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Ben

@benatlarge.bsky.social
558 followers 114 following 287 posts

Yep, I’m gay. Out since 1997. My opinions are my own. Likes often just mean "I want to read this later." Screenshots are WAY better than giving “engagement” to nonsense.

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Reposted by Ben
Congressman Dwight Evans @repdwightevans.bsky.social · 10h
This president’s priorities could not be clearer.
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Congressman Dwight Evans @repdwightevans.bsky.social · 10h
New AI disinformation efforts are another in a long line of tactics used to disenfranchise Black voters. Ahead of this election, everyone MUST remain vigilant for disinformation and misinformation campaigns. Our vote is our voice, and we cannot let anyone take our power from us.
nytimes.com
Black Voting Groups Prepare for Disinformation Campaigns in the Midterms (Gift Article)
A new “propaganda playbook” aims to demystify common techniques used to target Black Americans, long a powerful voting bloc, with election-related disinformation.
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Dave Weigel @daveweigel.bsky.social · 17h
I also think about Elon saying Biden's DOJ wouldn't prosecute Sam Bankman-Fried because he was a Dem donor... followed by Biden's DOJ nailing SBF, who now posts about how awesome Trump is so he can get a pardon.
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Ben @benatlarge.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Best quote of the day regarding Schmitt during Jack Smith’s congressional hearing: “He pulled the grenade and threw the pin.” 💣 - taraingesq on Threads
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Jill Lawrence @jilldlawrence.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
A good case from @dickpolman.bsky.social that this man’s selfish short-sightedness set us on path to where we are today. Excruciating insights on the wreckage of a legacy. dickpolman.substack.com/p/ralph-nade...
dickpolman.substack.com
Ralph Nader is still a pariah. He deserves to be.
Tilting the ‘00 race to Bush was his original sin. We’re still suffering the consequences.
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Daily Kos @dailykos.com · 29/09/2026
Mike Johnson says Republicans’ plan for the next two years is “exactly what we have been doing already.” Please plan accordingly. Read more here: www.dailykos.com/stories/2026...
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Dave Weigel @daveweigel.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
And the allegation here was that Smith made a shady trip to Atlanta, where he... got first row seats to an NBA game, I assume so that people wouldn't see he was there.
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Josh Marshall @joshtpm.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Quinnipiac. Trump 34% approval. General ballot D+12. Trump job approval lowest for Quinnipiac since Jan 18, 2021.
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Ann M. Lipton @annmlipton.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Oh. www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/dig...
hollywoodreporter.com
YouTube and Meta Reverse Course, Will Accept ‘Musk’ Trailer Ad
The Google unit says the ad was "temporarily restricted" while Meta calls it "an error." TikTok and X remain silent.
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Sahil Kapur @sahilkapur.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Chuck Schumer calls the Jon Husted-led Ratepayer Protection Act “a toothless messaging bill” that Republicans know will fail, telegraphing Dems will block it. He calls it an “ineffectual participation trophy” that makes data center cost policies optional, says Ds want mandatory.
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Daily Kos @dailykos.com · 29/09/2026
It seems like the fact that things are getting hella dire for the GOP’s midterm election prospects may just have broken through the fog of war. Or, because we’re talking about Pete Hegseth, it’s more like it broke through the fog of nicotine pouches, cheap whiskey, and testosterone injections.
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Josh Marshall @joshtpm.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The funniest thing about the Schmitt rake stomp is that if it'd been a Dem we'd have a week of think pieces about how Dems lack of hoops literacy was alienating them from real America.
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Steve Vladeck @stevevladeck.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Just a reminder that this is the same Sen. Schmitt who repeatedly claimed that Chief Judge Boasberg was receiving a disproportionate share of Trump-related cases because he confused the D.C. Superior Court (which has 62 judges) with the D.C. district court (which has 15).
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Josh Marshall @joshtpm.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
omg. yes, they actually have video of him at the game. when does marshall mcluhan walk out and dunk on sen schmitt?
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Congressman Dwight Evans @repdwightevans.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
ANOTHER two years of gutting health care, rubberstamping Trump's war of choice, and letting prices skyrocket?
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Josh Marshall @joshtpm.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
😂😂
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Congressman Dwight Evans @repdwightevans.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Even the Trump-Vance administration estimates the change will cost drivers $1,600 more in fuel costs over the life of a vehicle — and that figure may not fully account for higher gas prices or tariff-taxes affecting the auto industry.
npr.org
Democrat Pete Buttigieg criticizes Trump's rollback of fuel-economy standards
The former transportation secretary says weaker fuel-economy standards could raise long-term costs for drivers and leave U.S. automakers further behind China.
