Sign in

Michael Tomasky

@mjtoma.bsky.social
52K followers 55 following 512 posts

Editor, The New Republic. Editor, Democracy: A Journal of Ideas. Scribbler. Serbo-Calabrian West Virginia Episcopalian.

PostsRepliesMedia
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
He may have driven the country into the ditch, but at least he will have exploded the “we need a businessman” myth with a force no liberal Democrat could ever hope to. trib.al/Q5cRvjz
trib.al
The Last Recession Wasn’t Trump’s Fault. The Next One Will Be—Utterly.
Trump is following one of the Republican Party’s long-standing traditions: burning the economy to the ground.
63814
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Every decision he makes is the wrong one and makes the situation worse. trib.al/vi4cOV8
trib.al
The Last Recession Wasn’t Trump’s Fault. The Next One Will Be—Utterly.
Trump is following one of the Republican Party’s long-standing traditions: burning the economy to the ground.
1266
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
New Column: Yes, Trump is uniquely stupid about the economy. But in another sense, he's just one more Republican president f--king up the economy, which is standard operating procedure for them. newrepublic.com/article/2158... via @newrepublic.com
newrepublic.com
The Last Recession Wasn’t Trump’s Fault. The Next One Will Be—Utterly.
Trump is following one of the Republican Party’s long-standing traditions: burning the economy to the ground.
54220
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
From @gregsargent.bsky.social: "Not only is the immediate price for bucking Trump small; it actually works. It’s one of the only things that can really disarm him." trib.al/EjOUIG6
trib.al
Trump’s Angry Tirade Over Failing Press Ban Reveals His Achilles’ Heel
Trump is furious that news organizations are fighting back against his vile efforts to punish their colleagues—because collective resistance to his authoritarianism actually works.
47024
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
From @mford.bsky.social: "Trump bragged that 'there will be no facility like this anywhere in the world,' likely because it doesn’t make any sense." trib.al/fnEvPjA
trib.al
The Magic Words Trump Uses to Legally Justify His Harebrained Schemes
The president has decided that there is one neat trick for earning judicial compliance for a range of vanity projects and constitutional abuses.
4287
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
With subpoena power, Democrats could launch investigations that could eventually make their way into federal courtrooms and dog him for the rest of his iron-slicing, well-done-steak-eating life. trib.al/0mxWTj2
trib.al
A “Bloodbath” Will Only Make Donald Trump More Corrupt and Lawless
Most pols would hunker down for an electoral wipeout and take their medicine. Not Roy Cohn’s protégé.
77413
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
From @virginiaheffernan.bsky.social: "By alienating the diesel class, Trump may have bitten the final hand that feeds him. Diesel is certainly the word to watch in these final weeks before the polls." trib.al/Bp8N4cu
trib.al
We Now Know the Word That’s Going to Bury Donald Trump This November
There’s a very specific demographic out there that voted Trump in 2024 but really doesn’t like spending $179 to fill their tanks.
46823
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
From @gregsargent.bsky.social: "It’s a travesty, and if they win power, Democrats should do all they can to expose and expunge it." trib.al/4bAphJx
trib.al
Stephen Miller’s MAGA Terror Campaign Exposed by Damning New Leaks
Sordid revelations about the white-nationalist-themed Office of Remigration should galvanize Democrats: If they win power, they must try to shut it down.
23212
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
From @timothynoah.bsky.social: "The dirty little secret of this prestige address has long been that very little news emanates from it." trib.al/ME9Ufn9
trib.al
Why Trump’s White House Reporter Ban Matters So Little
It’s petty and annoying, but the only one he hurts is himself.
11810
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
I just noticed that Don Jr. was wearing a beige suit at his wedding. Why wasn't THAT controversial?!
