Sign in

Jonathan Freedland

@jonathanfreedland.bsky.social
24K followers 442 following 560 posts

Guardian columnist. Presenter: BBC R4's The Long View, the Guardian's Politics Weekly America and Unholy, alongside Yonit Levi. Author: THE TRAITORS CIRCLE

PostsRepliesMedia
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
The Green party motion on Zionism shows little understanding of what Zionism is, who Jews are or how antisemitism works. Latest column www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
The Green party’s anti-Zionism motion is yet another attempt to tell Jews how we should think | Jonathan Freedland
The resolution shows little understanding of what Zionism is, who Jews are or how antisemitism works, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
144714
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Is James Talarico about to become the first Democrat to take Texas in decades? Latest Politics Weekly America is a deep dive with Texas political sage @jhenson.bsky.social open.spotify.com/episode/0ld2...
open.spotify.com
Can the Democrats take Texas?
Politics Weekly America · Episode
2182
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The latest Unholy Conversation is one of the most fascinating we've done. It's with Mansour Abbas, a Palestinian citizen of Israel and leader of the Islamist party, Ra'am - who may just end up as kingmaker after the 27 October election open.spotify.com/episode/0Pj1...
open.spotify.com
Mansour Abbas: The Man who would be Kingmaker
Unholy: Two Jews on the News · Episode
1103
Reposted by Jonathan Freedland
Robert Saunders @robertsaunders.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Burnham's speech marks perhaps the best opportunity to replace First Past the Post since 1918. I joined @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social & @lucyfisher.ft.com recently on "The Long View" to explore the history of electoral reform in Britain - & the lessons we might learn. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
bbc.co.uk
BBC Radio 4 - The Long View, Electoral reform
Jonathan Freedland takes the long view of electoral reform.
716035
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Delighted that Waterstones have named The Traitors Circle one of their Paperbacks of the Year 2026. Remember: it's never too early to start your Christmas/Chanukah/birthday present buying...
2112
Reposted by Jonathan Freedland
Unholy Podcast @unholypod.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
28 days to E-DAY. At least once a day, we'll share a term related to Israeli elections. If you listen to Unholy regularly, you probably heard these before. Follow us to get the 101 on Israeli elections.
033
Reposted by Jonathan Freedland
draiglerpwl.bsky.social @draiglerpwl.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
As one of the fourteen, I think that Jonathan Freedland has pretty much summed up everything I believe about ...Up. A thoughtful and perceptive piece. Thank you.
48825
Reposted by Jonathan Freedland
Cog to Gear @cogtogear.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Profound - and a beautiful piece of writing from @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
The makers of the 7 Up series set out to prove a point about class. What they achieved is far more profound | Jonathan Freedland
The epic documentary series reveals much about the shifting social attitudes of the last 60 years – and much more about the quiet mystery of human life, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
045
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Reflections on the final chapter of the documentary series 7 Up - and the quiet, ordinary mystery of human life. Latest column www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
The makers of the 7 Up series set out to prove a point about class. What they achieved is far more profound | Jonathan Freedland
The epic documentary series reveals much about the shifting social attitudes of the last 60 years – and much more about the quiet mystery of human life, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
46010
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Who's on the ballot in next month's Israeli elections and who will be kept off? Plus: German angst - and Wayne Rooney's Jewish discovery. Latest Unholy linktr.ee/unholypod
linktr.ee
Unholy Podcast | Linktree
Weekly podcast hosted by Yonit Levi and Jonathan Freedland, serving unbuttoned and unapologetically Jewish opinions, every Friday.
170
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Is Donald Trump losing his power to terrify his foes, at home and abroad? My colleague Shrai Popat and I assess the evidence - in the latest Politics Weekly America open.spotify.com/episode/5tFJ...
open.spotify.com
Trump loses the fear factor
Politics Weekly America · Episode
090
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Why the Israeli opposition fears next month’s election could be the last. Latest column www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
This Israeli election could be the country’s last – this week I saw that for myself | Jonathan Freedland
Spend time on the ground and you see how high the stakes are for next month’s contest – for Israelis and Palestinians alike, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
7249
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
What is it with Trump and AI? Even as the AI giants warn that their product is dangerous, the president says everything is just fine. For the latest Politics Weekly America, I break it all down with Guardian US tech editor Blake Montgomery open.spotify.com/episode/4Ne8...
open.spotify.com
Is Trump’s AI obsession walking the world into disaster?
