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Jen Rubin

@jenrubin.bsky.social
321K followers 892 following 4.7K posts

Editor-in-chief of The Contrarian, Premier League and tennis fan, dog and art lover, democracy defender, and pro-Oxford comma. Book and travel recommendations welcomed.

PostsRepliesMedia
Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 11h
how will Trump react to his pal Putin now? www.economist.com/europe/2026/...
economist.com
The plague may have escaped from a lab in Siberia
Russian secrecy means it is unclear how grave the threat is
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Reposted by Jen Rubin
Simon Rosenberg @simonwdc.bsky.social · 11h
White House officials are going to regret taking this ridiculous sh*tshow on the road. He's going to do more to hurt the Rs than help them as he stumbles into key battlegrounds in the coming weeks.
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 12h
If Ellison were smart he’d realize he doesn’t need CBS News anymore - its reputation is destroyed and the future of broadcast TV is nil. Close it, fire Weiss and give 60 Min to CNN to save
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 13h
his voters bear the brunt of his insanity...
open.substack.com
Public Opinion Gets to Trump
Taxpayers won’t pay for his silly ads trying to bolster his toxic brand.
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 13h
Imagine what the polling must have looked like. The backlash to Trump’s creepy taxpayer ads was so intense he is now saying his super PAC will pay for them. (We will need to monitor whether he follows through with that promise!) The power of public opinion when galvanized is something to behold
open.substack.com
Public Opinion Gets to Trump
Taxpayers won’t pay for his silly ads trying to bolster his toxic brand.
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 15h
do not miss!!!
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 17h
Dems need to bring him in for full hearings
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Connie Schultz @connieschultz.bsky.social · 18h
Today is the first day of early voting in Ohio! We just voted at Franklin County Board of Elections. What a warm welcome from everyone working there. True public servants. If you are voting today, please share your photo in this thread. Photo by Jacey Schank.
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 20h
By lopping off his full replies and interweaving explanatory narrative, reporters often wind up sanitizing Trump’s babbling
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 20h
An “interview” denotes responsive answers — not a stream of non sequiturs, insults, and outbursts. A few commentators ventured that the session was “grievance”-filled or “emotional,” but even that falsely suggests some orderly presentation of reality-based complaints in response to questions
open.substack.com
Words & Phrases: A Crazy Rant Isn’t a ‘Speech’ or an ‘Interview’
🚨 28 Days to the Midterms 🚨
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 20h
this is the BEST Trump is going to be from here on out:
open.substack.com
Words & Phrases: A Crazy Rant Isn’t a ‘Speech’ or an ‘Interview’
🚨 28 Days to the Midterms 🚨
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 23h
chaos will bolster the far right ... very dangerous for France, Europe and democracy www.nytimes.com/2026/10/06/w...
nytimes.com
Strikes, Barricades and Fiscal Turmoil: An Autumn of Discontent Grips France
Chaos in schools, on the streets and in the markets is rooted in France’s struggles to fund its social welfare state, with a presidential election approaching.
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 23h
mismangaged, weak, incompetenet, low-T Pentagon
nytimes.com
Potential Iranian Drone Attack Led to Exit of U.S. Aircraft From British Air Base
According to U.S. and British officials, 12 B-1 Air Force bombers from R.A.F. Fairford air base were withdrawn because of the risk of a drone attack ordered by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps...
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Ezra Levin ❌👑 @ezralevin.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
That was me - i said that.
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Cowardly retreat under low testosterone Secty Defense and addled POTUS
wsj.com
Threat of Iranian Drone Attack Prompted U.S. to Pull Bombers From U.K. Base
The planned attack was part of a broader Iranian plot to target the aircraft and kill American pilots at RAF Fairford, officials said.
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
THIS!!
