Sign in

Andrew Bates

@andrewbatesnc.bsky.social
2.5K followers 398 following 101 posts

Managing director w/ Orchestra's advisory practice. Former Biden White House Senior Deputy Press Secretary. Winston-Salem native. NC State alum.

PostsRepliesMedia
Andrew Bates @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Via @danmerica.bsky.social www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
washingtonpost.com
Analysis | Trump’s poll numbers just took another turn for the worse
The president of the United States is more unpopular than he has ever been, according to a series of polls of American voters ahead of the 2026 midterms.
010
Andrew Bates @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Talked w/ @washingtonpost.com about the need to constantly hold Republican midterm candidates accountable for Trump's unpopular record. Both control DC & the congressional GOP green-lit his war with Iran, tax cuts for billionaires, and corruption. They own all the baggage together.
220
Andrew Bates @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Talked with @juliegraceb.bsky.social for @sourcessaynews.bsky.social about how, going into 2026, the White House keeps insulting the swing voters who are still waiting on the lower prices and global stability they were promised in 2024.
011
Andrew Bates @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Talked with @gregsargent.bsky.social for @newrepublic.com's "Daily Blast" podcast about new midterm polls and how swing voters increasingly view Republicans in Congress as selling out to a cost-raising, promise-breaking establishment that's more corrupt than anything we've ever seen.
101
Andrew Bates @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Congressional Republicans promised to fight the "establishment," but they aren't lifting a finger to investigate Trump's unprecedented corruption - even though it's raising costs for everyday people. Good conversation with @jimacosta.bsky.social.
033
Andrew Bates @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Talked with @jimacosta.bsky.social about how it was a mistake for Trump to attack the Obama Iran deal today because Obama's actually worked. It just reminds people that @barackobama.bsky.social is a better negotiator than Donald Trump is, right as the Iran War restarts and gas prices surge again.
131
Andrew Bates @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
www.nbcnews.com/politics/202...
nbcnews.com
Democratic rising stars who spoke at the party’s 2024 convention keep losing
Mallory McMorrow, Jack Schlossberg and Jasmine Crockett are among the Democrats who spoke at Kamala Harris’ nominating convention, only to fall short in primaries this cycle.
020
Andrew Bates @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Talked with @nbcnews.com about how the threat Trump posed to Democrats' values meant that we didn't spend enough time listening to voters. Which made us seem like we thought defending institutions or pushing cancel culture were bigger priorities than economic opportunity and safety.
120
Andrew Bates @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
www.huffpost.com/entry/abdul-...
huffpost.com
The GOP Is Boosting A Progressive Candidate In Michigan. He Says He'll Make Them 'Rue The Day.'
Abdul El-Sayed is very confident he can win the state's Senate race, and the establishment might not be able to convince voters otherwise.
000
Andrew Bates @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Talked w/ @robillard.bsky.social about the false choice between risk-averse old guard types on one hand and candidates from the bluest parts of cities who want to "abolish" prisons on the other. Most Democrats winning primaries to flip GOP seats are economic populists building a big tent.
210
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Trump’s profiteering in office was once unimaginable in a democracy, particularly by a sitting American president. The Trump family’s earnings move him into an echelon of enrichment more associated with strongmen in Russia and Turkey. www.nytimes.com/2026/07/02/w...
nytimes.com
Trump’s Huge Windfall Has Few Known Global Precedents
75836279
Andrew Bates @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Via @lauren-egan.bsky.social www.thebulwark.com/p/democrats-...
thebulwark.com
Dems Bet Trump’s Numbers are Gassed, No Matter What
The president hopes the ceasefire with Iran and falling gas prices will help him politically. History suggests otherwise.
000
Andrew Bates @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Talked w/ @thebulwark.com online about how Democrats will keep hammering Republican candidates about gas prices and Iran for the rest of 2026. Trump's rubber stamps in Congress will never have a good answer for angry voters who were promised an end to inflation and no new wars.
100
Andrew Bates @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Trump used to say we've spent too much on wars in the Middle East and we need to invest at home. But now he says we can't pay for daycare or Medicaid because of his Iran War. In November the GOP will desperately wish they hadn't supported this.