Politics Weekly America · Episode
280
Reposted by Jonathan Freedland
David A. Graham @dgraham.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Belatedly sharing this conversation with the great @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social about Jon Ossoff: www.theguardian.com/politics/vid...
theguardian.com
Is Jon Ossoff the key to Democratic success in 2028? | Politics Weekly America
This week, Jonathan Freedland speaks to David A. Graham of the Atlantic about why Jon Ossoff decided to take the fight to Donald Trump in August, and why this has rattled Republicans
1141
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Is Donald Trump trying to sabotage Republican chances in November. It certainly looks that way. But why? Latest column www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
How much does Donald Trump care about winning the midterms? Apparently, not much at all | Jonathan Freedland
Such is the US president’s narcissism that he would see a Democratic victory as proof of his indispensability – meanwhile, his every decision spells calamity for voters, says Guardian columnist Jonath...
4173
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
It's 60 days out and the Israeli election campaign has already got dirty. Plus: the Jewish Israeli politician running on an Islamist party ticket. Latest Unholy linktr.ee/unholypod
linktr.ee
Unholy Podcast | Linktree
Weekly podcast hosted by Yonit Levi and Jonathan Freedland, serving unbuttoned and unapologetically Jewish opinions, every Friday.
060
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Could a thirtysomething senator from Georgia be the man to succeed Donald Trump as US president? Latest Politics Weekly is a conversation with David Graham of @theatlantic.com open.spotify.com/episode/2ScT...
open.spotify.com
Is Jon Ossoff the key for Democrats in 2028?
Politics Weekly America · Episode
3101
Reposted by Jonathan Freedland
Simon Shepherd 🇪🇺 @simonshep.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Very interesting interview, well worth a read.
052
Reposted by Jonathan Freedland
Profile Books @profilebooks.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
'For Francis Fukuyama, an end to history never meant an end to thinking' Read Francis Fukuyama's brilliant conversation with @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social in @theguardian.com. #InTheRealmOfTheLastMan is out next Tuesday. Learn more: tinyurl.com/yrnrzc67
theguardian.com
‘If he can make money in a tyranny, that’s fine by him’: Francis Fukuyama on Trump, democracy - and changing his mind
The political thinker became famous for declaring the triumph of liberal democracy. Thirty-seven years on, he explains what he really meant and why he made the rare journey from right to left
152
Reposted by Jonathan Freedland
Ben Combe @benjcombe.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Gosh, we really need more leaders like Gordon Brown
183
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
'An end of history never meant an end to thinking.' My interview with Francis Fukuyama www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
theguardian.com
‘If he can make money in a tyranny, that’s fine by him’: Francis Fukuyama on Trump, democracy - and changing his mind
The political thinker became famous for declaring the triumph of liberal democracy. Thirty-seven years on, he explains what he really meant and why he made the rare journey from right to left
1144
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
The latest Unholy conversation is with former UK prime minister Gordon Brown: why the break-up of the post-1945 world order and the breakdown of local communities are linked, the Middle East peace deal he watched come apart in 2009 - and hope linktr.ee/unholypod
linktr.ee
Unholy Podcast | Linktree
Weekly podcast hosted by Yonit Levi and Jonathan Freedland, serving unbuttoned and unapologetically Jewish opinions, every Friday.
032
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
On Meta, why $18bn is petty cash and what has to come next. Latest column www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
An $18bn settlement – and Zuckerberg barely blinked. The tech titans must be stripped of their power, and soon | Jonathan Freedland
Those who said Meta harms children struck a blow, but the ability of big tech to gouge profits and cause harm is barely diminished. That’s the battle to come, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedlan...
610347
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Latest Unholy on all the pre-election jockeying in Israel - and mounting international anger at settler violence on the West Bank linktr.ee/unholypod
linktr.ee
Unholy Podcast | Linktree
Weekly podcast hosted by Yonit Levi and Jonathan Freedland, serving unbuttoned and unapologetically Jewish opinions, every Friday.
240
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Latest Politics Weekly America asks just how much money has Donald Trump made out of the US presidency. I talk to the expert on that question — Forbes’ Dan Alexander open.spotify.com/episode/5cAX...
open.spotify.com
How did Trump get so rich?
Politics Weekly America · Episode
144
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
The latest Unholy Conversation is a late summer treat — West End star Andy Nyman on playing Tevye, Max Bialystok and saying f*ck you to Hitler on stage open.spotify.com/episode/0hhm...
open.spotify.com
Andy Nyman on saying "F-You" to Hitler on stage
Unholy: Two Jews on the News · Episode
130
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
One week left on this absurdly good deal on The Traitors Circle - described by Dominic Sandbrook as “utterly gripping and brilliantly told”
382
Reposted by Jonathan Freedland
Michael Szollosy @michaelszollosy.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Very satisfying listening to @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social interviewing Jill Lepore, of whom I am a big fan, talking about Technocracy, Elon Musk and ideas about AI and the broligarchy. My humble contributions on the topic are here: michaelszollosy.substack.com/p/the-techna...
michaelszollosy.substack.com
The Technate of America
No. You're not crazy. American fascist plans for Greenland have a long and intriguing history that links to Trump’s plans today.