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Smart and sober piece:
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Who’s the communist? The Guardian reported: “By November of last year, the Trump administration had spent more than $10bn taking stakes in companies he deemed essential for national security, from Intel to a range of ventures mining for critical minerals."
open.substack.com
Polling Disasters for MAGA
Trump loses Latinos and his graft continues.
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Texas re-redistricting may turn out to be a HUGE blunder:
open.substack.com
Polling Disasters for MAGA
Trump loses Latinos and his graft continues.
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
who the fuck cares what he has to say??
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
whiny weakling: “I’ve never been in a race where I felt less control over the campaign and, like, what issues are going to matter because it’s all coming — you know — from D.C." www.politico.com/news/2026/10...
politico.com
Campaign ‘all coming from DC,’ Paxton says
“I don’t control message or what we’re doing,” Texas GOP Senate candidate Ken Paxton said during a small fundraising event in September.
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Unfuckingbelievable.... violates every canon of good, independent pro-democracy journalism www.contrariannews.org/p/you-can-he...
contrariannews.org
You Can Help Improve Legacy Media
🚨33 Days to the Midterms🚨
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Rs could have taken back tariff authority, cut off war funding, reined in ICE to, refused to confirm unfit Cabinet secretaries and a weak Federal Reserve chairman. And, most of all, they could have rejected the Big, Ugly bill. They didnt and now dread Trump coming to their district/state. KARMA
open.substack.com
Please, Mr. President, Campaign For My Republican Opponent!
🚨 29 Days to the Midterms 🚨
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
The regime’s utter contempt for voters’ economic woes (Vice President JD Vance lectures them to stop worrying about “little things”) leads Trump and his flunkies to make ever-more cringeworthy comments that, if anything, will only infuriate voters.
open.substack.com
Please, Mr. President, Campaign For My Republican Opponent!
🚨 29 Days to the Midterms 🚨
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
and wehn he shows up cluelessly bragging he just sinks the Rs
open.substack.com
Please, Mr. President, Campaign For My Republican Opponent!
🚨 29 Days to the Midterms 🚨
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Low testosterone retreat from Hegseth
nytimes.com
U.S. Rushes to Withdraw Bombers From U.K. Air Base After New Threats
The withdrawal came with unusual speed, following what U.S. officials said were threats of an Iran-based plot against the installation.
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Until they find, I duuno, 1000 real voters (not DC insiders, pollsters, lobbyist, media types) who want Rahm Emanuel to run for president how about no stories or interviews? The legacy media look like morons slobering over him.
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Tom Joscelyn @tomjoscelyn.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
The MAGA Monoculture will lose. A new day is coming for the American Multiculture.
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
PLEASE: spend the money, they'll lose anyway and that $ will not go to Iowa, Kansas, SC, Florida, Miss, etc.
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Polling USA @usapolling.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Trump's Net-Approval On The Economy In: 🔴Texas: -18% 🔴Kansas: -18% 🔴Alaska: -19% 🔴Ohio: -27% 🔴Iowa: -28% Siena / Oct 1, 2026
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Mark Jacob @markjacob.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
And this story quotes Corey Lewandowski as if he's an honest observer of contemporary politics. How awful does a person have to be to not get legitimized by the New York Times?
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Following CNN report of massive conflict of interest with Israeli defense firms
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
In excusable, nostalgia drenched coverage in lieu of exacting account of mentally unstable rants. This is truly reprehensible non-journalism. See: www.contrariannews.org/p/you-can-he...
nytimes.com
In Alabama, Trump Relives His Glory Days (This Time With Some Empty Seats)
The Deep South was the birthplace of the mega MAGA rally. How do people on the Gulf feel about President Trump now?
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Loser
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
But R's wouldn't listen whenn we raised the 25thA! now they are stuck with the mad king
nytimes.com
Trump Directed Use of Taxpayer Money for Ads Praising His Presidency
The government-funded ads show just how much President Trump has been able to use federal money for his own aims.