151
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
STATEMENT ON OUR COMING LAWSUIT TO STOP TRUMP'S ELECTION EO from @lulacorg.bsky.social @democracydefendersfund.org @campaignlegal.org
441551377
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Zeteo @handle.invalid · 12/02/2026
Can the Courts Rein Trump In? Fmr. White House Special Counsel Weighs In • John Harwood asks Norm Eisen whether the Supreme Court has enabled Trump’s lawlessness.
zeteo.com
Can the Courts Rein Trump In? Fmr. White House Special Counsel Weighs In
John Harwood asks Norm Eisen whether the Supreme Court has enabled Trump’s lawlessness.
094
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Democracy Defenders Action @democracydefendersaction.org · 06/02/2026
If the Epstein files feel incomplete, it’s because they are. We still don’t have full transparency ... and absolutely no one deserves protection but the victims.
thedailybeast.com
Bondi Busted Hiding Trump Goons’ Messages From the Epstein Files
Communications from Bondi and other top administration officials were conspicuously absent.
10364128
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
Who does DOJ think they're fooling? The 3 MILLION Epstein files they're holding back r obviously full of stuff that should be turned over eg internal comms among Trump cronies We have the receipts & lay them out in our complaint to OIG. @axios.com has the exclusive www.axios.com/2026/02/06/e...
axios.com
Missing records from Bondi and Patel draw scrutiny in Epstein release
The complaint calls it "deeply troubling" that no communications from Bondi or Patel appear in the ream of documents.
441048395
Andrew Bates @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Trump broke his promise to focus on deporting violent criminals. ICE is harassing innocent people instead. ICE's billions in new funding came at the expense of health care, like Democrats from @hakeem-jeffries.bsky.social to @aoc.bsky.social are pointing out
142
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
BREAKING: huge, gigantic, enormous win SCOTUS allows our big victory at trial upholding the Prop 50 redistricting to remain in place Kudos to my @democracydefendersaction.org, @lulacorg.bsky.social, Arnold & Porter & rest of the coalition that countered Trump's attempt to steal Congressional seats
1073387601
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Bill Press @billpress.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Looks like Affordability will be front & center in the midterms. Two advisors from the Cost Coalition, @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social and Terry Holt on the pod today. I started with the basics. What do people mean when they say, "Affordability?" bit.ly/Click-2-Listen YouTu.be/yAHMubn3EE8
064
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Aaron Stewart-Ahn @badideas.bsky.social · 25/01/2026
A video of Alex Pretti reading out the final salute of an unnamed veteran he cared for until the end of his life in the ICU, posted to Facebook by his son.
10054689718036
Andrew Bates @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Talked with BBC about how it's good that Trump pulled back from what would be the worst real estate deal in U.S. history But that it's a huge giveaway to our competitors when we tell allies we don't care if you've lost soldiers defending America
130
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
NEW: Trump wanted to be a dictator One year in, he has so far FAILED because of the enormous pushback @DDFund’s new report shows how the democracy movement met his autocratic flood the zone with rule of law shock & awe www.democracydefendersfund.org/autocracy-v-...
democracydefendersfund.org
Autocracy vs. Democracy in America: The First Year
This report evaluates the first year of the Trump administration’s authoritarian surge and the overall resilience of our democracy. The administration has inflicted profound damage, but our battered d...
1115252
Andrew Bates @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
-Using our best traditions to build the most inclusive case possible for reform -Overcoming bigotry with unity zeteo.com/p/jim-hunts-...
zeteo.com
Jim Hunt’s Timeless Lessons Can Revitalize the Democratic Party
The story of a farmer whose belief in everyday people made North Carolina an economic powerhouse and defeated bigots has new promise in 2026 and 2028.
030
Andrew Bates @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
Wrote for @zeteo.com about how the legacy of 4-term NC Governor Jim Hunt, who passed away last month, has new relevance for Democrats in 2026 and 2028. -Framing investments in working people - especially education - as a measure of community pride
140
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Zeteo | Substack @zeteo.com.web.brid.gy · 04/01/2026
zeteo.com
Jim Hunt’s Timeless Lessons Can Revitalize the Democratic Party
The story of a farmer whose belief in everyday people made North Carolina an economic powerhouse and defeated bigots has new promise in 2026 and 2028.
