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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

There are some things politics should be bipartisan about. On this clip from Principally Speaking, Josh Gillespie discusses the state of proposed AI legislation and why Congress needs to step up action on tech regulation. Watch: youtu.be/zle-ngmZQ64 Listen: open.spotify.com/episode/6dbL...

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

AI growth is exponential, but are we moving too fast? In this clip, we break down why tech CEOs are calling for regulation and what it means to build compassionate AI. Watch: youtu.be/zle-ngmZQ64 Listen: open.spotify.com/episode/6dbL...

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Voters are the ones who elect lawmakers, pay their salaries, and have the power to vote them out. Are we acting like the bosses we are? Josh Rultenberg discusses public pressure, accountability, and how real change happens. YouTube: youtu.be/fq_b3r2qNWo Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/2CSM...

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Today marks the signing of the U.S. Constitution back in 1787—a vital blueprint for a more perfect union that remains an ongoing work in progress. Honoring the framework, the responsibilities of citizenship, and the continuous effort to live up to our highest ideals today.

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

The legal playbook behind redistricting battles is getting increasingly partisan. Rory Riley-Topping joins Principally Speaking to discuss how political strategies in states like Ohio and Missouri are shaping the fight over maps. Watch: youtu.be/fq_b3r2qNWo Listen: open.spotify.com/episode/2CSM...

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

On 9/11, Josh Gillespie was 23 & in his second week as a Hill staffer. Looking back, he reflects on the sounds, the evacuation of the Rayburn Building, the brief wave of bipartisan unity that followed & how it changed his view of American politics. principles1st.substack.com/p/twenty-thr...

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Happening TONIGHT at 7:00 PM ET! "Facts, Truth, & the Rule of Law" public forum in Portland, ME plus there is a live stream available! Keynote: Andrew Weissmann Free admission Details & stream: maineruleoflaw.org

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

How do we protect due process and uphold the rule of law? Join the Maine Lawyers for the Rule of Law on Sept 10 @ 7 PM in Portland, ME for a public forum featuring Andrew Weissmann & expert panelists. We are proud to partner with this event! 🎟️ Free registration & stream: maineruleoflaw.org

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Election security and making it harder for Americans to vote should never go hand in hand. We can protect the integrity of our elections while protecting Americans' access to the ballot.

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

"Americans can only take so much for so long." On @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social, @brittanymartinez.bsky.social breaks down why fatigue with MAGA politics and rising costs could shape the future of the GOP heading into 2028.

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Principles First is proud to partner for "Facts, Truth, and the Rule of Law"—a public forum dedicated to protecting due process and democracy. Sept 10 at 7:00 PM Hannaford Hall (Portland, ME) Featuring keynote speaker Andrew Weissmann Learn more & register: maineruleoflaw.org

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

We're about to go live with Neil Ghosh. Please join us at 1pm. us02web.zoom.us/j/8307492985...

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Will the "normie Republican" ever make a comeback? "The pendulum will always swing." As political dynamics shift toward 2028, something eventually has to give. Watch/Listen to the full discussion on Principally Speaking. YouTube: youtu.be/CpF3_em6oxQ Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/5FH8...

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Is bipartisan leadership making a comeback? AZ Gov. Katie Hobbs choosing former Republican Mesa Mayor John Giles points to a pragmatic approach in a key swing state. Reaching across the aisle might be unconventional today, but could it be effective? Watch this week's podcast: youtu.be/CpF3_em6oxQ

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

“I think it’s better for us to work together than to continue on the path that we are…” Our Executive Director @brittanymartinez.bsky.social was on Fox 5 DC to talk about historic moves in the Arizona gubernatorial race.

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

From political posturing to DOJ accountability, the latest episode of Principally Speaking breaks down what’s really happening behind the headlines. Don't miss out—the new episode is live now! Watch: youtu.be/ls9y4Grk8KI Listen: open.spotify.com/episode/6As3...

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

From Congress avoiding a shutdown to Kansas rejecting partisan judicial elections, major moves are shaping our republic. Responsible stewardship, federalism, and independent courts aren’t administrative details—they’re the pillars of a constitutional republic.

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

“Don’t litigate that in the press—litigate that with your staff… litigate that with your fellow Senators.” On the latest Principally Speaking, @brittanymartinez.bsky.social calls out the endless loop of public political grandstanding. Watch/listen to the full discussion: youtu.be/ls9y4Grk8KI

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Rep. Max Miller is defying bipartisan calls to resign over domestic abuse allegations, while House Speaker Mike Johnson avoids taking a stand. When political expediency is prioritized over moral integrity, public trust suffers. True leadership demands character.

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Two big constitutional battles this week: 1️⃣ Kansas voters face a ballot measure that could replace merit-based judge selection with partisan elections. 2️⃣ Trump plans to revive a $1.8B settlement fund challenging Congress's power of the purse.

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

As Congress heads into August recess, a growing rift between Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader John Thune threatens to fracture the Republican Party over the filibuster and key votes. Full breakdown: www.semafor.com/article/07/3...

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

FEMA approved just 23% of disaster relief requests from Democratic-led states compared to nearly 90% for Republican-led states. Conditioning emergency aid on state policy compliance violates federalism & the rule of law. Disaster assistance must be based on need, not politics. tinyurl.com/28fnrv3x

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Senate "YOLO Caucus" members John Cornyn & Thom Tillis are putting Todd Blanche’s AG nomination in jeopardy. They want written guarantees dismantling a $1.8B fund and limiting Trump's tax audit immunity. With a thin GOP margin, a single "no" vote sinks the confirmation before recess.

