Laura Tamman
@lauratamman.bsky.social
Clinical Assistant Professor of Political Science at Pace University. NYC politics is my jam.
Alum of CUNY GC (PhD), St. Hilda’s College, Oxford (MA) and U of Georgia (BA).
Devoted Swifty & Arcade Fire obsessed.
I ❤️ good trouble.
www.LauraTamman.com
Alum of CUNY GC (PhD), St. Hilda’s College, Oxford (MA) and U of Georgia (BA).
Devoted Swifty & Arcade Fire obsessed.
I ❤️ good trouble.
www.LauraTamman.com
Pinned
Vital City | A True Mandate for New York City
What moving local elections to even years will do for local politics
www.vitalcitynyc.org
***Prop 6***
We could double voter turnout in our city elections by making one change: timing. Prop 6 moves NYC elections to presidential years, once state law allows.
TL,DR: More people voting is better for *everybody.*
My take for @vitalcitynyc.bsky.social
www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/mov...
We could double voter turnout in our city elections by making one change: timing. Prop 6 moves NYC elections to presidential years, once state law allows.
TL,DR: More people voting is better for *everybody.*
My take for @vitalcitynyc.bsky.social
www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/mov...
Cameo by Bowen Yang was 👌. #MacysThanksgivingDayParade
November 27, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Cameo by Bowen Yang was 👌. #MacysThanksgivingDayParade
“Forget the sex; the real scandal here is the crime against language.We may be facing the biggest plot twist in this entire story:What if Nuzzi isn't a good writer after all? What if, as a friend texted me this week, the true hero of this 15-act opera is whoever was editing her pieces at New York?”
I wrote 4000 words about Nuzzi/Lizza/RFK, please read it before it gets taken down by HR
The Olivia Nuzzi and RFK Jr. Affair Is Messier Than We Ever Could Have Imagined
Inside the most important, and also least important, story of our time
www.theringer.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:34 PM
“Forget the sex; the real scandal here is the crime against language.We may be facing the biggest plot twist in this entire story:What if Nuzzi isn't a good writer after all? What if, as a friend texted me this week, the true hero of this 15-act opera is whoever was editing her pieces at New York?”
“Taking non-media jobs to pay the bills is 100% fine and often necessary. Working as a server will make you a better labor reporter. Doing comms work can help you hone your pitches.”
open.substack.com/pub/yourfirs...
open.substack.com/pub/yourfirs...
November 26, 2025 at 8:02 PM
“Taking non-media jobs to pay the bills is 100% fine and often necessary. Working as a server will make you a better labor reporter. Doing comms work can help you hone your pitches.”
open.substack.com/pub/yourfirs...
open.substack.com/pub/yourfirs...
This is fascinating and inspiring.
I once asked a bookseller at a large indie store how many people would have to buy a book for it to get the attention of the store buyer and cause an additional order and they said: Three.
I see some book piracy discourse, and, to make a positive argument in favor of buying books, your marginal ability to influence what books get published and support the careers of writers you like is massive compared to most other forms of media.
November 26, 2025 at 12:18 PM
This is fascinating and inspiring.
Reposted by Laura Tamman
Just a friendly reminder as we go into the holidays:
Folks don't have to explain to you why they don't drink.
If you offer them a drink and they decline, don't ask them why. It's not your business.
Just offer them something without alcohol to drink instead. And move on.
Folks don't have to explain to you why they don't drink.
If you offer them a drink and they decline, don't ask them why. It's not your business.
Just offer them something without alcohol to drink instead. And move on.
November 23, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Just a friendly reminder as we go into the holidays:
Folks don't have to explain to you why they don't drink.
If you offer them a drink and they decline, don't ask them why. It's not your business.
Just offer them something without alcohol to drink instead. And move on.
Folks don't have to explain to you why they don't drink.
If you offer them a drink and they decline, don't ask them why. It's not your business.
Just offer them something without alcohol to drink instead. And move on.
It’s true. But RCV would be a much better process! I’m happy for the party to use whatever influence it has to encourage (or strong arm) states that can to use RCV for the next presidential primary election.
The DNC / state parties would have to decide how to handle the results for delegate allocation purposes, but the party itself can't switch state-run primaries to RCV. That would require passing new state laws, or else the party disregarding the primary in favor of some private thing like caucuses.
Democratic politicians and activists are quietly lobbying to upend the way the party picks its presidential nominee by urging the use of ranked-choice voting.
November 24, 2025 at 3:14 AM
It’s true. But RCV would be a much better process! I’m happy for the party to use whatever influence it has to encourage (or strong arm) states that can to use RCV for the next presidential primary election.
Tis the time for public grappling. Arguing in secret helps the folks whose ideas can’t weather the scrutiny.
