Matthew Sheffield
@matthew.flux.community
🟦 Writing and editing @flux.community
🟦 Host, Theory of Change podcast
🟦 Former TV producer and pollster
🟦 As seen in NYT, WaPo, NBC, NPR, Variety ...
New book: What Republicans Know https://flux.community/book/what-republicans-know
🟦 Host, Theory of Change podcast
🟦 Former TV producer and pollster
🟦 As seen in NYT, WaPo, NBC, NPR, Variety ...
New book: What Republicans Know https://flux.community/book/what-republicans-know
Reposted by Matthew Sheffield
I wrote about my experiences being sexually exploited as a child, and what we need to do to make sure AI doesn’t make that a reality for millions of children.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
My picture was used in child abuse images. AI is putting others through my nightmare | Mara Wilson
I was a child actor, exploited by strangers on the internet. Now millions of children face the same danger
www.theguardian.com
January 18, 2026 at 2:20 AM
I wrote about my experiences being sexually exploited as a child, and what we need to do to make sure AI doesn’t make that a reality for millions of children.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Matthew Sheffield
Thinking of others as not quite real afflicts all different types, reactionary centrists and the political media perhaps more so than even MAGA.
America's massive political divide originate mostly from the core conservative/reactionary idea that other people are not quite real, only they are.
@virginiaheffernan.bsky.social and I discussed at length how this happens, from a variety of different angles.
@virginiaheffernan.bsky.social and I discussed at length how this happens, from a variety of different angles.
Renee Good and the problem of other minds
Watch now (80 mins) | A recording from Matthew Sheffield and Virginia Heffernan's live video
plus.flux.community
January 17, 2026 at 11:08 PM
Thinking of others as not quite real afflicts all different types, reactionary centrists and the political media perhaps more so than even MAGA.
America's massive political divide originate mostly from the core conservative/reactionary idea that other people are not quite real, only they are.
@virginiaheffernan.bsky.social and I discussed at length how this happens, from a variety of different angles.
@virginiaheffernan.bsky.social and I discussed at length how this happens, from a variety of different angles.
Renee Good and the problem of other minds
Watch now (80 mins) | A recording from Matthew Sheffield and Virginia Heffernan's live video
plus.flux.community
January 17, 2026 at 11:00 PM
America's massive political divide originate mostly from the core conservative/reactionary idea that other people are not quite real, only they are.
@virginiaheffernan.bsky.social and I discussed at length how this happens, from a variety of different angles.
@virginiaheffernan.bsky.social and I discussed at length how this happens, from a variety of different angles.
Jon Stewart has learned nothing. He wasted 20 years pushing this exact same idea. You cannot just point and laugh while tyranny is on the march. And you sure as hell cannot split the difference.
NEW: This week, Daily Show host Jon Stewart introduced his audience to Jenin Younes, describing her as a courageous civil rights attorney who had been canceled by both the right and left and therefore “must be doing something right.”
Really, she spent years undermining public health—and Democrats.
Really, she spent years undermining public health—and Democrats.
Jon Stewart Praises Attorney Behind Years of Anti-Vaccine and Anti-Lockdown Lawfare
“You’re a civil rights attorney who has been canceled by both the right and the left, which means you must be doing something right.”
www.importantcontext.news
January 17, 2026 at 10:15 PM
Jon Stewart has learned nothing. He wasted 20 years pushing this exact same idea. You cannot just point and laugh while tyranny is on the march. And you sure as hell cannot split the difference.
Thousands of people protested in Nuuk, Greenland against Trump's threats to take over their country.
Just over 55,000 people live in Greenland, which means that this was a significant portion of the country's population.
Details: abc7ny.com/post/thousan...
Just over 55,000 people live in Greenland, which means that this was a significant portion of the country's population.
Details: abc7ny.com/post/thousan...
January 17, 2026 at 8:57 PM
Thousands of people protested in Nuuk, Greenland against Trump's threats to take over their country.
Just over 55,000 people live in Greenland, which means that this was a significant portion of the country's population.
Details: abc7ny.com/post/thousan...
Just over 55,000 people live in Greenland, which means that this was a significant portion of the country's population.
Details: abc7ny.com/post/thousan...
Reposted by Matthew Sheffield
No. It's not that complex. Nor was its trajectory in any way surprising.
The University of Austin is just the latest case where people who profess to honor free speech served as useful idiots for the forces of bigotry and regressive politics.
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
The University of Austin is just the latest case where people who profess to honor free speech served as useful idiots for the forces of bigotry and regressive politics.
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
January 16, 2026 at 5:52 PM
No. It's not that complex. Nor was its trajectory in any way surprising.
The University of Austin is just the latest case where people who profess to honor free speech served as useful idiots for the forces of bigotry and regressive politics.
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
The University of Austin is just the latest case where people who profess to honor free speech served as useful idiots for the forces of bigotry and regressive politics.
