Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
Editorials & Other Articles
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
marmar
marmar's Journal
marmar's Journal
April 3, 2026
Apr 1, 2026 #politics #lincolnsquare #democracy
Jeff Timmer and Joe Trippi break down how the Senate landscape is changing — including surprising movement in states like Iowa, Ohio, and beyond.
What looked like a stable map may now be in play.
The Senate Map Is Shifting Faster Than Anyone Expected
Apr 1, 2026 #politics #lincolnsquare #democracy
Jeff Timmer and Joe Trippi break down how the Senate landscape is changing — including surprising movement in states like Iowa, Ohio, and beyond.
What looked like a stable map may now be in play.
April 3, 2026
Premiered 22 hours ago Binge-worthy Podcast Clips | Lincoln Square
Joe Trippi, Stuart Stevens, and Jeff Timmer discuss the growing risk of post-election instability — from rejecting results to broader institutional breakdown.
This isn’t about politics as usual. It’s about what happens if the system itself is tested.
What Happens If They Don't Accept the Election?
Premiered 22 hours ago Binge-worthy Podcast Clips | Lincoln Square
Joe Trippi, Stuart Stevens, and Jeff Timmer discuss the growing risk of post-election instability — from rejecting results to broader institutional breakdown.
This isn’t about politics as usual. It’s about what happens if the system itself is tested.
April 3, 2026
Apr 1, 2026
Montana — yes, deep red Montana — has a plan to effectively neuter Citizens United.
No Supreme Court ruling or constitutional amendment needed.
Robert Reich: Could This Actually End Citizens United?
Apr 1, 2026
Montana — yes, deep red Montana — has a plan to effectively neuter Citizens United.
No Supreme Court ruling or constitutional amendment needed.
April 3, 2026
Topics covered in today’s Politics Chat: Trump's Davy Crockett social media post targeting Jasmine Crockett, movement conservatism's ideological origins and collapse, federal daycare and Medicaid funding cuts, 400 hospitals at risk of closure, Medicaid cuts from the 2025 reconciliation bill, U.S. exclusion from 40-nation Strait of Hormuz talks, Pete Hegseth firing Army Chief of Staff Randy George, Pam Bondi's dismissal and Todd Blanch's appointment as acting Attorney General, Jamie Raskin's classified documents findings, Nurul Amin Shah's homicide ruling, Wired's BORTAC and BORSTAR identification reporting, Mike Johnson backing down on DHS funding, and tips for identifying misinformation.
From Politics Chat, April 2, 2026
Heather Cox Richardson: A President in Trouble with a Failing Mental Acuity
Topics covered in today’s Politics Chat: Trump's Davy Crockett social media post targeting Jasmine Crockett, movement conservatism's ideological origins and collapse, federal daycare and Medicaid funding cuts, 400 hospitals at risk of closure, Medicaid cuts from the 2025 reconciliation bill, U.S. exclusion from 40-nation Strait of Hormuz talks, Pete Hegseth firing Army Chief of Staff Randy George, Pam Bondi's dismissal and Todd Blanch's appointment as acting Attorney General, Jamie Raskin's classified documents findings, Nurul Amin Shah's homicide ruling, Wired's BORTAC and BORSTAR identification reporting, Mike Johnson backing down on DHS funding, and tips for identifying misinformation.
From Politics Chat, April 2, 2026
April 3, 2026
Apr 2, 2026 Defending Democracy with Marc Elias
Rep. Jamie Raskin joins Marc Elias to discuss Donald Trump violating the Constitution, the president’s efforts to seize control of elections, and the Department of Justice acting as the Department of Donald Trump’s Vendettas.
Democracy Docket: Trump is trying to trample Congress's power. Not on Jamie Raskin's watch.
Apr 2, 2026 Defending Democracy with Marc Elias
Rep. Jamie Raskin joins Marc Elias to discuss Donald Trump violating the Constitution, the president’s efforts to seize control of elections, and the Department of Justice acting as the Department of Donald Trump’s Vendettas.
April 3, 2026
The Department of Justice is suing states for sensitive voter data − an election law scholar explains why federal efforts are facing resistance
Published: April 1, 2026 8:49am EDT
John J. Martin
Assistant Professor of Law, Quinnipiac University
(The Conversation) In May 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice began sending letters to state governments demanding copies of statewide voter registration lists. The request was unprecedented: It demanded not only publicly available voter data, such as names and addresses, but also sensitive information, including driver’s license and Social Security numbers.