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Congressman Dwight Evans @repdwightevans.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Rather than ending their illegal war that sent gas prices through the roof, the Trump-Vance administration is weakening fuel efficiency standards— which will only lead to consumers needing to fill up their tanks more. Great for Big Oil, but not Pennsylvania drivers!
ibtimes.com
Trump Slashes Fuel Economy Standards: Critics Warn Drivers Will Burn More Gas as Prices Soar
CAFE standards, created following the 1970s energy crisis, regulate how far vehicles must travel on a gallon of fuel.
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Josh Marshall @joshtpm.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
There really is this rash of very weird GOP defenses. Like when Paxton said the guy didn’t do one day in prison. That’s a lie! I put him in for a hard 60 days! Or Marshall saying he didnt get the pregnant woman arrested for late bill. It was for not showing up for the lawsuit over the late bill!
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Jim Lokay @jimlokay.com · 29/09/2026
If you want to really know how the outrage machine gets fired up: 1. Schmitt plans to drop “bombshell” on Smith 2. Someone plants story that Schmitt is a Vance VP contender to run same day 3. Right-wing Twittersphere gets talking points 4. Schmitt steps in it 5. Scheduled tweets go out anyway
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Catherine Rampell @crampell.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Gasoline will have a big impact on September CPI. EIA data show Sep YoY gasoline inflation is 36%. Diesel (not a line item in CPI) will be worse, at 68% YoY. (Diesel demand is half of gasoline by volume; shows up more on the PPI side, and/or embedded in inflation of other goods with lag in CPI)
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Josh Marshall @joshtpm.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Wow, good luck with this, Roger. I didn't have her arrested for owning me $50. I had her arrested for not showing up to court when I sued her for $50. kansasreflector.com/2026/09/28/r...
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Adam Bonin @adambonin.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Two striking results in this week's Economist/YouGov tracker: asked if Trump has accomplished certain goals, even his own voters only give him credit for two: mass deportations and tariffs (which they disfavor). And when asked if he can successfully make a deal with Iran, they have strong doubts.
The Economist/YouGov Poll
September 25-28, 2026-1429 U.S. Registered Voters
14. Trump Actions During Second Term
Which of the following things has Donald Trump done during his second term as President? Check all that apply.
YouGov
Sex
Race
Age
Education
Total
Male
Female
White
Black
Hispanic
18-29
30-44
45-64
65+
No degree
College grad
Run an open and transparent administration
20%
24%
17%
22%
5%
22%
10%
11%
27%
25%
22%
17%
Improved the way government works
22%
26%
18%
25%
6%
20%
14%
18%
24%
28%
23%
20%
Set a high moral standard
13%
16%
11%
14%
7%
16%
10%
11%
16%
15%
16%
9%
Used the office to enrich family and friends
Improved America's standing abroad
48% 46% 49%
44% 57%
54%
39%
50% 48%
51%
43%
55%
22%
26%
18%
24%
8%
24%
13%
17%
28%
25%
23%
21%
Cut taxes
26%
35%
19%
29%
20%
22%
22%
20%
28%
34%
24%
29%
Raised tariffs on imported goods
81%
81%
81%
84%
75%
74%
74%
76%
83%
89%
78%
86%
Deported millions of illegal immigrants
63%
63%
63%
66%
55%
57%
59%
56%
66%
68%
63%
63%
Kept the U.S. out of unnecessary wars
12%
14%
10%
12%
7%
15%
11%
12%
12%
12%
13%
10%
None of the above
6%
5%
7%
5% 11%
7%
6% 10%
4%
5%
7%
5%
Unweighted N
(1,429)
(669)
(760)
(964)
(178)
(190)
(257)
(350)
(456)
(366)
(882)
(547)
Likely
2024 Vote
Ideology
MAGA
Party ID
Total
Voters
Harris
Trump
Lib
Mod
Con
Supporter
Dem
Ind
Rep
Run an open and transparent administration
20%
22%
1%
41%
1%
11%
45%
58%
2%
12%
44%
Improved the way government works
22%
25%
1%
47%
2%
14%
46%
62%
2%
13%
48%
Set a high moral standard
13%
15%
2%
28%
1%
8%
30%
38%
2%
6%
30%
Used the office to enrich family and friends
48%
52%
80%
19%
76%
50%
21%
11%
70%
55%
20%
Improved America's standing abroad
22%
24%
2%
47%
2%
13%
48%
59%
2%
14%
46%
Cut taxes
26%
31%
15%
43%
13%
20%
43%
53%
14%
20%
43%
Raised tariffs on imported goods
81%
87%
86%
80%
85%
79%
81%
82%
83%
81%
80%
Deported millions of illegal immigrants
63%
64%
48%
81%
49%
59%
79%
82%
52%
56%
80%
Kept the U.S. out of unnecessary wars
12%
12%
2%
23%
1%
10%
23%
30%
2%
8%
24%
None of…The Economist/YouGov Poll
September 25-28, 2026-1429 U.S. Registered Voters
23. Chance of Trump Succeeding at Making a Deal with Iran
If President Trump tries to make a deal with Iran, what do you think are his chances of succeeding?