4405
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
From Michael Luttig: "The Republican Party in particular must finally loose the chains of its political and moral enslavement to Donald Trump and separate itself from the MAGA political party cult."
trib.al
The Final Battle for America’s Democracy
Forget November 3. It’s January 3 when Donald Trump and his MAGA Republicans might bury our democracy once and for all. Here’s how.
65114
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
From @harrylitman.bsky.social: "'Grand conspiracy' is not a concept in federal law. There is no statute, no charge, nothing in the United States Code by that name. It is not a legal theory at all." trib.al/yBquL8V
trib.al
Why an Old Trump Loyalist’s DOJ Departure Is So Devastating for Trump
The resignation last week by Joseph diGenova tells us: Even this hacky Trumpist wouldn’t do what Trump and Todd Blanche wanted him to do.
02710
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
From @timothynoah.bsky.social: "He will only get crazier, and at some point Republicans will cut their losses." trib.al/aOK6fIk
trib.al
Why Trump May Not Serve Out His Presidency
He will only get crazier, and at some point Republicans will cut their losses.
197322
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
The “businessman” with “private sector” experience is exactly the person who might bring not only the American but the global economy to its knees. trib.al/W3cB2JG
trib.al
Democracy May Survive Trump, but It Looks Like Capitalism Might Not
The “businessman” with “private sector” experience is exactly the person who might bring not only the American but the global economy to its knees.
3222
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
New Column: All this time we've been worrying whether democracy would survive Trump. Still a worry. But now we also have to wonder whether capitalism survives his petty lunacy. newrepublic.com/post/215582/... via @newrepublic.com
newrepublic.com
Democracy May Survive Trump, but It Looks Like Capitalism Might Not
The “businessman” with “private sector” experience is exactly the person who might bring not only the American but the global economy to its knees.
36221
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Democracy just might survive Trump. But it’s looking more and more like capitalism might not. trib.al/vkvIGVq
trib.al
Democracy May Survive Trump, but It Looks Like Capitalism Might Not
The “businessman” with “private sector” experience is exactly the person who might bring not only the American but the global economy to its knees.
1186
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Here's a dandy one from @gregsargent.bsky.social about how MAGAInc. is having to spend millions to defend deep red districts. He has the list! newrepublic.com/article/2155... via @newrepublic.com
newrepublic.com
Epic Trump Collapse Now Forcing His PAC to Spend Deep in MAGA Country
Trumpworld is spending tens of millions to defend House districts he carried by sizable margins in 2024. Not a good sign for him.
27131
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
New Column: Why doesn't economics work the way Trump thinks it should? Because he, and conservatives in general, believe in a simplistic, 10th-grade fairy tale about economics that doesn't reflect the world's actual complexity. newrepublic.com/article/2153... via @newrepublic.com
newrepublic.com
It’s Not Just Trump Who’s Dumb about Economics—It’s the GOP Generally
Discrediting Trump is an important part of every Democrat’s job. But the Republicans will keep on wrecking the economy, with or without him.
65025
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
New Column: Bush & Co. get a free ride these days cuz Trump is so awful. But they were pretty damn bad, too. newrepublic.com/post/215321/... via @newrepublic.com
newrepublic.com
Was the 9/11-Era GOP So Different From Today’s? Not Different Enough.
Were we really a united country after the September 11 attacks? Briefly. Then the Bush administration stoked divisions that look all too familiar to us today.
73111
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
From @newrepublic.com today: Chilling piece from @judgeluttig.bsky.social about how Trump and his Republicans could destroy democracy once and for all. It won't happen on Nov. 3. It'll happen next Jan. 3, when they refuse to seat the new Congress. Must read. newrepublic.com/article/2151...
newrepublic.com
The Final Battle for America’s Democracy
Forget November 3. It’s January 3 when Donald Trump and his MAGA Republicans might bury our democracy once and for all. Here’s how.
44026
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
New Column: A very bad idea. Good! newrepublic.com/article/2151... via @newrepublic.com
newrepublic.com
Trump’s Midterm Convention Will Yield a Bounce All Right—for Democrats
The president’s latest bright idea: Throw a party for his flailing, failing presidency. Welcome to the clownshow.