While this all looks and feels very messy for NYC-DSA, it certainly beats the current system where almost everything is done behind closed doors at the behest of consultants & the only choice Democratic voters are given are to either get in line or zone the fuck out.
hellgatenyc.com/will-nyc-dsa...
hellgatenyc.com/will-nyc-dsa...
Will NYC-DSA Back Chi Ossé?
It's primary mania in NYC! And other links to start your day.
hellgatenyc.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Tis the time for public grappling. Arguing in secret helps the folks whose ideas can’t weather the scrutiny.
“How do I assign students an AI-generated essay for assessment if they don’t have the basic knowledge to parse said essay? I can’t and I won’t.”
Yep. Can confirm.
Yep. Can confirm.
To “my students and to anyone who might listen, I say: Don’t surrender to AI your ability to read, write and think when others once risked their lives and died for the freedom to do so.”
www.huffpost.com/entry/histor...
www.huffpost.com/entry/histor...
I Set A Trap To Catch My Students Cheating With AI. The Results Were Shocking.
"Students are not just undermining their ability to learn, but to someday lead."
www.huffpost.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:10 PM
“How do I assign students an AI-generated essay for assessment if they don’t have the basic knowledge to parse said essay? I can’t and I won’t.”
Yep. Can confirm.
Yep. Can confirm.
Reposted by Laura Tamman
in the city is small agency: coib (21 people)
in that agency is a smaller unit: enforcement
in that unit is one vacancy: deputy director
in that role you could make a big difference. www.nyc.gov/assets/coib/...
in that agency is a smaller unit: enforcement
in that unit is one vacancy: deputy director
in that role you could make a big difference. www.nyc.gov/assets/coib/...
November 20, 2025 at 10:20 PM
in the city is small agency: coib (21 people)
in that agency is a smaller unit: enforcement
in that unit is one vacancy: deputy director
in that role you could make a big difference. www.nyc.gov/assets/coib/...
in that agency is a smaller unit: enforcement
in that unit is one vacancy: deputy director
in that role you could make a big difference. www.nyc.gov/assets/coib/...
This is a great piece but it’s worth noting that 1) “comeback” is a generous term for the reception her book launch has received and 2) access journalism seems less useful in the Trump era because they are public about their plans and so much power has consolidated in that one office
The Nuzzi/RFK story is “the logical endpoint of a system that spent years rewarding access over adversarial reporting, personality over institutional credibility, and personal narrative over professional distance.”
👏👏
Via @colbyhall.bsky.social
www.mediaite.com/opinion/the-...
👏👏
Via @colbyhall.bsky.social
www.mediaite.com/opinion/the-...
The Olivia Nuzzi Comeback Is Everything Wrong With Modern Media
Olivia Nuzzi’s comeback isn’t a personal scandal story—it’s proof that today’s media rewards access, personality, and controversy more than ethics.
www.mediaite.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:02 PM
This is a great piece but it’s worth noting that 1) “comeback” is a generous term for the reception her book launch has received and 2) access journalism seems less useful in the Trump era because they are public about their plans and so much power has consolidated in that one office
Reposted by Laura Tamman
NEW: Epstein survivors release the most powerful PSA I have ever seen.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
November 16, 2025 at 11:43 PM
NEW: Epstein survivors release the most powerful PSA I have ever seen.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
Reposted by Laura Tamman
Those claiming Dems should retreat on racial justice aren't hard-headed realists, they're pushing against the electoral tide rather than leaning into it. The story of Gen Z isn't about racist backlash or red-pilled young men. It's the most racially progressive generation in American history. 🧵
November 14, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Those claiming Dems should retreat on racial justice aren't hard-headed realists, they're pushing against the electoral tide rather than leaning into it. The story of Gen Z isn't about racist backlash or red-pilled young men. It's the most racially progressive generation in American history. 🧵
Reposted by Laura Tamman
9/🧵 What does this mean for Democratic strategy? All those debates about choosing between identity politics and economic populism? False premise. Young working-class voters with low racial resentment aren't choosing. They're ready for Medicare for All AND Black Lives Matter. Lean into the tide.
November 14, 2025 at 8:44 PM
9/🧵 What does this mean for Democratic strategy? All those debates about choosing between identity politics and economic populism? False premise. Young working-class voters with low racial resentment aren't choosing. They're ready for Medicare for All AND Black Lives Matter. Lean into the tide.
👀👀👀
👋 I'm Danielle, and I'm on the #econjobmarket this year!
Let's start with a student describing her segregated school:
"The school felt temporary. Built like a warehouse with aluminum siding . . . I had a slipshod education"
The twist? The student is white, and her school is private.
A JMP 🧵 -->
Let's start with a student describing her segregated school:
"The school felt temporary. Built like a warehouse with aluminum siding . . . I had a slipshod education"
The twist? The student is white, and her school is private.