YouGov
Sex
Race
Age
Education
Total
Male
Female
White Black
Hispanic 18-29
30-44
45-64
65+
No degree
College grad
Definitely will succeed
5%
6%
3%
4%
2%
11%
4%
6%
6% 2%
6%
2%
Probably will succeed
15%
20%
11%
15%
10%
19%
22%
16%
15%
10%
15%
16%
Equal chance
34%
31%
37%
33%
47%
33%
36%
36% 34%
33%
36%
32%
Probably will fail
32%
30%
34%
34%
24%
21%
27%
26%
33%
40%
29%
37%
Definitely will fail
14% 13%
14%
13%
16%
17%
10%
16%
13%
15%
14%
13%
Totals
100% (1,426)
100% (669)
99% (757)
101% (190)
99% (257)
100% (349)
101% (455)
100% (365)
100% (880)
100% (546)
Unweighted N
(963)
(176)
Likely
2024 Vote
Ideology
MAGA
Party ID
Total
Voters
Harris
Trump
Lib
Mod
Con
Supporter
Dem
Ind
Rep
Definitely will succeed
5%
5%
1%
8%
1%
2%
10%
13%
2%
2%
10%
Probably will succeed
15%
15%
6%
24%
9%
13%
24%
29%
6%
13%
25%
Equal chance
34%
31%
27%
37%
29%
39%
33%
35%
33%
37%
34%
Probably will fail
32%
34%
44%
23%
42%
31%
25%
18%
38%
35%
24%
Definitely will fail
14%
15%
23%
8%
20%
15%
8%
5%
21%
13%
6%
Totals
100% (1,426)
100%
101% (588)
100% (546)
101% (443)
100% (447)
100% (461)
100% (301)
100% (479)
100% (512)
99%
Unweighted N
(1,005)
(435)
083
Reposted by Ben
Josh Marshall @joshtpm.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Amazing the sides these guys put themselves on
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Josh Marshall @joshtpm.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Sen. Roger Marshall says he didn't have the pregnant patient arrested over a $50 late bill. THAT'S OUTRAGEOUS AND DEFAMATORY!!! He had her arrested for not showing up to court when he sued her for being late for $50.
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Steve Rattner @steverattner.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Inflation from the Iran War is significantly higher for working and middle class Americans than for top earners.
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NBC News @nbcnews.com · 28/09/2026
It’s shaping up to be an expensive winter. Consumers are facing a flurry of added costs in the coming months: ballooning home heating prices, skyrocketing airfares, higher gas prices and package delivery surcharges.
nbcnews.to
The Iran war will have a chilling effect on your wallet this winter
Sky-high airfare, rising gas prices and soaring home heating costs are all squeezing consumers heading into the holiday season.
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Daily Kos @dailykos.com · 29/09/2026
The White House app reportedly tracks your location and includes a keylogger. Don’t download it. www.dailykos.com/stories/2026...
dailykos.com
Trump team wants to control the news—and track your every move
The White House now wants to embed itself in your phone with its official app.
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Richard M. Nixon @dicknixon.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
I was not expecting this, but it is smart.
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David Nir @davidnir.com · 28/09/2026
This move will only draw more attention to the story. Takedown notice sometimes succeed in removing third-party ads b/c stations may conclude the risks of a defamation suit are too high. But they're immune from liability for defamation for *candidate* ads, which this one is. #StreisandEffect
kansasreflector.com
Roger Marshall alleges defamation in new ad about former Kansas patient arrested while in debt • Kansas Reflector
Lawyers for U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, a Republican running for reelection, sent his opponent a cease-and-desist letter demanding the Democrat stop airing an ad featuring one of the senator’s former pa...
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Ryan Goodman @rgoodlaw.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
How clear is it that Trump's taxpayer funded ads are illegal? I explain why it is 10/10 clear. Senate in passing the law: Ban is designed to stop public funds used for "glorification" of an individual official. GAO: funds can not be used for "self-aggrandizement" nor partisan political purposes.
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Congressman Dwight Evans @repdwightevans.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Because Trump refuses to end his illegal war of choice in Iran, American families are going to be feeling even more of a squeeze heading into the holidays.