5279
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
New Column: My current hunch, as Labor Day approaches, is that this is going to be even worse for Trump and the R's than conventional wisdom holds. newrepublic.com/post/215132/... via @newrepublic.com
newrepublic.com
Donald Trump Has No Idea of the Tidal Wave That’s Coming for Him
There are three groups of voters who matter in this election, and each of them is going to punish the president severely.
134417
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
New Column: A pol who's lying about his record can correct course. But a pol who's totally delusional about his record can't. We're screwed. newrepublic.com/article/2149... via @newrepublic.com
newrepublic.com
Trump Is a Liar. That’s Bad. But He’s Delusional—and That’s Even Worse
This Venezuela deal is just the latest example: The president has marinated his brain in an insane fantasy that he is an effective leader. It would all be funny if we didn’t have to live through it.
44819
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
New Column: Iran hits six months. Putin's considering going nuclear. How did two corrupt, evil, stupid men get so much power? newrepublic.com/post/214884/... via @newrepublic.com
newrepublic.com
How Did the World Get to Be Held Hostage by Two Malevolent Cretins?
Trump’s America is a joke. And so is Putin’s Russia. But both countries, under their unstable leaders, are as dangerous as cornered badgers, and that isn’t funny.
34423
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
New Column: Here's why Jon Ossoff is catching fire in a way few politicians manage to do. newrepublic.com/article/2146... via @newrepublic.com
newrepublic.com
What Jon Ossoff Gets That Far Too Many Democrats Don’t
The Georgia senator is showing his colleagues that in the attention era, conflict is king.
23911
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
A little change of pace: I was invited last month to tour the new Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music, and I wrote it up. Great place, great people, great experience. newrepublic.com/article/2144...
newrepublic.com
The Springsteen Museum’s Modest, Big-Hearted Vision of America
The new center displays the Boss’s “Born to Run” Telecaster, hand-written lyrics, and more. But it also tells a much longer and bigger story about American music.
24415
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
New Column: The answer to the question my headline poses is a little more complicated than most people are allowing. newrepublic.com/post/214367/... via @newrepublic.com
newrepublic.com
Why Don’t Leftie Candidates Do Better Among Working-Class Voters?
It isn’t that non-college voters are more “moderate.” It’s something else entirely, and it will probably take about a decade to fix, if it’s fixable at all.
4218
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
If the form of capitalism that we have now in this country continues unchecked and unchanged, socialism’s popularity will rise and rise. trib.al/JCjf20M
trib.al
Memo to Those Who Fear Socialism: Why Don’t You Try Fix Capitalism?
People alarmed about socialism’s poll numbers ought to pay more attention to how capitalism polls. It’s bad—and entirely deserved.
34910
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
These fraud-idiot free marketeers who bomb us with their propaganda and sing the praises of Adam Smith ought to take 10 minutes to go read about what an inveterate foe of monopoly Smith was. trib.al/9Wh2IVV
trib.al
Memo to Those Who Fear Socialism: Why Don’t You Try Fix Capitalism?
People alarmed about socialism’s poll numbers ought to pay more attention to how capitalism polls. It’s bad—and entirely deserved.
34511
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
New Column: Socialism is getting popular because the form of capitalism we have today in this country is rigged and corrupt. People who are alarmed by socialism's rise will get nowhere unless they work to change capitalism. newrepublic.com/article/2141... via @newrepublic.com
newrepublic.com
Memo to Those Who Fear Socialism: Why Don’t You Try Fix Capitalism?
People alarmed about socialism’s poll numbers ought to pay more attention to how capitalism polls. It’s bad—and entirely deserved.
