.epi.org
November 12, 2025 at 9:44 PM
In some states, cities and counties can establish a higher minimum wage to better address local costs of living.
In other states, lawmakers are blocking local leaders from setting adequate wage requirements.
Does your city have the power to raise its own minimum wage?
1/
In other states, lawmakers are blocking local leaders from setting adequate wage requirements.
Does your city have the power to raise its own minimum wage?
1/
Together with attorney, educator & ethicist Fernando Laguarda, discussed how Pope Leo conveys timeless values in contemporary & accessible American language.
The pope who 'speaks American'
In a polarized age, Pope Leo's fluent American English with a Midwestern accent may be exactly what the church, our country and a weary world need.
www.ncronline.org
November 11, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Together with attorney, educator & ethicist Fernando Laguarda, discussed how Pope Leo conveys timeless values in contemporary & accessible American language.
Wondering how long before the next wave of "Democrats in Disarray" think-pieces.
Election live updates: Democrats sweep the first major elections of Trump’s second term | CNN Politics
Voters in multiple states on Tuesday are participating in the first major elections of President Donald Trump’s second term. Follow here for live news updates, results, analysis and more.
www.cnn.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:57 AM
Wondering how long before the next wave of "Democrats in Disarray" think-pieces.
"Mario Cuomo went into public life to represent communities against public officials like Andrew Cuomo." Quoted in insightful piece by Mario Cuomo's biographer, Robert McElvaine.
www.lincolnsquare.media/p/cuomo-vs-c...
www.lincolnsquare.media/p/cuomo-vs-c...
Cuomo vs. Cuomo: Which Path Should Pro-Democracy Forces Take?
We need to understand that the center is not always in the middle.
www.lincolnsquare.media
November 4, 2025 at 2:31 PM
"Mario Cuomo went into public life to represent communities against public officials like Andrew Cuomo." Quoted in insightful piece by Mario Cuomo's biographer, Robert McElvaine.
www.lincolnsquare.media/p/cuomo-vs-c...
www.lincolnsquare.media/p/cuomo-vs-c...
"They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made." - F Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
Trump Hosts Glittering 'Great Gatsby' Bash As Millions Lose SNAP Benefits
The president hosted his glittering, Roaring '20s-themed event at Mar-a-Lago hours before federal food benefits were set to go on pause.
www.huffpost.com
November 1, 2025 at 4:26 PM
"They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made." - F Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
Reposted by David Kusnet
How Democrats Can Save Social Security—and Win Elections
The trust fund can be rescued from insolvency without unpopular taxes on workers, and with significant benefit to economic productivity and the security of the middle class. Here's how.
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/10/31/h...
The trust fund can be rescued from insolvency without unpopular taxes on workers, and with significant benefit to economic productivity and the security of the middle class. Here's how.
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/10/31/h...
How Democrats Can Save Social Security—and Win Elections
Republican tax cuts and immigration crackdowns have deepened Social Security’s crisis. How to fix it without punishing working Americans.
washingtonmonthly.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:42 PM
How Democrats Can Save Social Security—and Win Elections
The trust fund can be rescued from insolvency without unpopular taxes on workers, and with significant benefit to economic productivity and the security of the middle class. Here's how.
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/10/31/h...
The trust fund can be rescued from insolvency without unpopular taxes on workers, and with significant benefit to economic productivity and the security of the middle class. Here's how.
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/10/31/h...
My book, To Build New York, tells how smart government, responsible businesses & skilled union labor built NYC's infrastructure to withstand earlier demographic, economic & enviro challenges. Now NYC needs to retool & retrofit to withstand climate change & extreme weather.
To Build New York: 100 Years of Infrastructure (Architecture)...
Find the best prices on To Build New York: 100 Years of Infrastructure (Architecture) by Kusnet, David, The General Contractors Association of New York at Biblio | Hardcover | 2008 | McGraw-Hill...
www.biblio.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:22 PM
My book, To Build New York, tells how smart government, responsible businesses & skilled union labor built NYC's infrastructure to withstand earlier demographic, economic & enviro challenges. Now NYC needs to retool & retrofit to withstand climate change & extreme weather.
Reposted by David Kusnet
Thank you, June Lockhart. Thank you.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/25/a...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/25/a...
October 26, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Thank you, June Lockhart. Thank you.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/25/a...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/25/a...
Reposted by David Kusnet
This chart—using data from Catalist, in this article by @scottanderson.bsky.social—is a Rosetta Stone for how the presidential map changes over the next decade. We've got to turn WI MI PA blue before 2032—because at that point, they won't be enough to get to 270.
medium.com/@scottanders...
medium.com/@scottanders...
October 24, 2025 at 7:27 PM
This chart—using data from Catalist, in this article by @scottanderson.bsky.social—is a Rosetta Stone for how the presidential map changes over the next decade. We've got to turn WI MI PA blue before 2032—because at that point, they won't be enough to get to 270.
medium.com/@scottanders...
medium.com/@scottanders...
When East Wing Ballroom completed, can call the White House, as in other countries, "the Presidential Palace."
Call Stephen Miller & other insiders "the Palace Guard."
Democracy Defender signs: "No Kings, No Palaces, This Is America."
