Smash The Bubble

News and opinion from both the left and the right, mixed together so you can break out of your filter bubble.

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Just Because the AI Doomerism Is Overhyped Doesn't Mean That It Can't Be Dangerous

Merz: the Rise of the AfD Shows Why Free Speech Must Be Curbed

The Retro Fashion of the Wealth Tax

Every few decades, the ideas with the worst track records come back into style.

Why Israel Wants More One-Ton Bombs From the U.S.

The Trump administration plans to deliver 60,000 of the powerful munitions at a time when opposition is growing in Washington to arms sales to Israel.

The Real End of the Arab–Israeli Conflict?

The strategic case for Syria–Israel normalisation.

Against Losing Our Souls Along with Our Liberties

Who are the guys working themselves into the American right to promote white identity politics, monarchism, and other noxious ideas?

Trump Wanted Canada as the 51st State. He Ended Up Pushing It Toward the European Union.

The invitation by the E.U. for Canada to become an “associate member” is a sign of Mr. Trump’s brand of diplomacy, which often involves threatening America’s closest friends.

At Last, the Fed Begins to Do Its Job

Hiking interest rates by a quarter percentage point was a necessary step, but only the first.

Antizionist City

A community that embraces a set of shared beliefs is not necessarily a bad thing, but the value of solidarity depends entirely on the merits of the cause in question.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Massie saying Johnson is sending the House home early to prevent Hegseth impeachment

U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., says the early adjournment by Speaker Johnson blocked his impeachment effort against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

'Good Thing His Wife's the Smart One' - Travis Kelce Hit Hard by Illegal Scammer

The Ape in the Basement

Why is masturbation so shameful?

Workers Split 50/50--Union Political Spending Goes 90% to Dems

At a hearing Tuesday before the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions titled "Out of Touch: When Union Politics Leave Workers Behind," American Accountability Foundation President Tom Jones slams unions for funneling workers' due…

Senate Takes Up Bill to Regulate ‘Wild West’ of Collegiate Sports

Critics argue the legislation would limit the rights of college athletes while maintaining the power and financial gains of schools and coaches.

'Shady As F***': Team Talarico Buying Votes in Texas, $25 a Pop

The Left Is Obsessed With Destroying Sydney Sweeney

Red States Replacing Woke Colleges With Real Education

No longer can students get a degree and not encounter the Bill of Rights, the Civil War, the Pilgrims and Puritans, and the Depression.

The Price of Affirmative Action in Canadian Academia

Podcast host Jonathan Kay speaks with Eric Kaufmann about his new report, ‘⁠The Equity-Excellence Trade-Off: A Study of EDI in the Canada Research Chairs Program⁠’

Russia’s Attempted Attack Inside America Should Be a Turning Point for Trump

The stakes in this game are quite high.

Park Service Steamrolls Through Review of Trump’s Arch

Despite objections from preservationists, final approval for the 250-foot-tall monument appears on track for November.

Claire's Weekly Letter: A Bright September Day

Exclusive: How to Protect Jewish Students, Faculty From 'Jew-Hatred'

Sen. Cassidy says measles surge will be administration’s ‘terrible legacy’

Under questioning by Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Trump’s surgeon general pick Nicole Saphier called a combined vaccine “our greatest tool for combating measles infections.”

Hitchens on Scruton

We do seem to radically discount how disruptive television was to cultural transmission and the education of elites.

House Passes Bill Taking Aim at Data Center Electricity Costs

The measure would direct state regulators to consider rules requiring data centers to cover higher energy costs, but it would not compel them to do so.

The Hidden Divide That Shapes Our Politics

I believe that public policy should be directed toward the common good. Others think that impinges on people's freedom. We need to be honest about this dispute.

First data center bill clears House as both parties scramble for answers on affordability

The Ratepayer Protection Act passed the House with bipartisan support, aiming to stop data center energy costs from raising electric bills for families.

The last day at the Kennedy Center

An eerie silence, empty halls and security guards marked the end, at least for now, of a once-vibrant public space.

Said the Spider to the Fly: EU Issues Invitation to Canada to Be Its First 'Associate'

The Fight for Open-Source AI

Anthropic and OpenAI have reportedly lobbied for regulations to limit open-source versions of large language models.

Democrats begrudgingly hand Trump victory on tariffs in sprawling sanctions bill

Several Democrats joined Republicans to pass the Russia sanctions bill, but critics warn Trump could use broad tariff authority against allies.

Susie Wiles, Trump’s chief of staff, says she is cancer-free

Wiles had continued working at the White House while undergoing treatment.

20 states sue to block Trump admin rule that would make it harder for immigrants to obtain visas, green cards

More than 20 states sued the Department of Homeland Security over a public charge rule that could increase green card denials based on Medicaid and SNAP use.

