Michael Carlson
@micarlson.bsky.social
Nora's dad. Rufus' guy 14+ years. Yank, Montréaler, Brit (adopted pre-Brexit).Writer, broadcaster & speaker on Culture (arts, books, film, Americana), Politics & (as Mike or Iron Mike) Sports. Some poems. Accept no substitutes. His not Him before gerunds
Pinned
Sixty Years Ago: John Lindsay was our Mamdani: Vietnam was our Trump . The limits of joy, the depths of despair. I was 14 and already I was being located.
Reposted by Michael Carlson
Ilhan Omar: “His obsession with me is creepy, I'm not going anywhere — I'll be here longer than #Trump - He’s an old man losing his mind. I hope he gets the help he desperately needs—”
December 3, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Ilhan Omar: “His obsession with me is creepy, I'm not going anywhere — I'll be here longer than #Trump - He’s an old man losing his mind. I hope he gets the help he desperately needs—”
Reposted by Michael Carlson
Sometimes, a front page can sum up quite a lot that’s wrong with the world. Including the paper itself which has been so complicit in getting us to a place where children born to refugees could be deported, Trump celebrates despotic wealth and Boris Johnson’s sister moans about not being rich. Ugh.
November 19, 2025 at 7:40 AM
Sometimes, a front page can sum up quite a lot that’s wrong with the world. Including the paper itself which has been so complicit in getting us to a place where children born to refugees could be deported, Trump celebrates despotic wealth and Boris Johnson’s sister moans about not being rich. Ugh.
Reposted by Michael Carlson
I am moving to Dubai because England is so dangerous. www.ft.com/content/9bf6...
November 19, 2025 at 2:03 PM
I am moving to Dubai because England is so dangerous. www.ft.com/content/9bf6...
Reposted by Michael Carlson
Someone really needs to explain the Striesand Effect to the BBC. And also tell them to stop being so pathetic.
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Someone really needs to explain the Striesand Effect to the BBC. And also tell them to stop being so pathetic.
It's easier to read a few numbers than amalyse a budget full of them
Even @channel4news.bsky.social opens its budget coverage by asking "What will this do for Labour's position in the polls?"
Polls are not even a good predictor of future elections. They're certainly not a test by which budgets should be measured.
We have to break their cold, dead grip on politics.
Polls are not even a good predictor of future elections. They're certainly not a test by which budgets should be measured.
We have to break their cold, dead grip on politics.
December 4, 2025 at 11:44 AM
It's easier to read a few numbers than amalyse a budget full of them
Reposted by Michael Carlson
You wouldn't have thought they could get worse than Kuenssberg and Robinson as political editors, but somehow they triumphed with Mason.
December 3, 2025 at 9:47 AM
You wouldn't have thought they could get worse than Kuenssberg and Robinson as political editors, but somehow they triumphed with Mason.
Reposted by Michael Carlson
I disagree. He is saying that briefing and kite-flying has become a feature of the pre-budget period. We can debate whether that's desirable or not (there is a school of thought, that post-Truss it's smart to let markets price in as much as possible), but the BBC cannot apply varying standards.
December 3, 2025 at 11:10 AM
I disagree. He is saying that briefing and kite-flying has become a feature of the pre-budget period. We can debate whether that's desirable or not (there is a school of thought, that post-Truss it's smart to let markets price in as much as possible), but the BBC cannot apply varying standards.
Reposted by Michael Carlson
This was my thought on the matter earlier today 👇- not that I thought the BBC should have apologised to Trump, but to raise the utter hypocrisy in approach… & highlight the push from the Tory appointed Robbie Gibb & co to shift the BBC Overton window ever rightward 😳
bsky.app/profile/levi...
bsky.app/profile/levi...
How come when BBC broadcast a shortened but verbatim version of Trump’s speech (one which he was being prosecuted for for inciting insurrection) that the DG resigned & BBC apologised, but when Chris Mason, BBC, publicly judges the Chancellor as “lying”-which is proven incorrect-he gets to stay?
🤔
🤔
December 3, 2025 at 9:07 PM
This was my thought on the matter earlier today 👇- not that I thought the BBC should have apologised to Trump, but to raise the utter hypocrisy in approach… & highlight the push from the Tory appointed Robbie Gibb & co to shift the BBC Overton window ever rightward 😳
bsky.app/profile/levi...
bsky.app/profile/levi...