021
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
“His biggest problem is that costs are continuing to go up, and he promised people they would go down, and whenever people see him creating some other kind of a problem, rather than buckling down and trying to un-break that key promise, they turn against him more,” says @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social.
washingtonpost.com
How Trump’s foreign intervention could shake up the midterm elections
Democrats immediately argued that U.S. military action in Venezuela was an abandonment of the president’s promise to focus on improving lives at home.
042
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
BREAKING: We are suing Trump & his cronies to restore the Kennedy Center’s lawful name We @democracydefendersaction.org are proud to represent Kennedy Center Trustee @repbeatty.bsky.social w/ our friends at Washington Litigation Group Congress named the Kennedy Center & only they can change it
democracydefendersaction.org
Press Release | Democracy Defenders Action
Congresswoman Joyce Beatty today sued President Trump and others to stop the unlawful renaming of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The lawsuit was brought on behalf of the Congressw...
1123716792
Reposted by Andrew Bates
The Weeknight on MS NOW @weeknightmsnow.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
“Would a lame duck build himself an assisted living ballroom?”: Eleven months into his second term, Donald Trump’s agenda is stalling, fueling questions about whether he has already become a lame duck president. The Weeknight panel weighs in.
83811
Andrew Bates @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
More corrupt knee-bending. Instacart illegally fired an employee for exercising her right to run for Congress as a Democrat, saying they were worried about how the Trump Administration would respond to her support for reproductive rights and gun reform. www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
washingtonpost.com
Instacart director says she was fired for Democratic congressional campaign
Lisa Vedernikova Khanna, a candidate in Virginia, says in a lawsuit that the mobile shopping giant cited concerns her bid could hurt the company with President Donald Trump.
032
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Geoff Garin @geoffgarin.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
In the new Emerson poll in TN 07, 97% of Harris voters support Aftyn Behn (D) and 88% of Trump voters support Matt Van Epps (R). If that pattern holds across races in 2026 and there is a slight Democratic turnout edge, Democrats would be favored in any CD that Trump won by 12 points or less.
1115
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
BREAKING: We won! 3rd Circuit affirms illegality of Habba appointment We @democracydefendersfund.org are honored to work on this case with the wonderful folks at Lowell & Associates, Gerald Krovatin & many others 👇
455174023213
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 22/11/2025
From the problems created by his old friend Epstein to those presented by his new friend Zohran.... this was Trump's weakest week. I explain in my weekly column @contrariannews.org open.substack.com/pub/contrari...
open.substack.com
Has Trump’s Power Peaked?
Publisher's Roundup 45
421041
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Simon Rosenberg @simonwdc.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
It’s remarkable how bad right-leaning polling has gotten for Trump. Cygnal and McLaughlin have sent big warnings about 2026. Echelon found him dropping 8 points. TIPP showed him losing 10. Now this - Fox has him dropping 9 points. No illusions now. They know they are in a bad place.
2330785
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
NJ voters: keep on turning out to the Polls today! Some voter suppression BS going on in with bomb threats to Democratic precincts The threats have now been officially determined to be NON CREDIBLE. Voting is perfectly safe, it's a beautiful day, make your choices known!
12335145
Reposted by Andrew Bates
NY Times Pitchbot @nytpitchbot.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
The Trump family's multibillion dollar crypto fortune raises new questions about the prices of Hunter Biden's paintings.
1076094
Andrew Bates @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
"The bottom line is that Americans cannot afford to have their premiums skyrocket and, politically, Republicans cannot afford another broken economic promise to everyday Americans." www.foxnews.com/opinion/trum...
foxnews.com
Trump's shutdown is jackpot for billionaires while working Americans pay
President Donald Trump faces criticism for breaking campaign promises on healthcare costs while his tariffs and policies drive inflation higher for Americans.
011
Andrew Bates @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Wrote for @foxnews.com.web.brid.gy about how 2/3 of Trump voters agree w/ Democrats that he should not take health care from millions. As polls get even worse for him, Trump should "admit he got this wrong, reach back out to Democrats and his own voters, and end his health care shutdown."