Democrats embraced AI’s growth before Trump came along; now, they want to slow it down

Barack Obama is urging Washington to slow AI development. But, in 2016, his White House praised the technology as the cutting edge of innovation.

Why the Press Is Hyperventilating Over AI and the Fed

Hat tip to Attorney General Todd Blanche for wondering out loud why all of a sudden the press and the Democratic Party, including President Obama and Senator Bernie Sanders, are suddenly hyperventilating over the hyperscalers on the eve of an impo…

Lawmakers say they are standing at the gates against 'Trojan horses' promoting malign foreign interests

House Foreign Affairs Committee members allege CodePink and other groups serve as "Trojan horses" for foreign influence, calling for transparency and FARA disclosure.

Takeaways From a Wild Primary Season

A look back at the good, the bad and the bizarre from the battles that helped set the stage for the coming midterms.

Hilton's Uphill Fight in California

Wednesday, September 16th on RealClearPolitics - Joined by RCP National Political Correspondent, Susan Crabtree:00:00 Democrats' Impeachment Tell09:22 Iran W...

Vance's Most Important Job in the Midterm Elections

Vance is the RNC's finance chairman and the face of the administration's anti-fraud initiative, but neither of those is his biggest job.

Our Foreign Aid System Is Broken. Thanks to Trump, We Have a Chance to Rebuild It

During my three-decade career as a diplomat and international-development manager, I saw the sector become more wasteful, frivolous, and ideologically self-serving.

A Bright September Day

Reflections on a morning that changed the world as we knew it.

The fine print of the Respect for Marriage Act

Let's start with the positive: Republicans and Democrats are coming together to protect same-sex marriage from the Supreme Court.

China and the U.S. Aren't in a Cold War

They are headed toward something more like a "cold peace."

Democrat candidate seen sobbing, praying in patrol car after DUI arrest: Video

Police video shows Washington state Democrat Krista Perez admitting to drinking wine and begging to go home during her Tacoma DUI arrest in August.

The Importance of State of Louisiana v. FDA

It represents the best opportunity for pro-lifers to place legal limits on telehealth abortions.

Knuckle Down

I recommend this very sweet piece in the Wall Street Journal about one father’s attempt to teach the knuckleball.

The notable legal clouds that continue to hang over Donald Trump

All eyes are on former President Donald Trump, who has launched another White House bid.

Everything you need to know about Biden's student loan forgiveness program

President Joe Biden's federal student loan forgiveness program, which promises to deliver up to $20,000 of debt relief for millions of borrowers, is on hold indefinitely as legal challenges work their way through the courts.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

Go beyond the soundbites and get to know some of the most interesting players in politics.

Houthis and the Media Blowhards

Fox News Poll: Squeezed by costs, frustrated voters turn to the Democrats

Trump's 39% job approval and a 26-point endorsement gap could spell trouble for GOP candidates, a new Fox News survey finds before Election Day.

I Who Never Mackled Less Shall Mackle No More

The Climate Underground

The last time the environmentalist left went ‘underground‘ in America, it produced a campaign of costly economic sabotage and property destruction.

Meet the woman steering Biden's bipartisan winning streak on Capitol Hill

The Biden administration managed to rack up a long list of major legislative wins in its first two years despite facing one of the most closely-divided Congresses in history. From bipartisan action on infrastructure, gun safety and same-sex marria…

The Lie About Islam, Europe and the Dangers We Face

In its latest edition, 'The Economist' presented Islamism and the European far right as two symmetrical threats. They are not, writes Ayaan Hirsi Ali.

We Can Incentivize States to Police Their Own Medicaid Waste

The federal government should stop paying a constant percentage of every dollar spent.

Israel's Most Consequential Election

Israelis go to the polls on 27 October. After seventeen years of Netanyahu, former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot is in the lead.

U.S. Intelligence Warns of China Theft Over Sale of F-35 Jets to Saudis

Internal reports, including one from the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency, say China could acquire U.S. jet technology through spying or cooperation with Saudi Arabia.

‘Out of control’ killings in Spanberger’s Virginia reach ‘insane’ point as migrant charged in stabbing spree

Virginia Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger faces backlash as ICE lodges a detainer on an illegal immigrant charged with murder in a stabbing spree.

It's Not the Role of AI To Self-Regulate or Understand Impacts

In an interview with "Tech Times," Bill Gates argues AI companies cannot be expected to regulate themselves.

Margins of Error

Look closely at almost anything and you'll find data—lots of it. But what are those numbers really saying about who we are and what we believe? Harry Enten is on a mission to find out.