Reposted by Michael Carlson
“This technology that is ruining education has incredible potential to save education, if only I could figure out how to use it better to improve my students’ education.”
Somehow missed this @mcsweeneys.net gem from September.
ht: @brianrbowen.bsky.social
Somehow missed this @mcsweeneys.net gem from September.
ht: @brianrbowen.bsky.social
I Need AI to Write Better Lesson Plans So My Students Stop Using AI to Write Their Papers
I care deeply about my students’ learning, but with all the new technologies available to help them cut corners, I worry that they’re not doing the...
www.mcsweeneys.net
December 3, 2025 at 10:34 PM
“This technology that is ruining education has incredible potential to save education, if only I could figure out how to use it better to improve my students’ education.”
Somehow missed this @mcsweeneys.net gem from September.
ht: @brianrbowen.bsky.social
Somehow missed this @mcsweeneys.net gem from September.
ht: @brianrbowen.bsky.social
In 1922 was American media (radio) a demagogic shouting match? It was literally still closer to ham radio, but Britain shuddered at the thought of tje wrong sorts having access to airways. See Reith's BBC coverage of general strike just a few years later for the why
The BBC was founded to stop British media becoming a demagogic shouting match like it had in America. It was only a matter of time before a US demagogue bit back, writes @philtinline.bsky.social.
Trump, the BBC and the lessons of an antisemitic priest
American media have cultivated conspiracy and resentment, setting the stage for the president’s fight with the BBC
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
December 4, 2025 at 11:33 AM
In 1922 was American media (radio) a demagogic shouting match? It was literally still closer to ham radio, but Britain shuddered at the thought of tje wrong sorts having access to airways. See Reith's BBC coverage of general strike just a few years later for the why
Reposted by Michael Carlson
The absolute state of the BBC news just now - which seems determined to drag the government down over the budget.
Where was all this attention to minute detail and concern for absolute accuracy when the Tories were lying their way through their chaotic reign for 14 years? It's frankly absurd.
Where was all this attention to minute detail and concern for absolute accuracy when the Tories were lying their way through their chaotic reign for 14 years? It's frankly absurd.
For all the focus on its supposed “left wing bias”, the BBC’s heavy coverage of Rachel Reeves Budget "lies" shows how its political coverage is still largely led by the right-wing press
bylinetimes.com/2025/12/01/r...
bylinetimes.com/2025/12/01/r...
Rachel Reeves and the Daily Mailification of the BBC
For all the focus on its supposed "left wing bias", the BBC's heavy coverage of Conservative allegations of dishonesty against Rachel Reeves shows how its political coverage is still largely led by th...
bylinetimes.com
December 1, 2025 at 1:39 PM
The absolute state of the BBC news just now - which seems determined to drag the government down over the budget.
Where was all this attention to minute detail and concern for absolute accuracy when the Tories were lying their way through their chaotic reign for 14 years? It's frankly absurd.
Where was all this attention to minute detail and concern for absolute accuracy when the Tories were lying their way through their chaotic reign for 14 years? It's frankly absurd.
Reposted by Michael Carlson
The Gibb machine in overdrive mode.
Watched BBC 6 o clock news. Just a completely unserious broadcast. Chris Mason, acting like a children's entertainer, giving a prolonged impenetrable editorial. Not a whiff of informative content about the Budget or what it means for the country. Just playschool blah blah bollocks.
December 1, 2025 at 9:41 PM
The Gibb machine in overdrive mode.
Reposted by Michael Carlson
I wonder if it's time to retire the role of "political editor" altogether
Return most of the coverage to the Economics Editor, the Health Editor, the Home Affairs team & so on.
Leave the "who-said-what-to-whom" & "what-does-it-mean-for-the-polls" to others. The BBC doesn't need to foreground this.
Return most of the coverage to the Economics Editor, the Health Editor, the Home Affairs team & so on.
Leave the "who-said-what-to-whom" & "what-does-it-mean-for-the-polls" to others. The BBC doesn't need to foreground this.
Watched BBC 6 o clock news. Just a completely unserious broadcast. Chris Mason, acting like a children's entertainer, giving a prolonged impenetrable editorial. Not a whiff of informative content about the Budget or what it means for the country. Just playschool blah blah bollocks.
