Josh Zingher
@zingherpolisci.bsky.social
Political Scientist. Author of “Political Choice in a Polarized America” @OUP. Dad. Sauna enthusiast. Crossword solver. Powerlifter. Cyclist. ✡️ ∞
Views are mine alone. RT!=endorsement
Views are mine alone. RT!=endorsement
Pinned
Josh Zingher
@zingherpolisci.bsky.social
· Mar 28
The Trump Administration is trying to forge a personalist authoritarian regime and honestly the conditions for success are there. However, they're *way* out over their skis at the moment. Their pure recklessness is making their path to success way harder 1/x
Reposted by Josh Zingher
P.P.S. There is no theoretical reason why we should expect a link between autism and vaccines. There is no empirical evidence, either. RFK’s stance is equivalent to “Bigfoot is likely real even though the ecosystem can’t support a huge animal and all the times people looked they found nothing”
November 25, 2025 at 1:43 AM
P.P.S. There is no theoretical reason why we should expect a link between autism and vaccines. There is no empirical evidence, either. RFK’s stance is equivalent to “Bigfoot is likely real even though the ecosystem can’t support a huge animal and all the times people looked they found nothing”
Very good brains. Many are saying the best brains. We are looking into it very strongly.
Trump: "Despite their size, Secretary Kennedy has formally certified that these are the first ever MAHA turkeys. They could be fat, but they're still MAHA. They've been fattened on a steady diet of grass, beef, to allow the smoothies and all the other things they have been eating for this occasion."
November 25, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Very good brains. Many are saying the best brains. We are looking into it very strongly.
The public grumbling among Republicans in the House, the Comey and James prosecutions collapsing in embarrassing fashion, and Trump’s continued Emo phase make me think there is serious internal dysfunction.
It feels like the playing field has shifted quite dramatically over the past several weeks and that Trump is on the back foot after being on the offense for the better part of a year. The disastrous election results in VA/NJ have R electeds shook 1/x
Donald Trump’s presidency hinges on loyalty, which depends on the perception of power. As a lame duck, that perception is already eroding — and the Epstein scandal is now accelerating it.
November 25, 2025 at 2:14 PM
The public grumbling among Republicans in the House, the Comey and James prosecutions collapsing in embarrassing fashion, and Trump’s continued Emo phase make me think there is serious internal dysfunction.
Reposted by Josh Zingher
“We estimate that from the mid-2000s to 2022, exposure to the opioid epidemic continuously increased the Republican vote share in House, presidential, and gubernatorial elections.”
Recently accepted by #QJE, “Republican Support and Economic Hardship: The Enduring Effects of the Opioid Epidemic,” by Arteaga (@caroartc.bsky.social) and Barone (@vickybarone.bsky.social): doi.org/10.1093/qje/...
Republican Support and Economic Hardship: The Enduring Effects Of the Opioid Epidemic
Abstract. In this paper, we establish a causal connection between two of the most salient social developments in the United States over the past decades: t
doi.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:05 AM
“We estimate that from the mid-2000s to 2022, exposure to the opioid epidemic continuously increased the Republican vote share in House, presidential, and gubernatorial elections.”
Reposted by Josh Zingher
I lived life as an autistic person for 41 years, and frankly it's wild to see someone who views your existence as a blight elevated to a position of such consequence. I generally see no reason to discuss being on the spectrum publicly, but I'll make an exception for this vile eugenicist. 1/x
Breaking News: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he personally instructed the CDC to abandon its position that vaccines do not cause autism. The move underscores his determination to challenge scientific orthodoxy — in this case, that vaccines save lives — and bend the health department to his will.
RFK Jr. Says He Instructed CDC to Change Vaccines and Autism Language on Website
In an interview, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cited gaps in vaccine safety research. His critics say he is ignoring a larger point: Vaccines save lives.
nyti.ms
November 21, 2025 at 8:18 PM
I lived life as an autistic person for 41 years, and frankly it's wild to see someone who views your existence as a blight elevated to a position of such consequence. I generally see no reason to discuss being on the spectrum publicly, but I'll make an exception for this vile eugenicist. 1/x
Reposted by Josh Zingher
also, it's mate selection. we marry each other. 🤷🏻♀️
The only thing causing autism (or ADHD for that matter) is natural selection. There is a reason these types of traits exist, they benefit the entire population. Like, honestly, who do you think came up with the first written alphabet or counting system? 8/x
November 22, 2025 at 3:45 PM
also, it's mate selection. we marry each other. 🤷🏻♀️
Reposted by Josh Zingher
One of maga autism panics I saw was some guy posting about how SF has a higher rate of autism and I was like wow, so you’re saying the people who talk to melted sand all day for a living are autistic huh?