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
A Trump humiliation again: Kennedy Center Honors will move to Capital One Arena as closure drags on With two months to go until the center’s marquee event, honorees and other details remain a mystery.
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Hochul reams DA for not investigating Cornell rape allegation. Names Letitia James special prosecutor. Kudos to former Westchester County District Attorney and Contrarian contributor Mimi Rocah for laying out the failures of the DA and recommending the option of a special prosecutor.
open.substack.com
The Trump Economy Stinks
And New York Gov. Hochul shows true leadership.
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Trump economy still stinks. U.S. nonfarm payrolls added only 29,000 jobs, well below expectations, in September while unemployment rose to 4.2 percent. July and August jobs numbers were revised downward by 60,000. Good luck to Republicans spinning this away.
open.substack.com
The Trump Economy Stinks
And New York Gov. Hochul shows true leadership.
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
NEW! Catch Up On Culture With Me ... DO NOT MISS. the most lively, well written and relevant cuture column you will read open.substack.com/pub/contrari...
open.substack.com
NEW! Catch Up On Culture With Me
Exclusive interviews, deep dives, and recommendations, delivered to your inbox every other week.
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
The Israeli plumber! www.nytimes.com/2026/10/02/w...
nytimes.com
The Mother’s Scream That Sent Passengers to the Rescue
A badly wounded Indian pilot managed to unlock the cockpit door. Four Israeli men teamed up to overwhelm an attacker and avert disaster.
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Hochul said the fact that the Tompkins County district attorney did not interview Jane Doe after receiving the police dept. 6-pg report is “exactly why we’re here today and why I took the action last night.” She called the information about the inital invest. “very contradictory and conflicting.”
nytimes.com
Hochul Names Letitia James as Special Prosecutor in Cornell Case
Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed the state attorney general to investigate a former Cornell University student’s allegation of rape. The woman has sued seven men in connection with the alleged assault.
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Given how shitty the jobs numbers, DEMS would pay for ads with Trump touting his record... oh please, MR. President, come campaign for my opponent!!
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Trump economy still stinks: U.S. nonfarm payrolls increase by 29,000 in September, less than expected; unemployment rises to 4.2% www.cnbc.com/2026/10/02/j...
cnbc.com
Labor market faltered in September as jobs increased by just 29,000, unemployment rate rose to 4.2%
Nonfarm payrolls were expected to increase by 84,000 in September while the unemployment rate held at 4.1%.
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Trump wound up unleashing DC civic pride in the arts:
open.substack.com
Undaunted Arts in D.C.
🚨32 Days to the Midterms🚨
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
In response to the mad, boorish, wanna-be king, repeated, public displays of affection for the Kennedy Center have erupted.
open.substack.com
Undaunted Arts in D.C.
🚨32 Days to the Midterms🚨
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Acyn @acyn.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
El-Sayed responds to JD Vance clip: Low T JD. It's always funny, man. He just brings the energy down every time you hear him talk.
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Gov Hochul seems to have followed this sound advice from @mimirocah1.bsky.social
ms.now
Opinion | How the Tompkins County DA set itself up for failure in the Cornell rape case
It appears the Tompkins County district attorney’s office failed to properly follow up with standard practices for cases involving sexual assault allegations when the initial complaint was made in 202...
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
We Keep Failing Women... brilliant, timely and infuriating open.substack.com/pub/contrari...
open.substack.com
We Keep Failing Women
It is the badge of a degraded democracy that certain men will not be held to account.
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
CBS showed it will be handmaiden on behalf of its MAGA patrons. But plenty of execs, editors, and journalists at other outlets are looking to recover their audiences and their integrity. Improving their coverage by offering guidelines supported by engaged news consumers can only help.
open.substack.com
You Can Help Improve Legacy Media
🚨33 Days to the Midterms🚨
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
What we lose when the legacy media gameifies politics:
open.substack.com
You Can Help Improve Legacy Media
🚨33 Days to the Midterms🚨
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