151
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Sahil Kapur @sahilkapur.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
👀 Marjorie Taylor Greene breaks with Republicans on Obamacare funding, saying she’s not a fan of the law but demands action to prevent a premium hike. “I’m absolutely disgusted that health insurance premiums will DOUBLE if the tax credits expire this year.” She says GOP leaders don’t have a plan.
1851792457
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Acyn @acyn.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
Oregon AG Rayfield: Huge win at this moment in our democracy right now. This is the president that is normalizing the use of the United States military in our country. So to get this strong of a ruling out today for the public to see—it’s incredibly important.
14095702695
Reposted by Andrew Bates
YouGov America @today.yougov.com · 04/10/2025
Oct 3 poll of 2,811 U.S. adults (+/-2.4%) % of U.S. adults saying Democrats' bigger goal in congressional shutdown talks is to: Preserve Affordable Care Act tax credits & restore Medicaid funds 61% Expand Medicaid benefits to immigrants in the U.S. illegally 13% today.yougov.com/topics/polit...
YouGov survey results by political party for the question, Which do you think is the more important goal for Congressional Democrats in government shutdown negotiations?
722983
Andrew Bates @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
Trump in 2011: A shutdown is "a tremendously negative mark on the President of the United States. He's the one that has to get people together."
062
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Simon Rosenberg @simonwdc.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
New WaPo poll: Extend ACA subsidies 71%-29% Blame Rs for shutdown 47% Blame Ds for shutdown 30% Dems winning the big arguments so far www.washingtonpost.com/politics/int...
washingtonpost.com
We asked 1,000 Americans who is to blame for the shutdown. Here’s what they said.
More Americans blame Trump and Republicans than Democrats for shutdown, poll finds.
17330117
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
An extraordinary statement from more than 40 former federal judges & state high court ones appointed by both D's & R's They condemn Trump's abuse of DOJ powers & his prosecution of Comey We @democracydefendersfund.org were proud to support! www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus...
nbcnews.com
James Comey case jeopardizes Americans' free speech rights, retired judges warn
A group of retired judges said Trump "continues to corruptly abuse the power of his office" by directing the Justice Department to target "his critics and his perceived political enemies."
7505171
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
BREAKING: We are going to court to stop the Trump administration’s abuse of the coming shutdown to illegally RIF employees So proud to be part of this lawsuit w/ AFGE @afscme.bsky.social @democracyforward.org & Altshuler Berzon Here’s the complaint democracydefendersfund.org/prs/9.30.25-pr
211215289
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Adam Keiper @adamkeiper.com · 29/09/2025
An interesting argument from Ed Whelan at EPPC: He makes the case that Lindsey Halligan's appointment is invalid. www.nationalreview.com/bench-memos/...
nationalreview.com
Re: Was Lindsey Halligan Validly Appointed as United States Attorney? | National Review
Some further reinforcing comments on my post last Friday in which I explained why, based on the facts as I understand them, I believe that Lindsey Halligan has not been validly appointed as United …
44016
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Acyn @acyn.bsky.social · 28/09/2025
Oregon AG Rayfield: I know for a fact, from talking to cities across Oregon, that if you pick up the phone and ask, “What could be helpful?” the answer would not be the United States military.
218126063069
Reposted by Andrew Bates
Justice Allison Riggs @allisonjriggs.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
A little more than two years ago, Governor Cooper first appointed me to serve as your N.C. Supreme Court Justice. Thank you for electing me to keep that seat, and I pledge to continue serving the people of this state without fear or favor.
0368
Andrew Bates @andrewbatesnc.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
.@mediaite.com: "Ex-Biden Adviser Says Trump Crackdown ‘Disrespectful To Charlie Kirk’s Memory’" www.mediaite.com/online/ex-bi...
mediaite.com
Ex-Biden Adviser Says Trump Crackdown ‘Disrespectful To Charlie Kirk’s Memory’
Andrew Bates said the perceived President Donald Trump -led crackdown on speech is "disrespectful to the memory" of slain activist Charlie Kirk.
142