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Searchlight Institute

@searchlightinst.bsky.social
245 followers 5 following 93 posts

Home of the next realignment. We think big, embrace heterodoxy, and chart the future of public policy and action.

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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Donald Trump’s indiscriminate and chaotic immigration agenda — and his Administration's overtly racist way of talking about it — has achieved what would've been unthinkable a year ago. Democrats now lead by a seven-point margin on immigration.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
As Republicans become even more ideologically aligned with Trump's tariffs and his reckless war in Iran, Democrats are embracing ideological diversity. Heterodoxy, @adamjentleson.bsky.social writes, is why Democrats lead in 2026's toughest-to-win races. www.wordsinsearchlight.org/p/this-is-ho...
wordsinsearchlight.org
This is how you build a supermajority
It’s always been the secret third thing
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
SEARCHLIGHT x HEATMAP @janeaflegal.bsky.social and @emilypont.bsky.social took the stage to discuss permitting reform, grid modernization, and the future of climate tech, clean energy, and decarbonization.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Democrats are right to push for a permitting reform deal with Trump. As @janeaflegal.bsky.social and Pavan Venkatakrishnan argued in the Wall Street Journal: If Democrats are serious about climate change, a permitting reform deal today would pay dividends when they retake power.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
SEARCHLIGHT x @cleantomorrow.org Thanks to everyone who joined our NYC Climate Week kick-off last night!
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Democrats are running on popular economic ideas — but they start to lose people from ideological rigidity on other issues. @adamjentleson.bsky.social: "What I advocate for is loosening up. Giving people room to come into this big tent that we want to build."
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Polling has become cheaper and easier to fake. @charlotteeffect.bsky.social details the danger that our warped information ecosystem could bring to 2028.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
"Essentially, every single poll silently bakes in the pollster’s assumptions about who will show up on Election Day." Searchlight's @charlotteeffect.bsky.social writes in The Argument about how the line between polling and election forecasting has blurred. www.theargumentmag.com/p/polling-ha...
theargumentmag.com
Polling has become a playground for grifters, liars, and frauds
I'm a pollster and this is getting ridiculous.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Democrats are running candidates who fit the states that they're aiming to win, like in Iowa and Kansas. They've got a real shot at flipping seats in those states — which voted for Donald Trump in landslides just two years ago.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Asking Democrats running in swing races — whose election depends on winning skeptical Trump voters — to focus on climate in their messaging makes any future climate policy less possible. It’s time the climate advocacy community realized that. www.wordsinsearchlight.org/p/i-know-a-m...
wordsinsearchlight.org
I know a misleading climate poll when I see one
The climate community needs to update their theory of policy change
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Reposted by Searchlight Institute
Charlotte Swasey @charlotteeffect.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
You had questions, I have answers!
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
For years, Democrats have chosen 50+1 Thinking, conceding that races could only be won on thin margins and that power changes hands every election. But to achieve progress the level of the New Deal, they will need to think bigger. It's time for Supermajority Thinking.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
We hope you've enjoyed taking and sharing our Political Neighborhoods Quiz! @charlotteeffect.bsky.social sat down to react to your results, thoughts, and questions. What neighborhood did you get?
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The American electorate is heterodox — only 14% is completely conservative and 10% is completely liberal. We mapped out that heterodoxy for the New York Times. Here's what we found.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Politics is often described as "a battle between liberals and conservatives" — but most voters have much messier views than labels suggest. We call it heterodoxy. And, for the New York Times today, we mapped it out.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
It's a beautiful day in the political neighborhood — all nine of them. From the Liberal Arts Left to Cul-de-Sac Conservatives, Lawn Sign Liberals to the Center Square. What kind of neighbor are you? Take the quiz! www.searchlightinstitute.org/political-ne...
searchlightinstitute.org
What’s Your Political Neighborhood?
Answer 16 quick either/or questions about the role of government. There are no right answers, so pick whichever side you lean toward, even if only a little.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
All across America, there are kids as young as five years old who've racked up debt simply for wanting to eat a school meal. Let's put an end to this ridiculous cycle, Scott Moore writes. www.wordsinsearchlight.org/p/why-do-we-...
wordsinsearchlight.org
Why do we have a debtor class of five year olds?
Kids should eat free at school. It’s that simple
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Gas is $5. Diesel is $6. People can't afford to buy groceries. The groceries might kill you. Voters are worried about those real issues. They are not worried about the DSA or any factional debates within the Democratic Party.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
KIDS EAT ... FREE! Kids don't pay when they hop on a school bus. They shouldn't have to pay for a meal, either. We're making the case to feed kids, fund schools, and end lunch debt across America.