That data is considered highly sensitive because it can be used to commit identity theft, access financial or government records, and facilitate targeted harassment or intimidation, particularly if the data were mishandled or leaked.
....(snip)....
States have responded in a variety of ways. Some have fully complied with the requests, some partially complied, and many outright refused to provide any voter information. For the latter states, the Trump administration has taken the fight to court and sued to get the information, claiming that federal law requires the states to hand it over.
....(snip)....
https://twitter.com/AZSecretary/status/2038331616200908944
In the 29 targeted states, federal courts have thus far dismissed four lawsuits in California, Georgia, Michigan and Oregon. Oklahoma, as noted above, has settled its case with the DOJ. While the remaining lawsuits have yet to fully play out, the DOJ likely faces less-than-sympathetic judges in these cases. ....................(more)
https://theconversation.com/the-department-of-justice-is-suing-states-for-sensitive-voter-data-an-election-law-scholar-explains-why-federal-efforts-are-facing-resistance-278512
DOJ is suing states for sensitive voter data − an election law scholar explains why federal efforts are facing resistanc
The Department of Justice is suing states for sensitive voter data − an election law scholar explains why federal efforts are facing resistance
Published: April 1, 2026 8:49am EDT
John J. Martin
Assistant Professor of Law, Quinnipiac University
(The Conversation) In May 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice began sending letters to state governments demanding copies of statewide voter registration lists. The request was unprecedented: It demanded not only publicly available voter data, such as names and addresses, but also sensitive information, including driver’s license and Social Security numbers.
That data is considered highly sensitive because it can be used to commit identity theft, access financial or government records, and facilitate targeted harassment or intimidation, particularly if the data were mishandled or leaked.
....(snip)....
States have responded in a variety of ways. Some have fully complied with the requests, some partially complied, and many outright refused to provide any voter information. For the latter states, the Trump administration has taken the fight to court and sued to get the information, claiming that federal law requires the states to hand it over.
....(snip)....
https://twitter.com/AZSecretary/status/2038331616200908944
In the 29 targeted states, federal courts have thus far dismissed four lawsuits in California, Georgia, Michigan and Oregon. Oklahoma, as noted above, has settled its case with the DOJ. While the remaining lawsuits have yet to fully play out, the DOJ likely faces less-than-sympathetic judges in these cases. ....................(more)
https://theconversation.com/the-department-of-justice-is-suing-states-for-sensitive-voter-data-an-election-law-scholar-explains-why-federal-efforts-are-facing-resistance-278512
April 3, 2026
Supreme Court ruling on Colorado conversion therapy case is not a clear win for conservatives
Published: April 3, 2026 8:44am EDT
Kevin Cope
Professor of Law, University of Virginia
(The Conversation) In an 8-1 decision authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch, the Supreme Court held on March 31, 2026, that a Colorado law prohibiting licensed counselors from performing “conversion therapy” on minors was likely unconstitutional as applied to talk therapy. Justice Elena Kagan filed a separate concurrence, joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented.
I am a law professor and political scientist who teaches and writes on free expression and discrimination. I see this holding as a potentially important decision at the intersection of free speech and health care.
Colorado’s law defines conversion therapy broadly. It bans practices that attempt not only to “change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity” but also to reduce same-sex attraction. The law allows therapists to provide “acceptance, support, and understanding” of gay or transgender identity. However, they may not help a client suppress those identities. Penalties include fines, probation and loss of license.
....(snip)....
Jackson’s dissent: Medical treatment, not speech
Jackson’s solo dissent emphasizes that states have long enjoyed broad power to regulate how licensed medical professionals treat patients. To Jackson, the First Amendment should not interfere simply because a treatment is applied through words rather than instruments. ......................(more)
https://theconversation.com/supreme-court-ruling-on-colorado-conversion-therapy-case-is-not-a-clear-win-for-conservatives-279820
Supreme Court ruling on Colorado conversion therapy case is not a clear win for conservatives
Supreme Court ruling on Colorado conversion therapy case is not a clear win for conservatives
Published: April 3, 2026 8:44am EDT
Kevin Cope
Professor of Law, University of Virginia
(The Conversation) In an 8-1 decision authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch, the Supreme Court held on March 31, 2026, that a Colorado law prohibiting licensed counselors from performing “conversion therapy” on minors was likely unconstitutional as applied to talk therapy. Justice Elena Kagan filed a separate concurrence, joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented.
