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Michael Kruse

@michaelkruse.bsky.social
7.4K followers 1.5K following 3K posts

Politics Correspondent, The New York Times.

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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 10h
“His career as a Democrat is over. We didn’t push him away. He threw it away,” @conorlambpa.bsky.social tells @theatlantic.com. “He is the one that made a decision to do what Trump wanted instead of what Democrats wanted.”
theatlantic.com
Right-Wing Groups Are Making Money Off John Fetterman
After losing his Democratic fundraisers, the Pennsylvania senator found a new firm with MAGA-world ties.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 11h
“When you feel like you can’t buy a home, or you feel like you can’t get ahead, you will all of a sudden be attracted to policies you never thought you would be attracted to.”
wsj.com
Exclusive | Americans Want Populist Policies That Defy Traditional Political Labels
A new Wall Street Journal survey finds broad support for caps on prescription drug prices and strong border security.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 12h
“Fucking Vance was in Kansas … not a good sign.”
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 12h
“In Alaska, because of the obvious situation of what happened in the primary, and in Ohio, because Husted is proving not to be a compelling candidate.”
politico.com
‘On a scale of 1 to 10, 10’: Trump’s midterm travel schedule underscores GOP troubles
Each trip to play defense robs the GOP of a chance to put Democrats on the back foot in states that are traditionally competitive.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 12h
“You don’t call someone a dirtbag when you haven’t done your own research and you don’t have your facts straight.”
politico.com
Republicans wanted Jack Smith to give them a smoking gun. They got a gaffe instead.
The former special counsel’s appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee was marked by personal insults rather than new revelations.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 14h
“Instead of the economy getting stronger, we are weaker. And now we have to be scared of ICE too.”
nytimes.com
Hispanic Voters on the Texas Border Have Soured on Trump
In 2024, these voters were an essential part of the winning Republican coalition. Now, many feel abandoned and furious, complicating the party’s chances in November.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 14h
“This is the first election really in my lifetime where I have felt that it’s not an issue.”
nytimes.com
As Violence Falls, Crime Isn’t Paying as a Republican Line of Attack
Across the country, especially in the North Carolina Senate race, Republicans have charged opponents with being soft on crime, even as President Trump brags over plunging crime rates.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 14h
The license plate on Amy Acton's 2018 Jeep Wrangler: “SOOOHIO.”
nytimes.com
His Jet vs. Her Jeep: How Wealth Is Playing in the Midterms
In the so-called affordability election, two candidates for governor of Ohio are sparring over whether billionaires are the problem or the solution.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 14h
“Abdul the Alpha.”
politico.com
Dems boost their odds in Nevada
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
“The election of Donald Trump, the fact that it’s happened twice, has really shaken the Canadian businessperson’s confidence in working with the U.S.”
nytimes.com
Trump’s Tariffs Push Canadian Companies to Look Past American Links
Shaken by tariffs and threats from the Trump administration, Canadian businesses are seeking markets and suppliers beyond the United States.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Wrote this about writing about Mary Peltola.
nytimes.com
Chartering a Boat on the Kuskokwim River to Reach Peltola’s Alaska
Ms. Peltola, the Alaska Democrat running for Senate, was shaped by growing up in remote villages in southwestern Alaska.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Worth making the time for this.
nytimes.com
Opinion | What Does Abdul El-Sayed Believe?
The Senate nominee talks about his view for the future of the Democratic Party.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
“It’s Sherrod Brown in there, right?”
nytimes.com
In Ohio, a Humbling Question For Senator Jon Husted: Are You the Incumbent?
Even some devoted conservatives know more about Sherrod Brown, the Democratic challenger, than the Republican incumbent, who needs the MAGA base to turn out.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
“We are literally witnessing people in power that are trying to return us back to the worst chapters of our history.”
tampabay.com
Inside Angie Nixon’s bid for the US Senate in Florida
“If folks want to continue to say trust Black women and protect Black women and let Black women lead,” Nixon said, “they need to put their money where their mouth is to actually do it.”
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Need to read.
politico.com
Serving at his pleasure: What it’s like to be in Trump’s Cabinet
What it’s like to be in Donald Trump’s Cabinet.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
“James Talarico to me is the new Caucasian Obama.”
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
“I call him unsweet tea. I called him hospital food. If I’m hungry, I’ll eat it.”
nytimes.com
Pivotal Challenge for Talarico in Texas: Getting Black Voters to the Polls
Black voters largely rejected James Talarico in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. Recent interviews suggest the hard feelings may be wearing off.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
In case you missed it.
nytimes.com
Midterm Elections Updates: GOP Plans $52 Million Ad Blitz This Week in Ohio and Texas
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
“I’m 43, and Al’s been in my life as long as I can remember. My dad played the accordion, so it was a family thing.”
nytimes.com
Weird Al Never Grew Up. Neither Did These Fans (or Their Dads).