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Reposted by Searchlight Institute
Citizen Cohn / Jonathan Cohn @citizencohn.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
NEW The feds subsidized free, universal school meals during the pandemic, and it worked well @searchlightinst.bsky.social thinks we should bring back the idea, make it permanent Here's what they have in mind, based an early look they gave to @thebulwark.com www.thebulwark.com/p/exclusive-...
thebulwark.com
EXCLUSIVE: The Next Big Dem Proposal: Let Kids Eat Free
School lunches were free to all kids during the pandemic; a prominent think-tank wants to bring back the idea and make it permanent.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Democrats can’t afford to wait. They should strike a bipartisan deal on permitting reform today to make it easier to build clean energy tomorrow.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
🚨 @volts.wtf and @janeaflegal.bsky.social spend two hours discussing the future of clean energy and grid modernization in today's episode of Volts! www.volts.wtf/p/building-a...
volts.wtf
Building a big, abundant, clean grid
A conversation with Jane Flegal.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
A steep decline in funding for workforce development programs has real consequences. These programs need twice the funds — and a focus on preparing and protecting every worker in the face of AI and a shifting economy. www.searchlightinstitute.org/research/str...
searchlightinstitute.org
Strengthening Transitions to Jobs of the Future
By fixing a fatal flaw with federal workforce development financing…
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Searchlight's @charlotteeffect.bsky.social spoke with the New York Times for a definitive look at the midterms. Who will win — and by how much? Here's what she and five other leading pollsters had to say. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
nytimes.com
Opinion | Who Will Win the Midterms? Nate Silver and 5 Other Experts Have Thoughts.
If the election were held today, which party would win a majority in the House and Senate?
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Reposted by Searchlight Institute
Zeteo @zeteo.com · 09/07/2026
‘A First-of-Its-Kind’ Poll About Medicare for All A centrist think tank offered to conduct an exclusive poll for Zeteo to gauge Americans’ attitudes about Medicare for All. Here’s what we found: zeteo.com/p/medicare-f...
zeteo.com
‘A First-of-Its-Kind’ Poll About Medicare for All
A centrist think tank offered to conduct an exclusive poll for Zeteo to gauge Americans’ attitudes about Medicare for All. Here’s what we found.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
We partnered with @zeteo.com to field an impartial, first-of-its-kind survey about the public's feelings toward Medicare for All. Read the results. zeteo.com/p/medicare-f...
zeteo.com
‘A First-of-Its-Kind’ Poll About Medicare for All
A centrist think tank offered to conduct an exclusive poll for Zeteo to gauge Americans’ attitudes about Medicare for All. Here’s what we found.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Tribalism forces voters to view the world narrowly as a battle between the most perfect of allies and the most evil of enemies. Why did Platner's rise — and humiliating fall — engender so much of that tribalism? Ben Krauss investigates.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Health care should serve you. Not corporations, monopolies, or private equity. Free primary care for all and a competitive public option. Break up every health care monopoly and stop private equity from looting the system.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
POLL: How much do you trust each of the following to act in your best interest when it comes to your health care?
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
POLL: Voters are satisfied with their own health insurance, but are unsatisfied with the system as a whole. 52% want to see 'major changes' in government involvement in the American health care system.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
The case for free primary care is simple: health care costs too much and not enough people are getting the care they need. www.nbcnews.com/politics/pol...
nbcnews.com
Free primary care for all: Democratic think tank pushes the party on new health policy
The Searchlight Institute wants Democrats to shake up their approach to healthcare and offer a fresh vision for the future.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
POLL: What system of health insurance would you prefer the U.S. to use?
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
We've got another idea that will transform America's health care system. A new, truly 100% public option for health insurance that can successfully compete against private health insurance and lower costs for everyone. Introducing the American Health Gateway.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Yes, we really do mean free primary care for all. No copays. No deductibles. No surprises. Always free at the point of care.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
How can Congress better protect workers from job loss and displacement driven by AI? Searchlight's Will Raderman and Alex Mechanick of @niskanencenter.bsky.social look to the successes and failures of the now-defunct Trade Adjustment Assistance program for answers.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
Voters favor the anti-war policies of Democrats — but have concerns they are 'too weak' and 'lack backbone.' They also favor the 'America First' focus among Republicans — but believe they are 'warmongers' who 'start unnecessary wars or conflicts.' searchlightinst.substack.com/p/the-wide-o...