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
Reposted by Matthew Sheffield
Renee Good and the problem of other minds: The basic questions of politics are mostly about how real other people are. Conservatives and reactionaries have their doubts about the minds of everyone else.
Renee Good and the problem of other minds
Watch now (80 mins) | A recording from Matthew Sheffield and Virginia Heffernan's live video
plus.flux.community
January 17, 2026 at 7:51 PM
Renee Good and the problem of other minds: The basic questions of politics are mostly about how real other people are. Conservatives and reactionaries have their doubts about the minds of everyone else.
Reposted by Matthew Sheffield
Re: Greenland, sacrificing soft power you can use to control the whole world for some land you already have access to is the work of meme-addled morons. That they think it will politically benefit them for the midterms is an extra layer of stupid
January 17, 2026 at 5:27 PM
Re: Greenland, sacrificing soft power you can use to control the whole world for some land you already have access to is the work of meme-addled morons. That they think it will politically benefit them for the midterms is an extra layer of stupid
Reposted by Matthew Sheffield
New at Can We Still Govern?
"I am writing as an ordinary citizen of Minneapolis/St Paul...to share with the outside world what is really going on ─ the terror being inflicted upon a U.S. city and state by our federal government."
Please read, share, help. 🧵
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/dispatch-f...
"I am writing as an ordinary citizen of Minneapolis/St Paul...to share with the outside world what is really going on ─ the terror being inflicted upon a U.S. city and state by our federal government."
Please read, share, help. 🧵
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/dispatch-f...
Dispatch from the occupation
What life is like in Minneapolis now
donmoynihan.substack.com
January 17, 2026 at 1:49 PM
New at Can We Still Govern?
"I am writing as an ordinary citizen of Minneapolis/St Paul...to share with the outside world what is really going on ─ the terror being inflicted upon a U.S. city and state by our federal government."
Please read, share, help. 🧵
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/dispatch-f...
"I am writing as an ordinary citizen of Minneapolis/St Paul...to share with the outside world what is really going on ─ the terror being inflicted upon a U.S. city and state by our federal government."
Please read, share, help. 🧵
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/dispatch-f...
Reposted by Matthew Sheffield
“Maybe DHS was a bad idea”
A quarter century ago in “neither our media nor our political system is designed to deal with a far right authoritarian party”
The folks who correctly said, 25 years ago, that this was a grave mistake were correct & ignored or shouted down
No one listens to Cassandra
A quarter century ago in “neither our media nor our political system is designed to deal with a far right authoritarian party”
The folks who correctly said, 25 years ago, that this was a grave mistake were correct & ignored or shouted down
No one listens to Cassandra
January 17, 2026 at 3:57 PM
“Maybe DHS was a bad idea”
A quarter century ago in “neither our media nor our political system is designed to deal with a far right authoritarian party”
The folks who correctly said, 25 years ago, that this was a grave mistake were correct & ignored or shouted down
No one listens to Cassandra
A quarter century ago in “neither our media nor our political system is designed to deal with a far right authoritarian party”
The folks who correctly said, 25 years ago, that this was a grave mistake were correct & ignored or shouted down
No one listens to Cassandra
Reposted by Matthew Sheffield
“There is a huge role these out-of-touch, right-wing billionaires and megadonors play in shaping homelessness policy, and they’re the last people who should be shaping homeless policy.”
Our top story: One of Texas' wealthiest people wants to reverse progress for some of the state's poorest.
Our top story: One of Texas' wealthiest people wants to reverse progress for some of the state's poorest.
A Dallas Megadonor, a New Nonprofit, and the War on ‘Housing First’
A scheme to relocate the unhoused out of one Texas city's downtown sheds light on a larger right-wing takeover of federal homelessness policy.
www.texasobserver.org
January 17, 2026 at 4:00 PM
“There is a huge role these out-of-touch, right-wing billionaires and megadonors play in shaping homelessness policy, and they’re the last people who should be shaping homeless policy.”
Our top story: One of Texas' wealthiest people wants to reverse progress for some of the state's poorest.
Our top story: One of Texas' wealthiest people wants to reverse progress for some of the state's poorest.
In attacking trans rights, reactionaries often claim to be motivated with a gallant desire to protect fragile white girls and women from supposed violence, but this was never real.
Now, following the murder of Renee Good, they are excusing and supporting violence against white women
Now, following the murder of Renee Good, they are excusing and supporting violence against white women
January 16, 2026 at 11:27 PM
In attacking trans rights, reactionaries often claim to be motivated with a gallant desire to protect fragile white girls and women from supposed violence, but this was never real.