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Reposted by Ben
The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 28/09/2026
The NFL has asked the Department of Homeland Security to remove a video of Hall of Fame safety Brian Dawkins that the agency posted on social media in support of immigration enforcement.
washingtonpost.com
NFL to DHS: No, you can’t use highlights to promote immigration enforcement
NFL asks DHS to remove video
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Reposted by Ben
Dan Diamond @ddiamond.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Russell Brand, who's awaiting trial in London next month on rape and sexual assault charges, will moderate a panel at DC's MAHA summit tomorrow on reforming a U.S. health agency
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Congressman Dwight Evans @repdwightevans.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Trump wants to expel warmongers from our government? Is he planning to resign??
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Isaac (proud small hat wearer) Gantwerk Mayer @isaacgantwerkmayer.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
this is why i’m not interested in “Bibi told Trump to do this war so it’s Bibi’s fault.” Bibi had told every president since Clinton to bomb Iran. It’s the President’s job to know when a foreign leader is being a bloodthirsty idiot and NOT LISTEN TO THAT GUY. This war is because of Trump.
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Josh Marshall @joshtpm.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The most amazing thing is that this is like a page 29 story across the US
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Brian Finucane @bcfinucane.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Notable that these moves involve usurpations of Congress's constitutional prerogatives. Could be good reasons that this sort of presidential unilateralism is illegal. www.wsj.com/economy/trum...
wsj.com
The Moves That Backfired on Trump and Drove Interest Rates and Inflation Higher
The president’s own agenda has helped undermine promises to fix the economy and get the deficit under control.
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Mark Histed @markhisted.org · 27/09/2026
Doing the January 6th Commission but for DOGE could splash this on TV and social media for weeks. Imagine the impact.
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Mark Hamill @markhamillofficial.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Isn't it nice when there's something we can ALL agree on? #ReleaseTheUnredactedEPSTEIN-Files
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Andy Scollick @andyscollick.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Russia said exactly the same about Ukraine in 2014 - just before sending infantry, tank, airborne and air defence units into Ukraine's Donbas in August 2014. Russia said the same thing again about Ukraine in January 2022 - just before attempting the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
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Timothy Burke @bubbaprog.xyz · 27/09/2026
"Obama tried to freeze Fox out" is a complete lie and it's incredible that Jake Tapper feels the need to both-sides this
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Mike Eliason @holz-bau.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
chat is this good?
all construction dropping massively.
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Jill Lawrence @jilldlawrence.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Unnerving @washingtonpost.com exclusive: US and Russia worked in secret to remove "a range of provisions designed to safeguard the use of artificial intelligence in weapons." For instance, leave targeting to AI, no human review required. Gift link 🎁 wapo.st/4yWadkR
wapo.st
U.S., Russia stripped human oversight from global AI weapons pact
The two nations weakened a range of safeguards in a landmark U.N. effort to try to regulate the use of lethal autonomous weaponry. The global negotiations earlier this month marked the furthest progre...
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Josh Marshall @joshtpm.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
this guy doesn’t seem to know what insurance is
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Pete Buttigieg @petebuttigieg.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
U.S. manufacturing jobs are down under Trump, including in the auto industry. His strategy failed, and so will this. Lowering standards will accelerate what he has already been doing: handing the clean tech future to China and forcing Americans to pay more at the pump.
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David Darmofal @daviddarmofal.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Trump's trying to kill the shift to EVs at a time when you can't afford gas because of him.
nytimes.com
Trump Administration Plans to Gut Clean Car Rules (Gift Article)
New fuel-economy standards, which President Trump said he finalized Saturday, would kill a federal effort to speed the transition to electric vehicles.
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Josh Marshall @joshtpm.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Not many will see this particular nonsense. But the spray of this nonsense is a big part of why Trump is flatlining. The only way he is able to react to public anger/disappointment is by a self-salving acting out. People see him yelling it: I care about myself, not you. Fuck you, people. Sad!
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Josh Marshall @joshtpm.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Your Moment of Trump Zen talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/your-...
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Josh Marshall @joshtpm.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Former PA minister details Sinwar’s pre-Oct. 7 warning to Israel of coming ‘earthquake’ www.timesofisrael.com/former-pa-mi...
timesofisrael.com
Former PA minister details Sinwar’s pre-Oct. 7 warning to Israel of coming ‘earthquake’
Sufian Abu Zaida says secret Israel-Hamas talks were nearing deal for 4 Israeli captives when Hamas chief told him to convey ominous message word for word, shows his handwritten note; Israeli security...
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