Sons and fathers bond at the accordion-wielding pop parodist’s concerts.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
“We would have killed for each other at the beginning. And we would have killed each other at the end.”
nytimes.com
Cheetah Chrome, Guitarist for Pioneering Punk Bands, Dies at 71
He played with Rocket From the Tombs and the Dead Boys, whose snarling nihilism opened the door to an entire music genre in the 1970s.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
“We get pleasure from seeing Trump’s head roll around here.”
nytimes.com
The Most Handsome Melon in Mexico? Yes, It’s a Real Contest.
In the eastern city of Xalapa, what started as a joke among friends over two decades ago has become a vibrant annual tradition that highlights creativity and absurdity with melons.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
“This gradual rise everywhere all at once, through a lot of means, is enabling the operation to fly under the radar.”
nytimes.com
A Quiet ICE Surge That Unfolded ‘Everywhere All at Once’ This Summer
A review of dozens of incidents caught on camera sheds new light on a largely invisible crackdown.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
“If we do lose the midterms and he is impeached again, I will be walking the halls of Congress in support of that impeachment.”
politico.com
Trump’s Joes exit the front row
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Makes me want to watch more TV.
nytimes.com
The Best TV Shows of the 21st Century: What to Watch
Our list of the 100 best TV shows of this century (so far) is a great resource for TV lovers. But how do you narrow it down? Here are some helpful starting points.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
“It’s a bizarre trend, and not supported by the science.”
nytimes.com
How Supermarkets Became Protein-Maxxed
Protein is everywhere — in chips, candy, cookies, even water. Does that make these products healthy?
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
“There are many different Greenfields.”
nytimes.com
Saturday Night, No Mask Required, at the Last Ditch Lesbian Bar in Massachusetts
Last Ditch, a bar and art space, ended its Covid mask requirement as a way to attract more people. What it got instead was outsized attention.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
My profile of Mary Peltola.
nytimes.com
‘She’s One of Us’: Mary Peltola’s Bumpy Rise to Political Power (Gift Article)
Ms. Peltola, the Democratic Senate candidate in Alaska, has complicated politics: She is pro-gun, pro-oil and pro-gas — but also pro-environment and especially pro-fish.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
“Fluorescence means the ball absorbs light from the UV wavelengths and re-emits greeny-yellow, so that means it looks brighter.”
nytimes.com
Why court color in tennis matters and the story of the Laver Cup's jet-black surface
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Everybody's talking about the quote(s) but you really should read the whole thing.
nytimes.com
Rahm Emanuel, Eyeing 2028, Makes His 2026 Play
The longtime Democratic insider has emerged as a behind-the-scenes force in his party’s push to win back Congress. After that, he’ll think about the next presidential race.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
“Would you rather have a Snickers bar or a piece of broccoli? They’re not so different than people in that way.”
nytimes.com
This Island Loves Its Bears. If Only They’d Stop Eating Trash.
Kodiak Island in Alaska is famous for its giant brown bears, but human efforts to keep the behemoths out of the landfill have become a struggle.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
"I'm more worried about bills and whether I locked the back door of my house than whether I'm going to get taken out by a robot tomorrow," says @mikeisaac.bsky.social.
nytimes.com
How Three Times Tech Journalists Make Sense of A.I.’s Promise and Peril
Artificial intelligence is advancing so fast that tech leaders say better safety controls are needed. Here’s how our reporters keep up.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
“They have a record,” says @kim.senate.gov. “It’s just a record the American people are disgusted by.”
nytimes.com
Bracing for Midterm Losses, Republicans in Congress Try a Pre-election Pivot
After nearly two years of allowing President Trump to set their agenda, G.O.P. senators are grasping for some quick action on cost-of-living measures they can show voters before November.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
“That’s probably the most humane way to dispatch the bugs because they’re basically drifting off into a deep sleep, kind of like a Jack London story.”
nytimes.com
David George Gordon, Apostle for Bugs on the Dinner Plate, Dies at 76
His “The Eat-a-Bug Cookbook” made a case for insects as food, while his boisterous cooking demonstrations brought tarantulas and crickets to TV.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
There are more than 100 full-time puzzle editors, game designers, programmers and other Games colleagues at The Times.
nytimes.com
When Making Games Is Your Job, What Do You Do for Fun?
Members of the New York Times Games team told us about their game club and what they play after they polish off each day’s puzzles.