December 1, 2025 at 10:17 PM
I wonder if it's time to retire the role of "political editor" altogether
Return most of the coverage to the Economics Editor, the Health Editor, the Home Affairs team & so on.
Leave the "who-said-what-to-whom" & "what-does-it-mean-for-the-polls" to others. The BBC doesn't need to foreground this.
Return most of the coverage to the Economics Editor, the Health Editor, the Home Affairs team & so on.
Leave the "who-said-what-to-whom" & "what-does-it-mean-for-the-polls" to others. The BBC doesn't need to foreground this.
Reposted by Michael Carlson
The BBC’s coverage of Conservative allegations of dishonesty against Rachel Reeves shows how its political coverage is still led by the right-wing press, argues @adambienkov.bsky.social
bylinetimes.com/2025/12/01/r...
bylinetimes.com/2025/12/01/r...
Rachel Reeves and the Daily Mailification of the BBC
For all the focus on its supposed "left wing bias", the BBC's heavy coverage of Conservative allegations of dishonesty against Rachel Reeves shows how its political coverage is still largely led by th...
bylinetimes.com
December 2, 2025 at 9:57 AM
The BBC’s coverage of Conservative allegations of dishonesty against Rachel Reeves shows how its political coverage is still led by the right-wing press, argues @adambienkov.bsky.social
bylinetimes.com/2025/12/01/r...
bylinetimes.com/2025/12/01/r...
Reposted by Michael Carlson
People get extremely annoyed when I point it out (I think they think I’m endorsing the other guy, cause we don’t do nuance) but if this was Biden, it would be the cover image of literally every American newspaper tomorrow.
Trump dozes while Marco Rubio speaks to him directly next to him. Just insane optics.
December 2, 2025 at 8:34 PM
People get extremely annoyed when I point it out (I think they think I’m endorsing the other guy, cause we don’t do nuance) but if this was Biden, it would be the cover image of literally every American newspaper tomorrow.
Reposted by Michael Carlson
Tonight on GB News:
-was I a Nazi at school?
-did I dodge tax on my house in Clacton?
-did anyone else in Reform take Russian bribes?
-why I won’t answer any of these questions
-how can my supporters be so gullible?
-why am I such an entitled prick?
-was I a Nazi at school?
-did I dodge tax on my house in Clacton?
-did anyone else in Reform take Russian bribes?
-why I won’t answer any of these questions
-how can my supporters be so gullible?
-why am I such an entitled prick?
December 4, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Tonight on GB News:
-was I a Nazi at school?
-did I dodge tax on my house in Clacton?
-did anyone else in Reform take Russian bribes?
-why I won’t answer any of these questions
-how can my supporters be so gullible?
-why am I such an entitled prick?
-was I a Nazi at school?
-did I dodge tax on my house in Clacton?
-did anyone else in Reform take Russian bribes?
-why I won’t answer any of these questions
-how can my supporters be so gullible?
-why am I such an entitled prick?
Reposted by Michael Carlson
JUST IN: Mike Johnson plans to swear in Rep.-elect Matt Van Epps on Thursday — less than two days after he won the TN-07 special election.
As a reminder, it took Johnson 50 days to swear in Democratic Rep. Adelita Grijalva.
As a reminder, it took Johnson 50 days to swear in Democratic Rep. Adelita Grijalva.
December 3, 2025 at 8:31 PM
JUST IN: Mike Johnson plans to swear in Rep.-elect Matt Van Epps on Thursday — less than two days after he won the TN-07 special election.
As a reminder, it took Johnson 50 days to swear in Democratic Rep. Adelita Grijalva.
As a reminder, it took Johnson 50 days to swear in Democratic Rep. Adelita Grijalva.
Reposted by Michael Carlson
The speed with which I went to go find El País after reading this.
Keep forgetting to check the Spanish-language news —particularly from outside the US —about what’s going on. It’s important to remember the rest of the world exists & may be considering everything from a different POV.
Keep forgetting to check the Spanish-language news —particularly from outside the US —about what’s going on. It’s important to remember the rest of the world exists & may be considering everything from a different POV.
Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries: “Strong floor, no ceiling”
Colombian President Gustavo Petro: “A clan of pedophiles wants to destroy our democracy.”
Colombian President Gustavo Petro: “A clan of pedophiles wants to destroy our democracy.”