Call Stephen Miller & other insiders "the Palace Guard."
Democracy Defender signs: "No Kings, No Palaces, This Is America."
Leavitt: "At this moment in time, of course, the ballroom is really the president's main priority."
October 24, 2025 at 12:57 PM
When East Wing Ballroom completed, can call the White House, as in other countries, "the Presidential Palace."
Call Stephen Miller & other insiders "the Palace Guard."
Democracy Defender signs: "No Kings, No Palaces, This Is America."
Call Stephen Miller & other insiders "the Palace Guard."
Democracy Defender signs: "No Kings, No Palaces, This Is America."
Trump gives white South Africans priority for refugee status.
Remembering Nixon asking, "Will it play in Peoria?"
Trump, Musk & Miller: "Will it play in Pretoria?"
Remembering Nixon asking, "Will it play in Peoria?"
Trump, Musk & Miller: "Will it play in Pretoria?"
Trump to Slash Refugee Numbers to Record Low, With White South Africans Taking Most Spots
While the president spreads false claims about a “genocide” against white people in South Africa, “more than 100,000 refugees from Afghanistan, Sudan, Ukraine, etc.” are stranded in refugee camps.
While the president spreads false claims about a “genocide” against white people in South Africa, “more than 100,000 refugees from Afghanistan, Sudan, Ukraine, etc.” are stranded in refugee camps.
Trump to Slash Refugee Numbers to Record Low, With White South Africans Taking Most Spots | Common Dreams
Reports of the Trump administration slashing refugee admissions to 7,500, with priority given to white South Africans, is a moral failure. While Afrikaners are fast-tracked, thousands of refugees are ...
www.commondreams.org
October 23, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Trump gives white South Africans priority for refugee status.
Remembering Nixon asking, "Will it play in Peoria?"
Trump, Musk & Miller: "Will it play in Pretoria?"
Remembering Nixon asking, "Will it play in Peoria?"
Trump, Musk & Miller: "Will it play in Pretoria?"
Reposted by David Kusnet
Here is what FDR went through in undertaking construction on the West and East Wings of the White House (h/t Perplexity).
October 22, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Here is what FDR went through in undertaking construction on the West and East Wings of the White House (h/t Perplexity).
Reposted by David Kusnet
Federal workers are our family, friends, and neighbors. They are also real life heroes. Curing cancers, keeping planes on safe routes, stopping mass threats to our safety and security, keeping corporations from poisoning our water, protecting our parks… ❤️ them back! 2 crises. 1 vote. Open the gov’t.
October 17, 2025 at 12:54 AM
Federal workers are our family, friends, and neighbors. They are also real life heroes. Curing cancers, keeping planes on safe routes, stopping mass threats to our safety and security, keeping corporations from poisoning our water, protecting our parks… ❤️ them back! 2 crises. 1 vote. Open the gov’t.
Reposted by David Kusnet
After pledging to restore America’s maritime might, the president has gutted the very offices, funding streams, and foreign partnerships that could have made it possible.
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/10/09/t...
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/10/09/t...
Trump Promised a Shipbuilding Boom. He’s Sinking It Instead
Trump vowed to revive U.S. shipbuilding. Instead, his chaotic policies have gutted the industry and America’s maritime strength.
washingtonmonthly.com
October 9, 2025 at 2:31 PM
After pledging to restore America’s maritime might, the president has gutted the very offices, funding streams, and foreign partnerships that could have made it possible.
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/10/09/t...
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/10/09/t...
Great tribute to the late @steelworkers.bsky.social President Leo Gerard by Michael Wessel in the informative @poweratwork.bsky.social blog.
poweratwork.us/remembering-...
poweratwork.us/remembering-...
poweratwork.us
October 9, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Great tribute to the late @steelworkers.bsky.social President Leo Gerard by Michael Wessel in the informative @poweratwork.bsky.social blog.
poweratwork.us/remembering-...
poweratwork.us/remembering-...
Trump Administration freezes $18 billion for NYC infrastructure projects, imperiling good-paying jobs. My book, To Build New York, tells how increasingly diverse skilled union labor built the nation's greatest city.
To Build New York: 100 Years of Infrastructure
To Build New York: 100 Years of Infrastructure [The General Contractors Association of New York, Kusnet, David] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. To Build New York: 100 Years of Infrastructure
www.amazon.com
October 1, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Trump Administration freezes $18 billion for NYC infrastructure projects, imperiling good-paying jobs. My book, To Build New York, tells how increasingly diverse skilled union labor built the nation's greatest city.
Reposted by David Kusnet
Yes, AI is reshaping entry-level work. No, the college degree isn’t losing value.
My latest for @washingtonmonthly.com:
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/09/30/t...
My latest for @washingtonmonthly.com:
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/09/30/t...
The College Degree Is Not Losing Value
AI is disrupting entry-level work, and graduates constitute a growing share of the long-term unemployed. But the degree's value still holds.
washingtonmonthly.com
September 30, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Yes, AI is reshaping entry-level work. No, the college degree isn’t losing value.
My latest for @washingtonmonthly.com:
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/09/30/t...
My latest for @washingtonmonthly.com:
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/09/30/t...