Trump’s arch will harm historic sites but must proceed, federal officials say

National Park Service officials acknowledge that President Donald Trump’s planned arch would harm dozens of historic sites but say it must move forward anyway.

Dem insurgent turns on the charm with party establishment as Schumer leaves bitter feud hanging

Abdul El-Sayed met with Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats at DSCC headquarters in Washington, D.C., but few would say if primary wounds had healed.

Here’s a Guide to the Midterm Sprint

We break down the state of the race.

House holds billionaire Leon Black in contempt over Epstein probe subpoena

Billionaire Leon Black held contempt over Epstein investigation subpoena; Black denies any wrongdoing or any knowledge of Epstein's behavior.

Afghan terrorist gets 20 years for role in deadly 2021 attack at Kabul airport

Thirteen American troops and about 170 Afghans were killed in a suicide bombing at the airport’s Abbey Gate as the U.S. left Afghanistan.

How to argue about regulating AI

Will regulation let China get ahead, or save us from doomsday?

CNN Political Briefing

The political news you need to know, in 10 minutes or less. Hosted by David Chalian.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

The House is heading home ahead of the midterms even earlier than planned

A move to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will now probably be considered after the November elections.

Senate Republicans manage to advance farm bill with McConnell’s return

The measure still faces significant challenges as Democrats demand changes to SNAP provisions.

Tall Merkel: Merz on Free Speech

It may be a low bar, but some of the ideas put forward by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are an improvement on those of Angela Merkel.

This Is the Way the World Ends

Sex is declining because the options seem endless. This is counter-intuitive, but biologically it makes sense.

The End of the World Isn’t Upon Us

Read this and stop weeping.

Why Are Congressional Dems in Hysterics About AI?

Why panic when you could just use existing laws?

More Bad Polling for Tech

The AI panic is just one skiff sailing atop a roiling sea of discontent.

Susie Wiles, Trump’s Chief of Staff, Says She Is ‘Cancer Free’

Ms. Wiles, the first woman to be the White House chief of staff, had said in March that she had breast cancer.

Democrats Favored To Take Senate, But It's Close

Democrats are within striking distance of flipping the Senate, but razor-thin margins and candidate flaws in Texas, Michigan and Maine loom large.

Talarico's Question for Texans: Who's Your Favey-Fave Drag Queen?

Trump emphasizes crime in midterm push in North Carolina

The president made violent crime the central issue in his first large-scale outdoor rally this year and cites the GOP’s 1988 “Willie Horton” attack ad on Democratic nominee Michael S. Dukakis.

Iowa’s Republican Senate candidate not attending JD Vance event

A spokesperson for Rep. Ashley Hinson, who is campaigning on bipartisanship, cited previously scheduled events but declined to say what they are.

House Holds Leon Black in Contempt Over Epstein Subpoenas

The billionaire investor had refused to appear for a deposition and turn over documents to a key panel investigating Jeffrey Epstein.

House passes bill attempting to lower data center costs

The bill, one of Congress’s first efforts to rein in the unpopular facilities, was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support but is unlikely to lower prices immediately.

Richard Landes on Jihad and the Apocalyptic Mind

A medievalist on apocalyptic movements, shame–honour cultures, and why he believes the Western press has spent twenty-five years reporting jihad backwards.

Bad Criticism

Name-calling, guilt-by-association, and other unscrupulous methods of argument are polluting our discourse.

Congress Clears Russia Sanctions Bill, Sending It to Trump

The bipartisan measure targets financing for Russia’s war against Ukraine as attacks intensify. It passed the House over the objections of Democrats who opposed handing President Trump new tariff powers.

House Democrats Expand Map--and Definition of a Democrat

With under seven weeks until Election Day, the party's House campaign arm is backing an Alaskan independent for only the second time in six years.

State Department Extends Visa Ban on Abbas, Other Palestinian Officials

The move would prevent Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of two governing Palestinian groups, from traveling to the United States next week for the United Nations General Assembly.

Hawley takes aim at 'corporate welfare' after GOP-backed tax break boosted controversial industry

Senate Republican Josh Hawley targets opportunity zone tax breaks that tech giants use to build AI data centers, calling the loophole "corporate welfare."

Skid Row forgeries, illegal votes and a mayoral candidate: Election fraud cases pile up nationwide

Noncitizen voting and fraudulent voter registration cases were announced across several states this week, adding to DOJ's growing election fraud prosecutions from recent weeks.

Daycare Scammers Get Scooped Up in San Diego and Patel Drops a BOOMITY

How Kyrsten Sinema's decision makes Democrats' 2024 Senate map tighter

Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema decided to shake up the political world on Friday by becoming an independent. The former Democrat is still caucusing with the party in the Senate, so the Democratic caucus still has 51 members. Now, instead of 49 Democr…