December 3, 2025 at 12:00 PM
The speed with which I went to go find El País after reading this.
Keep forgetting to check the Spanish-language news —particularly from outside the US —about what’s going on. It’s important to remember the rest of the world exists & may be considering everything from a different POV.
Keep forgetting to check the Spanish-language news —particularly from outside the US —about what’s going on. It’s important to remember the rest of the world exists & may be considering everything from a different POV.
Reposted by Michael Carlson
I just find it hilarious that his whole cabinet is sloberring praise all over him with ridiculous hyperbole and he is falling asleep while they're doing it.
You couldn't write comedy better than this. It's better than VEEP.
You couldn't write comedy better than this. It's better than VEEP.
December 2, 2025 at 7:57 PM
I just find it hilarious that his whole cabinet is sloberring praise all over him with ridiculous hyperbole and he is falling asleep while they're doing it.
You couldn't write comedy better than this. It's better than VEEP.
You couldn't write comedy better than this. It's better than VEEP.
Reposted by Michael Carlson
This is how Chris Mason, like a child filled with wonder, described "the choreography and theatre that surrounds a Budget" in Feb 2024, when a male Tory Chancellor was in post.
"Plans, or even just options, can be floated... Reaction to them can be tested. Opponents can be teased or wrongfooted." 👀
"Plans, or even just options, can be floated... Reaction to them can be tested. Opponents can be teased or wrongfooted." 👀
December 2, 2025 at 9:29 PM
This is how Chris Mason, like a child filled with wonder, described "the choreography and theatre that surrounds a Budget" in Feb 2024, when a male Tory Chancellor was in post.
"Plans, or even just options, can be floated... Reaction to them can be tested. Opponents can be teased or wrongfooted." 👀
"Plans, or even just options, can be floated... Reaction to them can be tested. Opponents can be teased or wrongfooted." 👀
Reposted by Michael Carlson
If you would like to know the actual problems with the budget I set it all out in detail here.
As Stephen says the problem is the headroom isn't really there. Not that Reeves had loads of spare cash...
samf.substack.com/p/survival-f...
As Stephen says the problem is the headroom isn't really there. Not that Reeves had loads of spare cash...
samf.substack.com/p/survival-f...
December 1, 2025 at 11:26 AM
If you would like to know the actual problems with the budget I set it all out in detail here.
As Stephen says the problem is the headroom isn't really there. Not that Reeves had loads of spare cash...
samf.substack.com/p/survival-f...
As Stephen says the problem is the headroom isn't really there. Not that Reeves had loads of spare cash...
samf.substack.com/p/survival-f...
Reposted by Michael Carlson
I don’t recall as much fuss when the Tories were caught actually lying about their final Budget and keeping the truth from the OBR. What became of this investigation? www.theguardian.com/business/202....
Treasury may have broken law by failing to reveal £9.5bn spend in Tory budget, MPs told
Head of OBR says spending commitment would have ‘materially changed’ its forecast on Jeremy Hunt’s pre-election budget
www.theguardian.com
December 1, 2025 at 7:09 PM
I don’t recall as much fuss when the Tories were caught actually lying about their final Budget and keeping the truth from the OBR. What became of this investigation? www.theguardian.com/business/202....
Ingenuinely
Not watched the news for years and have been quite surprised by the BBC questioning of Labour ministers that goes along the lines of "You lying piece of shite you should be ashamed of yourself" combined with scanning their social media accounts to catch them out . Is this the norm? Genuinely ?
December 2, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Ingenuinely
Reposted by Michael Carlson
Trump's MRI raises new questions about Biden's health.
December 1, 2025 at 11:25 PM
Trump's MRI raises new questions about Biden's health.
First play I ever saw in London was Jumpers, in 1972. I can still do Michael Hordern's opening lines ("to begin with, is God."). Saw it a second time...
Been listening back to this: Stoppard on how he wrote Travesties (1974) and his feelings about Brexit and the refugee crisis. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Front Row - Tom Stoppard, The Girl on the Train, Suzanne Lacy, Feminist art, Neville Marriner remembered - BBC Sounds
Tom Stoppard discusses his play Travesties and Brexit plus The Girl on the Train reviewed.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 1, 2025 at 3:27 PM
First play I ever saw in London was Jumpers, in 1972. I can still do Michael Hordern's opening lines ("to begin with, is God."). Saw it a second time...