I am a law professor and political scientist who teaches and writes on free expression and discrimination. I see this holding as a potentially important decision at the intersection of free speech and health care.
Colorado’s law defines conversion therapy broadly. It bans practices that attempt not only to “change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity” but also to reduce same-sex attraction. The law allows therapists to provide “acceptance, support, and understanding” of gay or transgender identity. However, they may not help a client suppress those identities. Penalties include fines, probation and loss of license.
....(snip)....
Jackson’s dissent: Medical treatment, not speech
Jackson’s solo dissent emphasizes that states have long enjoyed broad power to regulate how licensed medical professionals treat patients. To Jackson, the First Amendment should not interfere simply because a treatment is applied through words rather than instruments. ......................(more)
https://theconversation.com/supreme-court-ruling-on-colorado-conversion-therapy-case-is-not-a-clear-win-for-conservatives-279820
April 3, 2026
Sorry, Pam Bondi. Trump has no loyalty
The attorney general's firing shows why even the most faithful MAGA acolytes are disposable
By Amanda Marcotte
Senior Writer
Published April 3, 2026 6:45AM (EDT)
(Salon) After a Donald Trump-inspired mob stormed the Capitol and threatened to hang his then-vice president Mike Pence five years ago, one would think the president would struggle to persuade people to work for him. As it turns out, the MAGA movement is filled with mediocre people who are convinced that they are the exception — the one staffer gifted with the ability to manage the mercurial impulses of their erratic boss. This is such a consistent issue that one wonders if holding a position in MAGA leadership requires a delusional level of self-importance that would be diagnosable, if any of these people had the humility required to seek therapy.
The latest victim of her own hubris is Attorney General — or rather former Attorney General — Pam Bondi. The former Tri-Delt from Florida was fired Thursday by Trump in a spectacularly humiliating fashion. She was first subjected to an ego-bruising round of media speculation that this was coming, rumors egged on by anonymous White House sources. To rub a little extra salt in the wound, Trump told the New York Times that Bondi was “doing a good job” mere hours before firing her. Then he dismissed her with a Truth Social post where he used the praise once again, making it feel, especially if one were to read it aloud in his voice, like mockery.
This is on brand for the president. In March it was reported that Trump has gotten into the habit of buying oversized shoes for his male underlings, which they then feel obliged to wear, even though they look ridiculous. His motives are obvious: He’s a bully and it’s fun for him to watch people debase themselves to please him. What’s harder to understand is why anyone puts up with this, especially since, as Bondi learned, Trump could up and fire any of them at any moment, just because he’s grumpy.
....(snip)....
Bondi’s firing, though, is an especially brutal heave under the MAGA bus. As the former attorney general of Florida, the president’s adopted state, she has one of the longest histories of Trump staffer at pleasing him. Their history of joint corruption kicked off in 2013, when she briefly flirted with the idea of joining the state of New York in what was ultimately a successful lawsuit against Trump for defrauding students of his so-called “Trump University.” Bondi told the Orlando Sentinel in September 2013 that she was thinking about acting on complaints filed by Florida residents. Instead she personally solicited donations from Trump for her reelection campaign. After he cut her a $25,000 check — which wasn’t legal, as it came from what was supposed to be a charity fund — Bondi shuttered the fraud case against him. .................(more)
https://www.salon.com/2026/04/03/sorry-pam-bondi-trump-has-no-loyalty/
Sorry, Pam Bondi. Trump has no loyalty
Sorry, Pam Bondi. Trump has no loyalty
The attorney general's firing shows why even the most faithful MAGA acolytes are disposable
By Amanda Marcotte
Senior Writer
Published April 3, 2026 6:45AM (EDT)
(Salon) After a Donald Trump-inspired mob stormed the Capitol and threatened to hang his then-vice president Mike Pence five years ago, one would think the president would struggle to persuade people to work for him. As it turns out, the MAGA movement is filled with mediocre people who are convinced that they are the exception — the one staffer gifted with the ability to manage the mercurial impulses of their erratic boss. This is such a consistent issue that one wonders if holding a position in MAGA leadership requires a delusional level of self-importance that would be diagnosable, if any of these people had the humility required to seek therapy.