112
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
No column from me this week. Instead I've written the latest Matters of Opinion newsletter. Covering the Sussexes, how Trump's desperation is showing - and the one event from this week that might be remembered decades from now. You can sign up for free here www.theguardian.com/global/2025/...
theguardian.com
Sign up to Matters of Opinion: a weekly newsletter from our columnists and writers
Guardian columnists and writers on what they’ve been debating, thinking about, reading, and more
041
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Latest Unholy: Trump sets deadlines that leave Netanyahu in a corner, the Israeli PM insults Britain - and why Tucker Carlson's sums don't add up open.spotify.com/episode/5fxt...
open.spotify.com
Bibi's Primary Battles, Gaza Deadlines, and the Plus-sign "Plot"
Unholy: Two Jews on the News · Episode
051
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
For the latest Politics Weekly America, I spoke with the brilliant writer and historian Jill Lepore about the 'artificial state', the tension between technology and democracy - and how the issue of data centres could shape November's midterm elections www.theguardian.com/politics/vid...
theguardian.com
Historian Jill Lepore on why the artificial state is ‘doomed’ | Politics Weekly America
This week, Jonathan Freedland speaks to historian Jill Lepore about how this latest AI backlash could influence those all-important elections in November. Are we seeing the beginning of the end of the...
041
Reposted by Jonathan Freedland
Phil Hamlyn Williams #FBPE #FBPPR @philwriter.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
@jonathanfreedland.bsky.social any person of reasonable intelligence can see that the promises of Trump and Farage are empty. Yet the parties who oppose them can see all too clearly that the problems built up over decades do not have the quick fixes electors crave www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Donald Trump can’t beat Iran and Nigel Farage can only beat a bin. When it counts, these populists are just losers | Jonathan Freedland
The pattern in the US and Britain is clear. They serve up stunt after stunt to mask incompetence and the betrayal of all those who trusted them, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
192
Reposted by Jonathan Freedland
Laura Phillips @lauraphillips.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
‘They can articulate resentment+exploit grievance,but they cannot cure the ills that fuel that unhappiness.This, ultimately, is what unites Farage with Trump+indeed with those 33 “nobodies” who fought the byelection in Clacton.They are all protest candidates.It’s just that some of them get elected’
0187
Reposted by Jonathan Freedland
Paul Knott @paulknott11.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Farage might have just scraped past a bin. But you wouldn't want him in charge of collecting them. Or anything else beyond lining his own pockets and pulling stupid stunts. (Article by @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social in @theguardian.com.) www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Donald Trump can’t beat Iran and Nigel Farage can only beat a bin. When it counts, these populists are just losers | Jonathan Freedland
The pattern in the US and Britain is clear. They serve up stunt after stunt to mask incompetence and the betrayal of all those who trusted them, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
1101
Reposted by Jonathan Freedland
Ian Cambrook @iancambrook.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Performative politics “The pattern in the US and Britain is clear. They serve up stunt after stunt to mask incompetence and the betrayal of all those who trusted them” Plain speaking from @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social👇 www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Donald Trump can’t beat Iran and Nigel Farage can only beat a bin. When it counts, these populists are just losers | Jonathan Freedland
The pattern in the US and Britain is clear. They serve up stunt after stunt to mask incompetence and the betrayal of all those who trusted them, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
051
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
On Nigel Farage, Count Binface, Donald Trump - and other protest candidates. Latest column www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Donald Trump can’t beat Iran and Nigel Farage can only beat a bin. When it counts, these populists are just losers | Jonathan Freedland
The pattern in the US and Britain is clear. They serve up stunt after stunt to mask incompetence and the betrayal of all those who trusted them, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
34613
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Hadley Freeman steps into the co-host's chair for the latest Unholy. We talk Trump v Bibi and settler extremism in the West Bank -- and we take stock of the current mood in the diaspora. Plus we play out with a song that is old, new and very beautiful linktr.ee/unholypod
linktr.ee
Unholy Podcast | Linktree
Weekly podcast hosted by Yonit Levi and Jonathan Freedland, serving unbuttoned and unapologetically Jewish opinions, every Friday.