Anyhow my proposal is if the neurotypicals don’t leave us alone we shut off the Internet.
Anyhow my proposal is if the neurotypicals don’t leave us alone we shut off the Internet.
I'll never get over the fact that this guy failed upwards and became the nation's top public health official. It's maddening. I never really thought of the neurodiverse as a distinct political constituency, but I think we might need to be to better push back against this firehose of disinfo. 8/x
November 22, 2025 at 2:33 AM
One of maga autism panics I saw was some guy posting about how SF has a higher rate of autism and I was like wow, so you’re saying the people who talk to melted sand all day for a living are autistic huh?
Anyhow my proposal is if the neurotypicals don’t leave us alone we shut off the Internet.
Anyhow my proposal is if the neurotypicals don’t leave us alone we shut off the Internet.
Reposted by Josh Zingher
Now that cranks and quacks have been organized into a voting bloc, I hope the neurodiverse will counter-organize
I'll never get over the fact that this guy failed upwards and became the nation's top public health official. It's maddening. I never really thought of the neurodiverse as a distinct political constituency, but I think we might need to be to better push back against this firehose of disinfo. 8/x
November 22, 2025 at 1:29 AM
Now that cranks and quacks have been organized into a voting bloc, I hope the neurodiverse will counter-organize
Reposted by Josh Zingher
Great thread that I very much relate to
I think a big reason fascists target autistic people because we're often truth tellers with great memories and critical thinking skills...
That and they see us as weird/annoying and their core value is hating anything different from them
I think a big reason fascists target autistic people because we're often truth tellers with great memories and critical thinking skills...
That and they see us as weird/annoying and their core value is hating anything different from them
I lived life as an autistic person for 41 years, and frankly it's wild to see someone who views your existence as a blight elevated to a position of such consequence. I generally see no reason to discuss being on the spectrum publicly, but I'll make an exception for this vile eugenicist. 1/x
Breaking News: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he personally instructed the CDC to abandon its position that vaccines do not cause autism. The move underscores his determination to challenge scientific orthodoxy — in this case, that vaccines save lives — and bend the health department to his will.
November 21, 2025 at 11:36 PM
Great thread that I very much relate to
I think a big reason fascists target autistic people because we're often truth tellers with great memories and critical thinking skills...
That and they see us as weird/annoying and their core value is hating anything different from them
I think a big reason fascists target autistic people because we're often truth tellers with great memories and critical thinking skills...
That and they see us as weird/annoying and their core value is hating anything different from them
I lived life as an autistic person for 41 years, and frankly it's wild to see someone who views your existence as a blight elevated to a position of such consequence. I generally see no reason to discuss being on the spectrum publicly, but I'll make an exception for this vile eugenicist. 1/x
Breaking News: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he personally instructed the CDC to abandon its position that vaccines do not cause autism. The move underscores his determination to challenge scientific orthodoxy — in this case, that vaccines save lives — and bend the health department to his will.
RFK Jr. Says He Instructed CDC to Change Vaccines and Autism Language on Website
In an interview, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cited gaps in vaccine safety research. His critics say he is ignoring a larger point: Vaccines save lives.
nyti.ms
November 21, 2025 at 8:18 PM
I lived life as an autistic person for 41 years, and frankly it's wild to see someone who views your existence as a blight elevated to a position of such consequence. I generally see no reason to discuss being on the spectrum publicly, but I'll make an exception for this vile eugenicist. 1/x
Reposted by Josh Zingher
The "nationalization" of our politics over the past 50 years has really been the "Southernization" of our politics. The breakup of the Solid South didn't end reactionary Southern politics, it exported them nationwide.