The latest victim of her own hubris is Attorney General — or rather former Attorney General — Pam Bondi. The former Tri-Delt from Florida was fired Thursday by Trump in a spectacularly humiliating fashion. She was first subjected to an ego-bruising round of media speculation that this was coming, rumors egged on by anonymous White House sources. To rub a little extra salt in the wound, Trump told the New York Times that Bondi was “doing a good job” mere hours before firing her. Then he dismissed her with a Truth Social post where he used the praise once again, making it feel, especially if one were to read it aloud in his voice, like mockery.
This is on brand for the president. In March it was reported that Trump has gotten into the habit of buying oversized shoes for his male underlings, which they then feel obliged to wear, even though they look ridiculous. His motives are obvious: He’s a bully and it’s fun for him to watch people debase themselves to please him. What’s harder to understand is why anyone puts up with this, especially since, as Bondi learned, Trump could up and fire any of them at any moment, just because he’s grumpy.
....(snip)....
Bondi’s firing, though, is an especially brutal heave under the MAGA bus. As the former attorney general of Florida, the president’s adopted state, she has one of the longest histories of Trump staffer at pleasing him. Their history of joint corruption kicked off in 2013, when she briefly flirted with the idea of joining the state of New York in what was ultimately a successful lawsuit against Trump for defrauding students of his so-called “Trump University.” Bondi told the Orlando Sentinel in September 2013 that she was thinking about acting on complaints filed by Florida residents. Instead she personally solicited donations from Trump for her reelection campaign. After he cut her a $25,000 check — which wasn’t legal, as it came from what was supposed to be a charity fund — Bondi shuttered the fraud case against him. .................(more)
https://www.salon.com/2026/04/03/sorry-pam-bondi-trump-has-no-loyalty/
April 2, 2026
A Florida man apparently dressed for the occasion when he was arrested for trespassing while wearing a stolen jail outfit, authorities said.
Brevard County Sheriff's Office officials said deputies had been called to a hotel on Friday for a guest who was staying past his reservation time and refusing to leave.
Deputies found the man, Farron Fullerton, wearing a full jail outfit and told him he had to leave but he refused, officials said.
When deputies tried to arrest him, he resisted being put in handcuffs but was eventually taken into custody, officials said. ....................(more)
https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/dress-for-arrest-florida-man-in-jail-outfit-arrested-for-trespassing-sheriff-says/3784890/
'Dress for arrest': Florida man in jail outfit arrested for trespassing, sheriff says
A Florida man apparently dressed for the occasion when he was arrested for trespassing while wearing a stolen jail outfit, authorities said.
Brevard County Sheriff's Office officials said deputies had been called to a hotel on Friday for a guest who was staying past his reservation time and refusing to leave.
Deputies found the man, Farron Fullerton, wearing a full jail outfit and told him he had to leave but he refused, officials said.
When deputies tried to arrest him, he resisted being put in handcuffs but was eventually taken into custody, officials said. ....................(more)
https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/dress-for-arrest-florida-man-in-jail-outfit-arrested-for-trespassing-sheriff-says/3784890/
April 2, 2026
A 19-year-old Florida man was arrested after suitcases containing human remains were found in Palm Bay, police said.
Lucas Jones was arrested Sunday and booked into the Brevard County Jail on charges including abuse of a dead human body, improper disposal of human remains, and tampering with evidence in a criminal proceeding, records showed.
On Saturday, Palm Bay Police officers had responded to a remote area called the "Compound" after receiving a report about a suitcase lying on the ground "saturated by vultures," an arrest report said.
Officers found one suitcase that was lying in tall grass an emitting an odor with a flap partially open, the report said. .......................(more)
https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/florida-man-arrested-after-human-remains-found-in-suitcases-saturated-by-vultures-cops-say/3788918/
Florida man arrested after human remains found in suitcases 'saturated by vultures,' cops say
A 19-year-old Florida man was arrested after suitcases containing human remains were found in Palm Bay, police said.
Lucas Jones was arrested Sunday and booked into the Brevard County Jail on charges including abuse of a dead human body, improper disposal of human remains, and tampering with evidence in a criminal proceeding, records showed.
On Saturday, Palm Bay Police officers had responded to a remote area called the "Compound" after receiving a report about a suitcase lying on the ground "saturated by vultures," an arrest report said.
Officers found one suitcase that was lying in tall grass an emitting an odor with a flap partially open, the report said. .......................(more)
https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/florida-man-arrested-after-human-remains-found-in-suitcases-saturated-by-vultures-cops-say/3788918/
Profile Information
Gender: MaleHometown: Detroit, MI
Member since: Fri Oct 29, 2004, 12:18 AM
Number of posts: 79,759