James Downie
@jamescdownie.bsky.social
Columnist and editor at MS NOW (formerly MSNBC). WGAE member. Ex-Washington Post Opinions. DC born and raised. D.C. United and Montreal Canadiens fan.
[email protected]; jdow.92 on Signal
[email protected]; jdow.92 on Signal
Reposted by James Downie
AOC on MTG retiring: "She's carefully timing her departure just 1-2 days after her pension kicks in and after making millions of dollars insider trading stocks for weapons manufacturers and others while in office."
November 22, 2025 at 2:36 PM
AOC on MTG retiring: "She's carefully timing her departure just 1-2 days after her pension kicks in and after making millions of dollars insider trading stocks for weapons manufacturers and others while in office."
Reposted by James Downie
Gift link: wapo.st/43FXQfO
detailed WashPost account of how Trump and Stephen Miller sidelined serious lawyers so they could fabricate a justification for committing murder
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
White House blew past legal concerns in deadly strikes on drug boats
The Trump administration sidestepped skeptical lawyers across national security agencies as it pursued a military campaign against alleged narcotraffickers, officials say.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Gift link: wapo.st/43FXQfO
You don't postpone your resignation until the day your congressional pension kicks in if you expect to be getting a promotion soon.
seeing people confidently stating that Greene is obviously going to run for senate or gov. certainly possible. I mean, the whole thing is a stunner to me. but looking at the statement, the calendar and the year, I'm kind of skeptical about that.
November 22, 2025 at 2:10 AM
You don't postpone your resignation until the day your congressional pension kicks in if you expect to be getting a promotion soon.
Reposted by James Downie
She's an unconventional choice, but you know what? I think she'll do great with Ole Miss football.
BREAKING: Marjorie Taylor Greene says she's resigning from Congress — effective January 5, 2026.
November 22, 2025 at 1:36 AM
She's an unconventional choice, but you know what? I think she'll do great with Ole Miss football.
Reposted by James Downie
In her resignation statement, MTG breaks very dramatically with the secret-plan conspiracy theorists about what’s happening in DC.
November 22, 2025 at 1:22 AM
In her resignation statement, MTG breaks very dramatically with the secret-plan conspiracy theorists about what’s happening in DC.
FDR was also famous for charming everyone he met into thinking he agreed with them.
Trump also just posted these photos to Truth Social, including the one with Mamdani standing next to a portrait of FDR. Trump mentioned Mamdani asked if he could have his picture taken there.
"It's an amazing portrait in the cabinet room," Trump said. "So he's a big fan of the New Deal, I guess..."
"It's an amazing portrait in the cabinet room," Trump said. "So he's a big fan of the New Deal, I guess..."
November 22, 2025 at 12:54 AM
FDR was also famous for charming everyone he met into thinking he agreed with them.
Magazine who handed wallet to wallet inspector is now reviewing whether wallet is missing. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/s...
Vanity Fair Is Reviewing Its Ties to Olivia Nuzzi
www.nytimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:41 AM
Magazine who handed wallet to wallet inspector is now reviewing whether wallet is missing. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/s...
Reposted by James Downie
This guy has his finger on the pulse of his party's base in a way that others in his caucus unequivocally just do not
November 21, 2025 at 10:45 PM
This guy has his finger on the pulse of his party's base in a way that others in his caucus unequivocally just do not
Reposted by James Downie
Incredible headline.
Elon Musk Could 'Drink Piss Better Than Any Human in History,' Grok Says
Grok has been reprogrammed to say Musk is better than everyone at everything, including blowjobs, piss drinking, playing quarterback, conquering Europe, etc.
www.404media.co
November 20, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Incredible headline.
"Instead, the Coast Guard will classify the Nazi-era insignia as 'potentially divisive.'"
I just want to note that sentence for the next time media outlets characterize these symbols as "racially charged."
I just want to note that sentence for the next time media outlets characterize these symbols as "racially charged."
“The U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify the swastika — an emblem of fascism and white supremacy inextricably linked to the murder of millions of Jews and the deaths of more than 400,000 U.S. troops who died fighting in World War II — as a hate symbol”
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses as hate symbols
The military service, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, has drafted a new policy that classifies such items “potentially divisive.”
www.washingtonpost.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:06 PM
"Instead, the Coast Guard will classify the Nazi-era insignia as 'potentially divisive.'"
I just want to note that sentence for the next time media outlets characterize these symbols as "racially charged."
I just want to note that sentence for the next time media outlets characterize these symbols as "racially charged."
Of all the things no one could have predicted, this is the most not predictable thing: www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/b...
November 20, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Of all the things no one could have predicted, this is the most not predictable thing: www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/b...
Reposted by James Downie
Scoop: Rep. Eugene Vindman knows what Trump said on a 2019 call with the Saudi Crown Prince about Jamal Khashoggi's killing, and his effort to make it public is about to rachet up.