searchlightinst.substack.com
The wide open lane for a pro-military, anti-war Democrat
Support the troops. Oppose dumb wars.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
"There is no contradiction between aggressively embracing our military and making the case against war. Indeed the opposite seems to be the case." Read @adamjentleson.bsky.social's latest on supporting the troops and opposing dumb wars. searchlightinst.substack.com/p/the-wide-o...
searchlightinst.substack.com
The wide open lane for a pro-military, anti-war Democrat
Support the troops. Oppose dumb wars.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
"The best way to thwart authoritarianism is to have democracy deliver." "A democracy so caught up in checks and balances that it can’t deliver is an almost-sure guarantee that people will look to a person who will take a jackhammer to it." www.commonwealmagazine.org/dunkelman-ma...
commonwealmagazine.org
Delivery Problems
Marc J. Dunkelman argues that the federal government has been crippled by procedure—and progressives are largely to blame.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Progressive ends? Meet procedural means. Searchlight's Marc Dunkelman on the dilemma facing progressives who want to improve government, make it easier to build, and give more people a voice — not a veto. searchlightinst.substack.com/p/progressiv...
searchlightinst.substack.com
Progressivism’s goose and gander problem
The dilemma: Make government work better, no matter who controls it
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
“This is an issue where Democrats have won in the past and where we can win again." — @adamjentleson.bsky.social www.politico.com/newsletters/...
politico.com
Battle for the immigration high ground
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
There are thousands of data centers across America — and they're revealing a problem we've had in our grid for decades. The grid is getting older, slower, and less reliable. Don't ban data centers. Use private gains from AI to modernize the grid and lower costs for families.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
“Democrats should lean into the fact that Americans are not interested in cruelty,” @charlotteeffect.bsky.social told @peterhamby.bsky.social. “The most toxic parts of the GOP message are when they are needlessly cruel or trying to restrict how adults can act." puck.news/texas-senate...
puck.news
The Democrats’ Trans Trap
Republicans are gleefully seizing on James Talarico’s “six sexes” comments while Trump warns darkly that Democrats want “transgender for everybody.” New polling suggests how the party can defuse the G...
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
What if lawmakers channeled America's data center buildout — a buildout that is already well underway — into massive new investments in our nation's aging grid? @janeaflegal.bsky.social offers a way forward. More energy. Lower costs. Families would only pay for the electricity they use themselves.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
To recapture the public’s trust, Searchlight notes, Democrats “need to create a modern, functioning immigration system that is unforgiving to those who cross the border illegally but generous to those who go through an orderly legal process." www.politico.com/newsletters/...
politico.com
Battle for the immigration high ground
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
There are no winners in a race to the bottom. Rather than reform the tax code to advance distinct goals — like offsetting the cost of child care — recent proposals from Democrats primarily treat federal taxes themselves as the problem. But there's a better way.
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Reposted by Searchlight Institute
Adam Wren @adamwren.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Scoop in @playbookdc.bsky.social: @searchlightinst.bsky.social is out today with a new plan and polling aimed at helping Dems take GOP ground lost on immigration. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
politico.com
Battle for the immigration high ground
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Mara Keisling, a senior fellow at Searchlight, has been a leading advocate for trans rights and acceptance for 30 years. She’s seen public opinion shift significantly over that time. Trans Americans today are able to live freer, fuller lives than they would have all those years ago.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Affordable housing and prices were the two top priorities for voters heading into the final days of the New York City mayoral. Crime was third. Voters say Zohran Mamdani prioritized affordability more than Andrew Cuomo — who instead prioritized crime.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
We analyzed hundreds of ads, TikTok posts, and YouTube videos during the New York City mayoral. Affordability was mentioned in nearly 80% of Zohran Mamdani's content during the election. In all the content from Andrew Cuomo? Only a third. www.searchlightinstitute.org/research/how...
searchlightinstitute.org
How Zohran Mamdani Won
By avoiding ‘crowding out,’ Mamdani drove a focus on the cost of living.
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Searchlight Institute @searchlightinst.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
“When a voter is unconvinced that a political party wants ‘good’ things for them, even the best crafted policies or messages quickly run up against a hard brick wall of resistance.” Read more here: searchlightinst.substack.com/p/the-chart-...
searchlightinst.substack.com
The chart that should keep Democrats up at night
At Searchlight, we’ve taken to calling this the “doomsday” chart. The news doesn’t start off great—with voters indicating they don’t believe Democrats want any of the things we offered as common topic...
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