Now, following the murder of Renee Good, they are excusing and supporting violence against white women
Now, following the murder of Renee Good, they are excusing and supporting violence against white women
Reposted by Matthew Sheffield
The actual journalists left at @cbsnews.com wanted to do journalism and not report things they can't verify, but Bari Weiss said, "Nah I like this story, so I want you to report it like it's a confirmed fact."
As widely noted, this is not how you do "news."
www.rawstory.com/bari-weiss-c...
As widely noted, this is not how you do "news."
www.rawstory.com/bari-weiss-c...
CBS NEWS head overrode network concerns about reporting on ICE shooter injury claims
A report from anonymous sources claiming ICE agent Jonathan Ross suffered internal bleeding after fatally shooting 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good more than a week ago faced skepticism from CBS News sta...
www.rawstory.com
January 16, 2026 at 8:10 PM
The actual journalists left at @cbsnews.com wanted to do journalism and not report things they can't verify, but Bari Weiss said, "Nah I like this story, so I want you to report it like it's a confirmed fact."
As widely noted, this is not how you do "news."
www.rawstory.com/bari-weiss-c...
As widely noted, this is not how you do "news."
www.rawstory.com/bari-weiss-c...
Robert Heinlein inadvertently wrote the most direct self-expression of conservative epistemology:
"I have had a dirty suspicion since I was about six that all consciousness is one & that all the actors I see around me (including my enemies) are myself, at different points in the record's grooves."
"I have had a dirty suspicion since I was about six that all consciousness is one & that all the actors I see around me (including my enemies) are myself, at different points in the record's grooves."
January 16, 2026 at 7:28 PM
Robert Heinlein inadvertently wrote the most direct self-expression of conservative epistemology:
"I have had a dirty suspicion since I was about six that all consciousness is one & that all the actors I see around me (including my enemies) are myself, at different points in the record's grooves."
"I have had a dirty suspicion since I was about six that all consciousness is one & that all the actors I see around me (including my enemies) are myself, at different points in the record's grooves."
Reposted by Matthew Sheffield
Key point here. @nytimes.com made the editorial choice to elevate Third Way memo because it buttressed "Dems divided over Abolish ICE" story they set out to tell. And Third Way produced the memo because they knew it would get media attention from reporters looking to tell that story. It's all rotten
I think Dem electeds should take moral stances & then work to change public opinion.
But it's notable that another centrist Dem group has a memo that 1) contradicts Third Way's "don't say 'Abolish ICE'", 2) is based on actual research, 3) didn't get an NYT story.
newrepublic.com/article/2052...
But it's notable that another centrist Dem group has a memo that 1) contradicts Third Way's "don't say 'Abolish ICE'", 2) is based on actual research, 3) didn't get an NYT story.
newrepublic.com/article/2052...
Joe Rogan’s Harsh New Takedown of Trump ICE Raids Hands Dems a Weapon
When a Trump supporter refers to ICE as the “gestapo,” a door has definitely opened. Will Democrats charge through it?
newrepublic.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:33 PM
Key point here. @nytimes.com made the editorial choice to elevate Third Way memo because it buttressed "Dems divided over Abolish ICE" story they set out to tell. And Third Way produced the memo because they knew it would get media attention from reporters looking to tell that story. It's all rotten
Anytime you hear about a completely random Donald Trump policy, chances are that it originated with a Republican donor
January 15, 2026 at 5:10 PM
Anytime you hear about a completely random Donald Trump policy, chances are that it originated with a Republican donor
Reposted by Matthew Sheffield
After ICE agents shot people in Minneapolis tonight, a crowd faced them down and eventually chased them away, despite federal mercenaries and police shooting a tremendous amount of tear gas.
ICE agents abandoned vehicles in the area, containing IDs, paperwork, license plates, and operational plans.
ICE agents abandoned vehicles in the area, containing IDs, paperwork, license plates, and operational plans.
January 15, 2026 at 5:11 AM
After ICE agents shot people in Minneapolis tonight, a crowd faced them down and eventually chased them away, despite federal mercenaries and police shooting a tremendous amount of tear gas.
ICE agents abandoned vehicles in the area, containing IDs, paperwork, license plates, and operational plans.
ICE agents abandoned vehicles in the area, containing IDs, paperwork, license plates, and operational plans.
Reposted by Matthew Sheffield
Imagine your job consisting of the angriest people you've ever seen in your entire life yelling at you 24/7 and throwing bottles of piss in your car while you battle the subzero elements they don't even bat an eyelash about.
Imagine the toll that takes on your psyche. May they never find peace.
Imagine the toll that takes on your psyche. May they never find peace.
January 15, 2026 at 3:51 AM
Imagine your job consisting of the angriest people you've ever seen in your entire life yelling at you 24/7 and throwing bottles of piss in your car while you battle the subzero elements they don't even bat an eyelash about.
Imagine the toll that takes on your psyche. May they never find peace.
Imagine the toll that takes on your psyche. May they never find peace.