1923882
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Hey NYT crossword why these last couple weeks when I print out the puzzle does it give me the print version, with yesterday's answers there? It never used to be like that, and it's much better without the answers for those of us who print out and solve. Fix!!! Thank you. #nytimesgames
1112
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
New Column: This is pretty simple. He's the Democratic nominee. Democrats and Democratic-affiliated groups need to back him and help him win. newrepublic.com/post/214081/... via @newrepublic.com
newrepublic.com
Yes, El-Sayed May Lose. But Democrats Shouldn’t Try to Make It Happen.
The party establishment is lining up behind the Michigan Senate nominee. So why are some moderates throwing a fit?
88323
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
From @alexshephard.bsky.social: "Truth Social reportedly is charging as much as $100,000 per month to high-frequency trading firms to gain access to the website’s API, allowing traders to see these stupid posts a few milliseconds before everyone else." trib.al/NhvVAAC
trib.al
This Is the Real Story of Trump’s Presidency—If Democrats Will Tell It
His Truth Social subscription scheme and IRS immunity are just the latest chapters in a massive, ever-growing book about his self-dealing and corruption.
93013
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
I’d like to think that if my son-in-law had threatened to blackmail me, I’d have the guts to call on him to resign. trib.al/BlMZSq3
trib.al
This Sleazoid MAGA Congressman May Just Have Turned a Red Seat Blue
Ohio’s Max Miller is fighting off (and denying) some sickening allegations. Meanwhile, his Democratic challenger seems like the real deal.
24714
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
New Column: Miller's district is R+5, which is winnable for a Dem in a wave year; and the Dem candidate seems great. newrepublic.com/article/2138... via @newrepublic.com
newrepublic.com
This Sleazoid MAGA Congressman May Just Have Turned a Red Seat Blue
Ohio’s Max Miller is fighting off (and denying) some sickening allegations. Meanwhile, his Democratic challenger seems like the real deal.
211621
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
From @gregsargent.bsky.social: "It’s absolutely possible that Collins’s bodycam gambit—and other tricks she might cook up—could nonetheless soften this issue’s impact on her reelection effort. Democrats cannot let that happen." trib.al/7XSWgyI
trib.al
What Susan Collins Just Did on Trump and ICE Should Worry All Dems
She voted for $70 billion in no-strings-attached ICE funding. But now she’s taking credit for a new bodycam commitment from ICE. Democrats can’t let her get away with this.
33414
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
The Todd Blanche nomination mess in the Senate is truly one of those pass-the-popcorn moments for Democrats and liberals. But this fracas is more than mere entertainment. trib.al/GmaPuYB
trib.al
We Now Have the Leading Charge in Trump’s Next Impeachment
Why is the president willing to withdraw Todd Blanche’s nomination? The answer constitutes a blatant high crime and misdemeanor.
6258
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
New Column: What happens when the president sues himself, and he settles the suit between himself and himself? A huge scandal, that's what. newrepublic.com/post/213822/... via @newrepublic.com
newrepublic.com
We Now Have the Leading Charge in Trump’s Next Impeachment
Why is the president willing to withdraw Todd Blanche’s nomination? The answer constitutes a blatant high crime and misdemeanor.
54716
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
The party is on the cusp of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Seems to me that’s when a party needs to act. I know—we’re talking about the Democrats. Sigh. trib.al/07rpojl
trib.al
Is This Guy the Worst Party Chair in the History of the United States?
Ken Martin once seemed like a promising leader of the DNC. But his reign has been disastrous—and the time has come to turn to the man he defeated.
11365
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
The Democratic Party is broke. Not just broke. In debt. To the tune of $2 million. The Republican National Committee, by contrast, has $128.5 million cash on hand. trib.al/lLMIQt4
trib.al
Is This Guy the Worst Party Chair in the History of the United States?
Ken Martin once seemed like a promising leader of the DNC. But his reign has been disastrous—and the time has come to turn to the man he defeated.