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Senate Majority Leader John Thune is balancing floor votes against internal party revolts ahead of the August recess. Key fights include Jay Clayton's DNI nomination, Todd Blanche's AG vote hinging on GOP swing votes and Sen. Mike Lee threatening to force a vote blocking recess over the SAVE Act.

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

This week, Josh Gillespie examines two critical constitutional issues: 🔹 Legislative checks on executive war powers in the FY2027 NDAA 🔹 Dual voter registration under the SAVE America Act & federalism Watch the breakdown:

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Hey, in case you missed it, we now have an official podcast hosted by @brittanymartinez.bsky.social & Josh Gillespie. Check out Principally Speaking - The Podcast on YouTube and Spotify. youtu.be/0yRjWwuZmJk open.spotify.com/episode/2KPG...

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

The standoff on the Senate Judiciary Committee continues over Todd Blanche. Going from serving as a president's personal defense attorney to running DOJ creates conflicts of interest. Auditing conflicts isn't partisan—it’s defending the rule of law. The AG must serve the public not an individual.

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

On the premiere episode of the Principally Speaking podcast @brittanymartinez.bsky.social & Josh Gillespie address many topics, but dive into the real-world impact of foreign policy—from Congressional accountability to rising costs on fuel, fertilizer, & groceries. Links listed below.

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Something special is dropping tomorrow morning... 👀

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

As the Senate considers Acting AG Todd Blanche, all eyes are on swing votes like Sen. Lisa Murkowski. Will the Senate hold the line on institutional integrity, or let policy payouts dictate the DOJ? www.politico.com/news/2026/07...

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

A federal judge just blocked the expansion of the SAVE database to purge voter rolls. Executive overreach threatens privacy and puts eligible American voters at risk of losing their rights. apnews.com/article/trum...

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

"We've got to redesign who we aspire to be. That's going to require a whole lot more than messaging or slogans or throwing out old executive orders...It's going to require disciplined, humble work that absorbs the shock of what we've been through..." Lt. Gen. (Ret.)@markhertling.bsky.social

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

"That's not the America I served when I was wearing the uniform." Retired Lt. Gen. @markhertling.bsky.social reflects on how the foundational assumptions of American foreign policy have been shattered by transactional politics, weakened institutions, and the praise of authoritarian regimes.

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

"We are...living through a tectonic shift, what some would call a rupture and that's in how we see the nation around us because we don't recognize it." - Lt. Gen. (Ret) @markhertling.bsky.social at the #PrinciplesFirst summit.

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Why do US third parties fail? @davidfrum.bsky.social explains why "independent" polling numbers don't equal a new centrist coalition. Instead of a new party, we are seeing fragmentation and "non-joiners.

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

"We need to get it off the books...something that is fundamentally bad policy, unsustainable and needs to be put back in a bottle. I've said that the 1776 Fund has to be certainly and completely ended..." - Sen. Thom Tillis

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

The US election system is messy, local, and highly diffuse—and according to @davidfrum.bsky.social, that’s exactly what protects it. While institutional manipulation is difficult across 9,000 jurisdictions, Frum warns true vulnerability lies in post-election tactics.

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Executive hesitation cannot stall a bipartisan supermajority. On this week's Principally Speaking news audit, Josh Gillespie breaks down how the Constitution's 10-day automatic clock protected a key housing bill from being held hostage. #PrinciplesFirst

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

"Politicians live in the world of the urgent... One of the things that you can do here is live in the world of the important." @davidfrum.bsky.social on why citizen engagement matters & why true principle-based accountability focuses on long-term impact over daily political drama. #PrinciplesFirst

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

A monumental week for the Supreme Court. While executive power expands over independent agencies, the court drew an iron-clad line in the sand to protect individual constitutional rights. Watch this weekend's news audit with Josh Gillespie. #PrinciplesFirst

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

"This is the worst foreign policy blunder in decades." -Republican Senator Bill Cassidy. That's just one of the many Republican voices expressing discontent with Iran MOU.

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

"It's such a waste of taxpayer money...how much more money is it going to cost to fix an issue that didn't exist in the first place." Our Executive Director @brittanymartinez.bsky.social was on The Weeknight on MSNOW talking about the Reflecting Pool scandal.

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Even John Thune knows Principle Three - that no one is entitled to their own facts – regardless of party. #PrinciplesFirst

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

At 5 AM, the Senate passed a $70B border package, but the real knife fight was behind closed doors. Lawmakers narrowly defeated a permanent ban on the admin's $1.8B slush fund. Why? Because Congress doesn't trust the Executive to leave the purse strings alone.

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

"Then the right hand and the left hand need to figure out what the hell they're doing..." Sen. Thom Tillis on the $1.8 billion weaponization fund and the need to codify it's dissolution into law.

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Modern politics wants us to believe that a leader's character is secondary to their policy wins. But a republic built without integrity is a structure built to fracture. We must demand leaders w/the moral conviction to uphold our values. It starts with who we choose to trust. #principlesfirst

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

The strength of our republic relies on the moral conviction of those we elect. When we fail to choose inherently trustworthy leaders, they drag the character of the entire nation down w/them. We can't allow unethical & immoral behavior to be normalized. #PrinciplesFirst #ItsTheCorruptionStupid

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

A major retreat on the $1.8B "Anti-Weaponization Fund" is a massive win for fiscal responsibility & constitutional checks. Lawmakers drew a hard line: taxpayer dollars cannot be used as an unchecked payout fund without rigorous congressional oversight. www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...

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Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Most just want a good life & a government they can trust. It’s not about red or blue—it's about protecting democracy & the rule of law. If you're concerned but new to politics, you're not alone. Get involved with #PrinciplesFirst today: www.principlesfirst.us/get-involved/

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