Reposted by Matthew Sheffield
The amount of organizing happening in a VERY short period of time is truly mind boggling.
I've seen things come together in hours that, in the nonprofit & education spaces, would take weeks or MONTHS of planning and coordination.
So, so proud of the Twin Cities right now.
I've seen things come together in hours that, in the nonprofit & education spaces, would take weeks or MONTHS of planning and coordination.
So, so proud of the Twin Cities right now.
January 14, 2026 at 6:52 PM
The amount of organizing happening in a VERY short period of time is truly mind boggling.
I've seen things come together in hours that, in the nonprofit & education spaces, would take weeks or MONTHS of planning and coordination.
So, so proud of the Twin Cities right now.
I've seen things come together in hours that, in the nonprofit & education spaces, would take weeks or MONTHS of planning and coordination.
So, so proud of the Twin Cities right now.
Reposted by Matthew Sheffield
Donald Trump is trying to con Americans into believing that immigrants are the greatest threat to our democracy in order to hide the the fact that Donald Trump and his corruption is the greatest threat to our democracy.
January 14, 2026 at 10:21 PM
Donald Trump is trying to con Americans into believing that immigrants are the greatest threat to our democracy in order to hide the the fact that Donald Trump and his corruption is the greatest threat to our democracy.
This is why we speak out. These numbers need to keep falling.
Trump Net-Approval On:
Immigration: -23%
Venezuela: -24%
Foreign Policy: -24%
Economy: -25%
AP-NORC / Jan 11, 2026
Immigration: -23%
Venezuela: -24%
Foreign Policy: -24%
Economy: -25%
AP-NORC / Jan 11, 2026
January 14, 2026 at 10:22 PM
This is why we speak out. These numbers need to keep falling.
Reposted by Matthew Sheffield
Whenever I am bleeding internally after being hit by a car I keep filming on my cell
phone while briskly walking away from the scene without waiting for medical attention. What about you guys?
phone while briskly walking away from the scene without waiting for medical attention. What about you guys?
BREAKING: The ICE agent who fatally shot Renee Good last week in Minneapolis, Jonathan Ross, suffered internal bleeding to the torso following the incident, according to two U.S. officials briefed on his medical condition.
ICE agent who shot Renee Good suffered internal bleeding, officials say
Jonathan Ross, who shot Renee Good in Minneapolis last week, suffered internal bleeding after the incident, two officials said, though it's not clear how extensive the bleeding was.
cbsn.ws
January 14, 2026 at 6:51 PM
Whenever I am bleeding internally after being hit by a car I keep filming on my cell
phone while briskly walking away from the scene without waiting for medical attention. What about you guys?
phone while briskly walking away from the scene without waiting for medical attention. What about you guys?
Cars need buttons. Touchscreens are nice, but they should be for displaying info primarily, not as the only interface to common functions like media, temperature control, and cruise.
Finally, manufacturers are listening: arstechnica.com/cars/2026/01...
Finally, manufacturers are listening: arstechnica.com/cars/2026/01...
Is 2026 the year buttons come back to cars? Crash testers say yes.
The requirements won't go far enough for many, but it's a start.
arstechnica.com
January 14, 2026 at 5:42 PM
Cars need buttons. Touchscreens are nice, but they should be for displaying info primarily, not as the only interface to common functions like media, temperature control, and cruise.
Finally, manufacturers are listening: arstechnica.com/cars/2026/01...
Finally, manufacturers are listening: arstechnica.com/cars/2026/01...
From bone spurs, undoubtedly
federal officials are now claiming that Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent who killed Renee Good, "suffered internal bleeding"
ICE agent involved in shooting of Renee Good suffered internal bleeding, officials claim
abcnews.go.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:32 PM
From bone spurs, undoubtedly
Reposted by Matthew Sheffield
I have a story that gets into this coming, but it's kind of hard to describe how ubiquitous the ICE/DHS presence is in Minneapolis — and, in turn, how pervasive the community pushback has become.
In certain parts of the city, evidence of either — or both — are just, like, everywhere you look.
In certain parts of the city, evidence of either — or both — are just, like, everywhere you look.
The number of federal agents is "close to the total headcount of sworn officers among the region’s largest 10 law enforcement agencies and equals nearly one agent for every 1,000 of the Twin Cities’ 3.2 million residents."
www.startribune.com/how-ice-numb...
Via @jeffhargarten.bsky.social
www.startribune.com/how-ice-numb...
Via @jeffhargarten.bsky.social
January 14, 2026 at 3:56 PM
I have a story that gets into this coming, but it's kind of hard to describe how ubiquitous the ICE/DHS presence is in Minneapolis — and, in turn, how pervasive the community pushback has become.
In certain parts of the city, evidence of either — or both — are just, like, everywhere you look.
In certain parts of the city, evidence of either — or both — are just, like, everywhere you look.