Tomorrow, Vindman will appear alongside Khossoggi's widow to call on Trump to release the transcript
Tomorrow, Vindman will appear alongside Khossoggi's widow to call on Trump to release the transcript
Exclusive: Congressman Plans New Push For Trump-MBS Transcript
Rep. Eugene Vindman will appear with Jamal Khashoggi's widow to push for release of a "shocking" transcript between Trump and MBS
time.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Scoop: Rep. Eugene Vindman knows what Trump said on a 2019 call with the Saudi Crown Prince about Jamal Khashoggi's killing, and his effort to make it public is about to rachet up.
Tomorrow, Vindman will appear alongside Khossoggi's widow to call on Trump to release the transcript
Tomorrow, Vindman will appear alongside Khossoggi's widow to call on Trump to release the transcript
Let's just do over Season 8 instead?
George R.R. Martin confirms there are 'Game of Thrones' sequel projects in the works ⚔️
(via Los7Reinos)
(via Los7Reinos)
November 20, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Let's just do over Season 8 instead?
Reposted by James Downie
Off balance-sheet financing. Special purpose vehicles.
“.. Ratings agencies like to go by the book, but the credit markets have already moved on and made their own judgment ..”
@opinion.bloomberg.com $ORCL $META
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
“.. Ratings agencies like to go by the book, but the credit markets have already moved on and made their own judgment ..”
@opinion.bloomberg.com $ORCL $META
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
November 20, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Off balance-sheet financing. Special purpose vehicles.
“.. Ratings agencies like to go by the book, but the credit markets have already moved on and made their own judgment ..”
@opinion.bloomberg.com $ORCL $META
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
“.. Ratings agencies like to go by the book, but the credit markets have already moved on and made their own judgment ..”
@opinion.bloomberg.com $ORCL $META
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
Reposted by James Downie
Reposted by James Downie
SCOOP: A federal grand jury in Maryland is investigating whether FHFA director Bill Pulte and Justice Department prosecutor Ed Martin improperly appointed unauthorized people to help in mortgage fraud investigations of President Trump's critics. With @carolleonnig.bsky.social
November 20, 2025 at 5:21 PM
SCOOP: A federal grand jury in Maryland is investigating whether FHFA director Bill Pulte and Justice Department prosecutor Ed Martin improperly appointed unauthorized people to help in mortgage fraud investigations of President Trump's critics. With @carolleonnig.bsky.social
Reposted by James Downie
I would be pretty embarrassed/ashamed to be associated with a company (and company) this stupid. But I guess the payday is worth it to some people
November 20, 2025 at 5:23 PM
I would be pretty embarrassed/ashamed to be associated with a company (and company) this stupid. But I guess the payday is worth it to some people
Reposted by James Downie
EPSTEIN BOMBSHELL: my staff is releasing a new report showing JPMorgan Chase executives – all the way to the top – enabled Epstein's sex trafficking operation. You're going to want to read this.
Wyden Presses for Investigation Into JPMorgan Chase and Epstein
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:26 PM
EPSTEIN BOMBSHELL: my staff is releasing a new report showing JPMorgan Chase executives – all the way to the top – enabled Epstein's sex trafficking operation. You're going to want to read this.
"In at least one of the calls, [Larry Ellison] engaged in a dialogue about possibly axing some of the CNN hosts whom Donald Trump is said to loathe, including Erin Burnett and Brianna Keilar." www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Larry Ellison discussed axing CNN hosts with White House in takeover bid talks
Exclusive: Senior officials indicated favorability toward Paramount Skydance acquiring Warner Bros Discovery
www.theguardian.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:59 PM
"In at least one of the calls, [Larry Ellison] engaged in a dialogue about possibly axing some of the CNN hosts whom Donald Trump is said to loathe, including Erin Burnett and Brianna Keilar." www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by James Downie
JARED BERNSTEIN: “.. Manufacturing is in a real slump, with emp down 5 months in row, down 94K over past year. We haven’t seen such trends outside of recessions for years.
“.. Trump’s fingerprints are on this trend. It turns out that making factory production more expensive is bad for jobs.”
“.. Trump’s fingerprints are on this trend. It turns out that making factory production more expensive is bad for jobs.”
November 20, 2025 at 2:45 PM
JARED BERNSTEIN: “.. Manufacturing is in a real slump, with emp down 5 months in row, down 94K over past year. We haven’t seen such trends outside of recessions for years.
“.. Trump’s fingerprints are on this trend. It turns out that making factory production more expensive is bad for jobs.”
“.. Trump’s fingerprints are on this trend. It turns out that making factory production more expensive is bad for jobs.”
Reposted by James Downie
1/This week has seen a blitz of what looks like corruption sandals: Saudi development deals for US military tech, Pakistani payments to Trump insiders for tariff relief, Swiss gold bars for a trade deal. Far from a payoff, this is a reordering of internat'l system.
www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/mxthh...
www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/mxthh...
www.dropbox.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:59 PM
1/This week has seen a blitz of what looks like corruption sandals: Saudi development deals for US military tech, Pakistani payments to Trump insiders for tariff relief, Swiss gold bars for a trade deal. Far from a payoff, this is a reordering of internat'l system.
www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/mxthh...
www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/mxthh...