260
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Trains, planes and catering trucks -- what exactly happened with Trump's Air Force One caper and why it matters. For the latest Politics Weekly America, I spoke with former Republican adviser @tarasetmayer.bsky.social open.spotify.com/episode/4O6Z...
open.spotify.com
Trump’s great plane escape
Politics Weekly America · Episode
092
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
I learned a huge amount from eminent historian Prof Miri Rubin when she and I talked about the mediaeval image of the Jew - and how it lingers even to today. Our latest Unholy Conversation is now up open.spotify.com/episode/6Evl...
open.spotify.com
The mediaeval image of the Jew - and why it’s lasted. With Miri Rubin
Unholy: Two Jews on the News · Episode
040
Reposted by Jonathan Freedland
James O’Brien @mrjamesob.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Oddly reassuring to see someone so smart describe something that so many seem determined to miss… www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
A ‘Keminaissance’ for the Tories is wishful thinking – Badenoch’s Reform-lite summer will only end one way | Jonathan Freedland
Hiring a convicted antisemite as an adviser; rabble rousing at a time of violent unrest. She is still in a race to the bottom and making too many mistakes, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
49690167
Reposted by Jonathan Freedland
Gary Sheffield @profgsheffield.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
An excellent but sobering piece
182
Reposted by Jonathan Freedland
Laura Phillips @lauraphillips.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
@jonathanfreedland.bsky.social: ‘Badenoch has chosen to fight a race to the bottom against Reform, but it is a race she can never win. Farage will always be willing to go further…The penny has still not dropped that in a contest of Reform v Reform Lite, the real thing will always have the edge.’
theguardian.com
A ‘Keminaissance’ for the Tories is wishful thinking – Badenoch’s Reform-lite summer will only end one way | Jonathan Freedland
Hiring a convicted antisemite as an adviser; rabble rousing at a time of violent unrest. She is still in a race to the bottom and making too many mistakes, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
1235
Reposted by Jonathan Freedland
John Spicer @johnspicer3.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre... ‘There may be room for ex-fascists in Conservative ranks, but the leader will allow no place for Conservatives who support net zero targets and do not want the UK to leave the European convention on human rights’ :in a nutshell from @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social
theguardian.com
A ‘Keminaissance’ for the Tories is wishful thinking – Badenoch’s Reform-lite summer will only end one way | Jonathan Freedland
Hiring a convicted antisemite as an adviser; rabble rousing at a time of violent unrest. She is still in a race to the bottom and making too many mistakes, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
4177
Reposted by Jonathan Freedland
Jack Bailey @jack-bailey.co.uk · 08/08/2026
I suspect that @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social is right: the Tories are stuck in the doldrums and won't make it out unless Farage stacks it or they get a new leader. Still, it's also interesting how little impact this fact about the recent GM mayoral election has had.
4237
Reposted by Jonathan Freedland
John Springford @johnspringford.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
FWIW I suspect @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social is right that Reform-lite won't win against the real thing, but a Reform/Reform-lite government would be very damaging. And there's no concerted effort by the centre-right to confront radicalisation. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
A ‘Keminaissance’ for the Tories is wishful thinking – Badenoch’s Reform-lite summer will only end one way | Jonathan Freedland
Hiring a convicted antisemite as an adviser; rabble rousing at a time of violent unrest. She is still in a race to the bottom and making too many mistakes, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
34912
Reposted by Jonathan Freedland
Tom Bradley @tomxbradley.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre... www.theguardian.com/commentisfre... Excellent piece as always by @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social
theguardian.com
A ‘Keminaissance’ for the Tories is wishful thinking – Badenoch’s Reform-lite summer will only end one way | Jonathan Freedland
Hiring a convicted antisemite as an adviser; rabble rousing at a time of violent unrest. She is still in a race to the bottom and making too many mistakes, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
111
Reposted by Jonathan Freedland
Ian Birrell @ianbirrell.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
'It seems an undeserved compliment to call Kemi Badenoch the leader of the opposition... she is not merely making slow progress, but moving her party backwards' Good piece by @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social on the Tory leader's disastrous race to the right www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
A ‘Keminaissance’ for the Tories is wishful thinking – Badenoch’s Reform-lite summer will only end one way | Jonathan Freedland
Hiring a convicted antisemite as an adviser; rabble rousing at a time of violent unrest. She is still in a race to the bottom and making too many mistakes, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
2176
Jonathan Freedland @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
On the Keminaissance that isn't: the bad strategy and poor judgement of the Conservative leader. Latest column www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
A ‘Keminaissance’ for the Tories is wishful thinking – Badenoch’s Reform-lite summer will only end one way | Jonathan Freedland
Hiring a convicted antisemite as an adviser; rabble rousing at a time of violent unrest. She is still in a race to the bottom and making too many mistakes, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
24810
Reposted by Jonathan Freedland
David Warnes @davidjwarnes.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Warmly recommended. I taught an A level Depth Study on the Third Reich for years and I still learned a lot from reading this.
001
Reposted by Jonathan Freedland
Steve Battlemuch @stevebattlemuch.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
#BookSky - my summer reading is a bit different to a normal light breezy novel. It’s totally based on facts but reads like a novel, just like @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social previous one - The Escape Artist. It’s not morbid to read about what happened in Germany in the 30’s/40’s - it’s essential.
Book cover - The Traitors Circle - by Jonathan Fleedland
3226