A JMP 🧵 -->
November 12, 2025 at 8:46 PM
👀👀👀
“In neighborhoods with 10% or more registered voters with Jewish surnames, Cuomo bested Mamdani by 20 points, securing 58% of the votes, according to the Center for Urban Research map.”
"5 Takeaways from the 2025 NYC Election Turnout" via @cityandstateny.bsky.social featuring the @thegraduatecenter.bsky.social online map www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
We've added filters to the map (eg., showing 2025 general results in areas won in the primary) plus an address search.
We've added filters to the map (eg., showing 2025 general results in areas won in the primary) plus an address search.
November 10, 2025 at 10:14 PM
“In neighborhoods with 10% or more registered voters with Jewish surnames, Cuomo bested Mamdani by 20 points, securing 58% of the votes, according to the Center for Urban Research map.”
Reposted by Laura Tamman
We’re all trying to figure out who controls the democratic Senate caucus, because that person should resign.
I will not support the Republican bill that’s on the Senate floor because it fails to do anything of substance to fix America’s healthcare crisis.
November 10, 2025 at 10:03 PM
We’re all trying to figure out who controls the democratic Senate caucus, because that person should resign.
Insightful piece about American masculinity. G-d bless Mitchell Duneier.
November 10, 2025 at 2:52 AM
Insightful piece about American masculinity. G-d bless Mitchell Duneier.
Reposted by Laura Tamman
You wouldn't know it from talking to most public officials, watching TV news, or reading the Post, but the 2019 reforms drove recidivism down, making everyone safer.
Bail Reform Has Made NYC Safer, Yet Another Study Confirms
You wouldn't know it from talking to most public officials, but the 2019 reforms drove recidivism down.
hellgatenyc.com
November 9, 2025 at 4:53 PM
You wouldn't know it from talking to most public officials, watching TV news, or reading the Post, but the 2019 reforms drove recidivism down, making everyone safer.
This is ridic. Come on, lady.
In an over the top column full of lies and bigoted crap--headlined "New York, you've Been Warned" -- Peggy Noonan astonishingly claims there was no animus toward Muslims in NYC after 9/11 and that Mamdani is making stuff up.
November 9, 2025 at 3:20 PM
This is ridic. Come on, lady.
Mamdani’s canvassers must not have been able to get into Peggy Noonan’s building b/c she has obviously never met any of his vols.
November 9, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Mamdani’s canvassers must not have been able to get into Peggy Noonan’s building b/c she has obviously never met any of his vols.
Wowzers - this is wild!
Virginia House seats won by Democrats this century, out of the chamber's 100 seats:
in 2001: 32
in 2003: 34
in 2005: 40
in 2007: 44
in 2009: 39
in 2011: 32
in 2013: 33
in 2015: 34
in 2017: 49
in 2019: 55 (first Dem majority since 1999)
in 2021: 48
in 2023: 51
2025, i.e. this week: 64
in 2001: 32
in 2003: 34
in 2005: 40
in 2007: 44
in 2009: 39
in 2011: 32
in 2013: 33
in 2015: 34
in 2017: 49
in 2019: 55 (first Dem majority since 1999)
in 2021: 48
in 2023: 51
2025, i.e. this week: 64
November 9, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Wowzers - this is wild!
Lots of insightful perspective here from rank and file NYPD.
The non-stop Maddrey, Kaz, Shell scandals plus the Adams/Banks strategy of trying to suppress crime by blanketing the city in OT shifts really has done a number on PD morale — hellgatenyc.com/three-nypd-c...
Three NYPD Cops on the 2025 Mayoral Race: 'I Like That Mamdani Is a Dreamer'
Forced overtime, cronyism in the C-suite, and a rising attrition rate are some of their biggest concerns for the next mayor of New York City to address.
hellgatenyc.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:47 AM
Lots of insightful perspective here from rank and file NYPD.
Reposted by Laura Tamman
New Yorkers won a mandate for a New York we can afford. Now it’s time for the rich to pay their due.
Tax the rich, @governor.ny.gov.
Tax the rich, @governor.ny.gov.
November 5, 2025 at 6:11 PM
New Yorkers won a mandate for a New York we can afford. Now it’s time for the rich to pay their due.
Tax the rich, @governor.ny.gov.
Tax the rich, @governor.ny.gov.
Fascinating stuff in here!
Distinguished Prof. John Mollenkopf (@jomoko.bsky.social) talked to The New York Times about trends in voter turnout www.nytimes.com/2025/11/04/n...
After Decades of Low Turnout for Mayor’s Races, Voting Surges in New York
www.nytimes.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Fascinating stuff in here!
Reposted by Laura Tamman
Young people in NYC absolutely showed out and there should be 1000 articles and profiles about this. Because we have had to put up with 1000 MAGA diner stories for years now.
November 5, 2025 at 2:50 AM
Young people in NYC absolutely showed out and there should be 1000 articles and profiles about this. Because we have had to put up with 1000 MAGA diner stories for years now.