November 20, 2025 at 6:23 PM
The "nationalization" of our politics over the past 50 years has really been the "Southernization" of our politics. The breakup of the Solid South didn't end reactionary Southern politics, it exported them nationwide.
Reposted by Josh Zingher
This presidency is unraveling. He's an unpopular lame duck and is on the retreat on all fronts. If he had the power to make this happen, he wouldn't be melting down on his own special website where he's hermetically sealed off from all criticism.
Trump posts again about Democrats, saying their behavior is “punishable by DEATH!”
November 20, 2025 at 4:16 PM
This presidency is unraveling. He's an unpopular lame duck and is on the retreat on all fronts. If he had the power to make this happen, he wouldn't be melting down on his own special website where he's hermetically sealed off from all criticism.
These people are absolutely champing at the bit for Jim Crow 2.0.
Well at least we are done pretending the guard deployments are for supporting ICE actions…
www.yahoo.com/news/article...
www.yahoo.com/news/article...
US Senate candidate suggests deploying National Guard to Alabama’s ‘two largest Democrat-ran cities’
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville said he would be willing to deploy troops to Birmingham and Montgomery to address “rampant crime.”
www.yahoo.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:21 PM
These people are absolutely champing at the bit for Jim Crow 2.0.
Reposted by Josh Zingher
Agreed. Unhinged statements like this aren’t so much scary as pathetic these days.
This presidency is unraveling. He's an unpopular lame duck and is on the retreat on all fronts. If he had the power to make this happen, he wouldn't be melting down on his own special website where he's hermetically sealed off from all criticism.
Trump posts again about Democrats, saying their behavior is “punishable by DEATH!”
November 20, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Agreed. Unhinged statements like this aren’t so much scary as pathetic these days.
This presidency is unraveling. He's an unpopular lame duck and is on the retreat on all fronts. If he had the power to make this happen, he wouldn't be melting down on his own special website where he's hermetically sealed off from all criticism.
Trump posts again about Democrats, saying their behavior is “punishable by DEATH!”
November 20, 2025 at 4:16 PM
This presidency is unraveling. He's an unpopular lame duck and is on the retreat on all fronts. If he had the power to make this happen, he wouldn't be melting down on his own special website where he's hermetically sealed off from all criticism.
Reposted by Josh Zingher
once again congratulations to every single senator who voted RFK Jr, who will cost thousands of children their lives, into office
Initially, some moms of autistic kids eagerly accepted vaccine lies, because that way they could reject the "refrigerator mother" hypothesis, which blamed autism on "cold" mothering.
Now, those same tired vaccine lies will likely be used to blame moms who choose to vaccinate their kids.
Now, those same tired vaccine lies will likely be used to blame moms who choose to vaccinate their kids.
November 20, 2025 at 12:56 PM
once again congratulations to every single senator who voted RFK Jr, who will cost thousands of children their lives, into office
Reposted by Josh Zingher
If you are thinking about sending money to Amy McGrath or some long shot senate candidate, stop yourself and send it to your state’s legislative candidates. More bang for your buck and more likely to make a difference. A strong state legislative slate will boost the top of the ticket, too. 3/3.
November 19, 2025 at 3:10 PM
If you are thinking about sending money to Amy McGrath or some long shot senate candidate, stop yourself and send it to your state’s legislative candidates. More bang for your buck and more likely to make a difference. A strong state legislative slate will boost the top of the ticket, too. 3/3.
Reposted by Josh Zingher
Democrats will focus on the House and Senate, but to me, the state legislatures are equally important. Democrats lost an entire generation of new leaders when they got wiped out in the state legislatures in 2010 and again in 2014. The Democrats need to build the next generation in the state leg. 1/3
Marist finds Democrats up 55/41 on the generic ballot: maristpoll.marist.edu/polls/a-look...
That may be a factor of an enthusiasm gap mixed with a serving of outlier, but also it’s not a shocker in light of the sheer extent of Democrats’ sweeping wins in November.
That may be a factor of an enthusiasm gap mixed with a serving of outlier, but also it’s not a shocker in light of the sheer extent of Democrats’ sweeping wins in November.