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Reposted by Michael Kruse
Jen Mercieca @jenmercieca.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
This is a fun read!
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
“Young man — may your burger always be double double, may your animal style fries always have the right amount of spread to cheese to onion ratio ...”
nytimes.com
The Viral In-N-Out Spatula Hero Is Exactly Who You Imagined He Was
It started as a bizarre late-night standoff behind the counter of a fast food joint. It ended with no injuries — and free burgers.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
“People see the polls, and it looks like a blowout is forming. But North Carolina has been 50-50.”
nytimes.com
A Republican Under Pressure Sticks by Trump: ‘I Am Still With That Guy’
Republicans in Senate battlegrounds have started to break with the president. Not Michael Whatley of North Carolina, even as his race seems at risk.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
“Alaskans everywhere wish Meatball well ...”
nytimes.com
Alaskans Dismayed, but Not Moved, by Peltola’s Treatment of Her Staff
Voters interviewed in Anchorage and Fairbanks on Thursday said news that Mary Peltola, the Democratic nominee for Senate, had used offensive slurs would not change their vote.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
“This is digital astroturfing, plain and simple. The more people see an idea online, the more inured to it they become and the more commonplace and acceptable it becomes.”
nytimes.com
An Army of Paid Creators Is Carpeting the Web With Political Content
Unlike celebrity influencers with large followings, these creators produce a blizzard of videos for a fraction of the cost of traditional online campaigns and, in the process, shift public conversatio...
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
“Trump doesn’t just want to meet with Xi — he wants to copy him,” says @coons.senate.gov.
nytimes.com
In Trump’s White House, China’s Dictator Is Welcome. American Media, Less So.
The showdown over President Trump’s partial media ban played out as he welcomed President Xi Jinping, whose government is ranked among the most repressive in the world.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
I wrote about Mary Peltola.
nytimes.com
‘She’s One of Us’: Mary Peltola’s Bumpy Rise to Political Power (Gift Article)
Ms. Peltola, the Democratic Senate candidate in Alaska, has complicated politics: She is pro-gun, pro-oil and pro-gas — but also pro-environment and especially pro-fish.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Sigh.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
"We live in a world where people get impatient after watching something for 15 seconds online. How many people will actually watch an hour-long debate?"
axios.com
Debate-shy: Candidates aren't sharing the stage like they used to
Candidates in this year's elections are remarkably reluctant to challenge each other face-to-face.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
“There’s just not much for him to gain from being the new Beto that every Democrat wants to do stuff with. He’s just better suited to continue to distinguish himself from the national brand.”
politico.com
Remember the Talarico
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
"A similar article written about the past three years of my life probably wouldn't sound as bad, but there have been three-year stretches of my life that would also sound significantly worse than how Mary sounds in the article."
anchoragepress.com
“Nothingburger.” “She should apologize.” “Arghhh!”: Readers react to Peltola exposé
More than 115 readers have responded.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
“... we can see that online culture and social media increasingly generate new language. Conversation on social platforms creates fertile soil in which new words crop up and spread.”
nytimes.com
Merriam-Webster Dictionary Is Wordsmaxxing With 1,400 New Definitions
Now you have no excuse for not knowing the meaning of “cuffing season,” “shishito” or “glow-up.”
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
"I don't trust anything that's going on right now, Republican or Democrat. I mean, there's so much wrong with our country."
nytimes.com
Opinion | Paxton, Talarico and the Senate Race in Texas: 12 Voters Discuss
The group discusses the economy, the president and the U.S. Senate race in Texas.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
“Some people might think, wow, this is really, really cool, and the technology is really cool. But people around here, we’re thinking, ‘Ugh, is there anything we can do to stop this?’ We can’t live like this.”
nytimes.com
It’s Raining Boxes: Amazon Drones Overwhelm a Texas Suburb
In Richardson, a fleet of drones has started to deliver goods quickly. But the noise is drowning out life for some residents: ‘We can’t live like this.’
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
“They are nostalgic for the world that they believe they understood, and now they’re living in a world that they do not understand.”
nytimes.com
The Fuel That Feeds Europe’s Far Right: Nostalgia and Lost Pride
The populist emphasis on national identity and threats to it, real and imagined, finds a deep response in voters adrift in a world they no longer understand.
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Michael Kruse @michaelkruse.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
"A year or so ago, I threatened to kill a reporter if his story ended up too long. That was bad ..."
nytimes.com
A ‘Shark’ of a Business Editor Steps Down
Ellen Pollock, who has spent nearly a decade in charge of the Business desk of The Times, is ready for a new challenge.
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