173914
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
From @gregsargent.bsky.social + @polphilpod.bsky.social: In his explosive interview with The Economist, Elon Musk inadvertently revealed something darker about his true vision for the future—and about his affinities with global fascism. trib.al/q2TKEmu
trib.al
The Real Reason Elon Musk Keeps Insisting DOGE Cuts Killed “Zero” Kids
In his explosive interview with The Economist, the SpaceX billionaire inadvertently revealed something darker about his true vision for the future—and about his affinities with global fascism.
25621
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
New Column: In 12 years as Minn party chair, he never lost a statewide race. So how did he become such a disaster in Washington? newrepublic.com/article/2135... via @newrepublic.com
newrepublic.com
Is This Guy the Worst Party Chair in the History of the United States?
Ken Martin once seemed like a promising leader of the DNC. But his reign has been disastrous—and the time has come to turn to the man he defeated.
42610
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
Incapable of shouldering blame, he will transfer it onto someone else. If that doesn’t worry you, you aren’t paying attention. trib.al/fIosHKK
trib.al
Trump Just Gave Us a Horrible New Reason to Worry About the Iran War
The president is getting frustrated that U.S. military strikes are accomplishing nothing—and he’s starting to lash out.
52610
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
From @timothynoah.bsky.social: The administration has given a regulatory green light to miners, oil drillers, and Trump himself. trib.al/o0UEsdE
trib.al
Trump’s Latest Plan to Sell Your History Out From Under You
The administration has given a regulatory green light to miners, oil drillers, and Trump himself.
11812
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
From @gregsargent.bsky.social: "Collins’s reelection depends in part on perceptions of her willingness to take on Trump, including on immigration. But her approach has accomplished nothing." trib.al/P4Y7Jwl
trib.al
Trump Badly Screws Susan Collins as Maine ICE Death Takes Darker Turn
Collins cast some recent votes that can help likely Democratic challenger Troy Jackson tie her to Trump and to ICE. And there’s evidence that both liberals and moderates will listen.
32811
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Incapable of shouldering blame, he will transfer it onto someone else. If that doesn’t worry you, you aren’t paying attention. trib.al/PRsvpZb
trib.al
Trump Just Gave Us a Horrible New Reason to Worry About the Iran War
The president is getting frustrated that U.S. military strikes are accomplishing nothing—and he’s starting to lash out.
3287
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
From @melissagiragrant.com: "His daughter, he said, had been part of the group’s legal training program, the Blackstone Legal Fellowship. 'Now she’s one of the lawyers for the Oversight Committee in Congress,' the speaker said. 'So, pray for her.'” trib.al/s6ddSj3
trib.al
The Christian Nationalist Group Mike Johnson Just Called “Home”
Alliance Defending Freedom has so much power in Washington that at this point it may as well be a federal agency.
5199
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
The launching of this completely unnecessary and unjustified war was an act of supreme hubris. Now it’s starting to really hit home with him that he may have been wrong. trib.al/tiy09GJ
trib.al
Trump Just Gave Us a Horrible New Reason to Worry About the Iran War
The president is getting frustrated that U.S. military strikes are accomplishing nothing—and he’s starting to lash out.
0225
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
New Column: Lord help us. The best alternative is probably that he just chickens out and declares "victory." newrepublic.com/article/2132... via @newrepublic.com
newrepublic.com
The World’s Worst Nightmare: Donald Trump in Charge of a Real-Live War
There are no best-case scenarios when a corrupt, vainglorious toddler is running the world’s deadliest military.
33716
Michael Tomasky @mjtoma.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
At any given moment, he’ll do what he thinks he needs to do to get out of whatever immediate jam he’s put himself in. That’s why we’re in this war in the first place. And that’s why Donald Trump running a real-live war is the world’s worst nightmare. trib.al/LswvQOG
trib.al
The World’s Worst Nightmare: Donald Trump in Charge of a Real-Live War
There are no best-case scenarios when a corrupt, vainglorious toddler is running the world’s deadliest military.
24223