Reposted by James Downie
Elon Musk can't get humans to love him so he made a robot to love him instead and now all the humans are making fun of the robot. This is the smartest man in the world, a once-in-a-generation genius and clear member of the natural aristocracy
this thread is unbelievable
November 20, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Elon Musk can't get humans to love him so he made a robot to love him instead and now all the humans are making fun of the robot. This is the smartest man in the world, a once-in-a-generation genius and clear member of the natural aristocracy
New Fox News poll:
– “76% of voters view the economy negatively” - 6% higher than at the end of Biden’s term
– Trump’s approval is at 41%, his second-lowest ever in this poll
– New highs in disapproval among men, White voters and those without a college degree
www.foxnews.com/politics/fox...
– “76% of voters view the economy negatively” - 6% higher than at the end of Biden’s term
– Trump’s approval is at 41%, his second-lowest ever in this poll
– New highs in disapproval among men, White voters and those without a college degree
www.foxnews.com/politics/fox...
Fox News Poll: Voters say White House is doing more harm than good on economy
Trump's approval hits new lows as 76% view economy negatively in the latest Fox News poll. Rising costs for groceries, utilities spark voter dissatisfaction nationwide.
www.foxnews.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:06 PM
New Fox News poll:
– “76% of voters view the economy negatively” - 6% higher than at the end of Biden’s term
– Trump’s approval is at 41%, his second-lowest ever in this poll
– New highs in disapproval among men, White voters and those without a college degree
www.foxnews.com/politics/fox...
– “76% of voters view the economy negatively” - 6% higher than at the end of Biden’s term
– Trump’s approval is at 41%, his second-lowest ever in this poll
– New highs in disapproval among men, White voters and those without a college degree
www.foxnews.com/politics/fox...
Reposted by James Downie
Trump is absolutely cratering on economy in new Marquette poll:
Overall econ approval: 36-64
On tariffs: 37-63
On inflation/cost of living: 28-72 (!!!)
"We’re looking at a really grim downward spiral for Trump," says @timothynoah.bsky.social. All on the pod:
newrepublic.com/article/2034...
Overall econ approval: 36-64
On tariffs: 37-63
On inflation/cost of living: 28-72 (!!!)
"We’re looking at a really grim downward spiral for Trump," says @timothynoah.bsky.social. All on the pod:
newrepublic.com/article/2034...
Trump’s Anger over Prices Goes Nuclear as Fresh Polls Show Him Tanking
As Trump’s inflation rants grow more unhinged amid brutal new polls for him, an economics writer explains why Trump is ill-suited for the crisis that might be coming—and why the bottom might be about ...
newrepublic.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Trump is absolutely cratering on economy in new Marquette poll:
Overall econ approval: 36-64
On tariffs: 37-63
On inflation/cost of living: 28-72 (!!!)
"We’re looking at a really grim downward spiral for Trump," says @timothynoah.bsky.social. All on the pod:
newrepublic.com/article/2034...
Overall econ approval: 36-64
On tariffs: 37-63
On inflation/cost of living: 28-72 (!!!)
"We’re looking at a really grim downward spiral for Trump," says @timothynoah.bsky.social. All on the pod:
newrepublic.com/article/2034...
Reposted by James Downie
The people who make Shein's clothes labor for ten to twelve hours per day (in violation of China's labor laws), some up to seven days a week, and earn as little as 15 to 30 cents per t-shirt.
![Excerpt from a BBC article: ""We usually work, 10, 11 or 12 hours a day," says a 49-year-old woman from Jiangxi unwilling to give her name. "On Sundays we work around three hours less."
She is in an alleyway, where a dozen people are huddled around a row of bulletin boards.
They are reading the job ads on the board, while examining the stitching on a pair of chinos draped over it.
This is Shein's supply chain. The factories are contracted to make clothes on order - some small, some big. If the chinos are a hit, orders will ramp up and so must production. Factories then hire temporary workers to meet the demand their permanent staff cannot fulfil.
The migrant worker from Jiangxi is looking for a short-term contract - and the chinos are an option.
"We earn so little. The cost of living is now so high," she says, adding that she hopes to make enough to send back to her two children who are living with their grandparents.
"We get paid per piece," she explains. "It depends how difficult the item is. Something simple like a t-shirt is one-two yuan [less than a dollar] per piece and I can make around a dozen in an hour.""](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:ks3gpa6ftoyaq7hmf6c4qx4c/bafkreiber7g4o5pujmzmjjzsp5dkz7blfexburuwjispfpv6dki7akjb7a@jpeg)
November 20, 2025 at 12:07 AM
The people who make Shein's clothes labor for ten to twelve hours per day (in violation of China's labor laws), some up to seven days a week, and earn as little as 15 to 30 cents per t-shirt.