November 19, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Democrats will focus on the House and Senate, but to me, the state legislatures are equally important. Democrats lost an entire generation of new leaders when they got wiped out in the state legislatures in 2010 and again in 2014. The Democrats need to build the next generation in the state leg. 1/3
Three legs of the stool: fiscal conservatives, social conservatives, and sex pests on the run from the law.
The White House reportedly intervened on behalf of accused sex trafficker Andrew Tate during a federal investigation
The White House Intervened On Behalf Of Accused Sex Trafficker Andrew Tate During Federal Investigation
The official who delivered the message, Paul Ingrassia, previously represented the Tate brothers before joining the White House.
www.huffpost.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Three legs of the stool: fiscal conservatives, social conservatives, and sex pests on the run from the law.
Democrats will focus on the House and Senate, but to me, the state legislatures are equally important. Democrats lost an entire generation of new leaders when they got wiped out in the state legislatures in 2010 and again in 2014. The Democrats need to build the next generation in the state leg. 1/3
Marist finds Democrats up 55/41 on the generic ballot: maristpoll.marist.edu/polls/a-look...
That may be a factor of an enthusiasm gap mixed with a serving of outlier, but also it’s not a shocker in light of the sheer extent of Democrats’ sweeping wins in November.
That may be a factor of an enthusiasm gap mixed with a serving of outlier, but also it’s not a shocker in light of the sheer extent of Democrats’ sweeping wins in November.
November 19, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Democrats will focus on the House and Senate, but to me, the state legislatures are equally important. Democrats lost an entire generation of new leaders when they got wiped out in the state legislatures in 2010 and again in 2014. The Democrats need to build the next generation in the state leg. 1/3
Reposted by Josh Zingher
In this Ohio diner, voters only wanted to talk about one thing--the press was being too mean to the bonesaw guy.
Trump suggests Khashoggi had it coming: "You're mentioning someone that was extremely controversial. A lot of people didn't like that gentleman that you're talking about. Whether you like him or didn't like him, things happen. But he knew nothing about it. You don't have to embarrass our guest."
November 18, 2025 at 6:26 PM
In this Ohio diner, voters only wanted to talk about one thing--the press was being too mean to the bonesaw guy.
I thought those "Mass Deportations Now!!" signs read "Mass Deportations, Now?!"
Ben Shapiro: “When the president said deport all the illegal immigrants, I never thought that he meant that literally”
November 18, 2025 at 7:56 PM
I thought those "Mass Deportations Now!!" signs read "Mass Deportations, Now?!"
In this Ohio diner, voters only wanted to talk about one thing--the press was being too mean to the bonesaw guy.
Trump suggests Khashoggi had it coming: "You're mentioning someone that was extremely controversial. A lot of people didn't like that gentleman that you're talking about. Whether you like him or didn't like him, things happen. But he knew nothing about it. You don't have to embarrass our guest."
November 18, 2025 at 6:26 PM
In this Ohio diner, voters only wanted to talk about one thing--the press was being too mean to the bonesaw guy.
Love how the president models behavior that would get you sent straight to HR and promptly fired at any other job.
After a woman reporter asked about President Trump’s name being raised in emails sent by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Trump snaps at her: “Quiet, piggy!”
Disgusting and completely unacceptable.
www.cnn.com/2025/11/18/u...
Disgusting and completely unacceptable.
www.cnn.com/2025/11/18/u...
Trump snaps at reporter’s Epstein questions: ‘Quiet, piggy’ | CNN
Days before reversing his stance on releasing the Epstein files, President Donald Trump called a reporter “piggy” after she asked about his name being raised in emails sent by convicted sex offender, ...
www.cnn.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Love how the president models behavior that would get you sent straight to HR and promptly fired at any other job.
Reposted by Josh Zingher
I think the natural response to electoral, policy, or social success is to continue to push the envelope. For Trumpism, this means how far does the movement go in accepting the previously unacceptable unrepentant Nazis and racists like Yarvin? 6/x
November 17, 2025 at 8:58 PM
I think the natural response to electoral, policy, or social success is to continue to push the envelope. For Trumpism, this means how far does the movement go in accepting the previously unacceptable unrepentant Nazis and racists like Yarvin? 6/x