Dana Houle
@danahoule.bsky.social
Family’s first HS grad. Worked in labor/Did policy/Elected Dems/Stint on Cap Hill. Blogged+pieces for WaPo/TNR/etc. Got rare disease, nearly died 5 times. Detroiter in Chicago. Husband. Dad to twins. Gardener. Getting healthy.
Actually lives in IL-09
Actually lives in IL-09
Pinned
Dana Houle
@danahoule.bsky.social
· Jan 1
“Hopefulness is hard-earned, makes demands upon us, and can often feel like the most indefensible and lonely place on Earth. Hopefulness is not a neutral position either. It is adversarial. It is the warrior emotion that can lay waste to cynicism.”
Nick Cave
Nick Cave
Reposted by Dana Houle
You know who hasn’t cowered in the face of terrible violence and changed what they believe?
Minnesota Democrats, who saw one of their own actually get gunned down by a pro-Trump lunatic.
These people are cowards.
Minnesota Democrats, who saw one of their own actually get gunned down by a pro-Trump lunatic.
These people are cowards.
“He isn’t worried about Trump’s political wrath; he doesn’t plan to run for reelection.
His fear of speaking out is much more personal: ‘I’d rather my house not get firebombed’”
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
His fear of speaking out is much more personal: ‘I’d rather my house not get firebombed’”
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
The Fear Taking Hold Among Indiana Republicans
“I’d rather my house not get firebombed.”
www.theatlantic.com
November 27, 2025 at 4:28 AM
You know who hasn’t cowered in the face of terrible violence and changed what they believe?
Minnesota Democrats, who saw one of their own actually get gunned down by a pro-Trump lunatic.
These people are cowards.
Minnesota Democrats, who saw one of their own actually get gunned down by a pro-Trump lunatic.
These people are cowards.
Reposted by Dana Houle
“so it’s basically a whit stillman film but everyone is wearing business casual in generic offices and they’re the most annoying social climbers you’ve ever met.”
“…”
“no not heavily stylized annoying. like the real thing”
“sold”
“…”
“no not heavily stylized annoying. like the real thing”
“sold”
November 27, 2025 at 4:32 AM
“so it’s basically a whit stillman film but everyone is wearing business casual in generic offices and they’re the most annoying social climbers you’ve ever met.”
“…”
“no not heavily stylized annoying. like the real thing”
“sold”
“…”
“no not heavily stylized annoying. like the real thing”
“sold”
Reposted by Dana Houle
my reactions to shattered glass were 1) melanie lynskey melting my brain 2) how well it captured the twerpiness of it all to the extent i don’t know how it got made
November 27, 2025 at 4:27 AM
my reactions to shattered glass were 1) melanie lynskey melting my brain 2) how well it captured the twerpiness of it all to the extent i don’t know how it got made
Reposted by Dana Houle
But here’s the thing:
Whose house has been firebombed?
Maybe there will be a first, but most of these guys fear threats made by some guy in front of a screen in an office in St Petersburg
And if they won’t stand up, it would be great if they acknowledged that compared to Dems they’re cowards
Whose house has been firebombed?
Maybe there will be a first, but most of these guys fear threats made by some guy in front of a screen in an office in St Petersburg
And if they won’t stand up, it would be great if they acknowledged that compared to Dems they’re cowards
“He isn’t worried about Trump’s political wrath; he doesn’t plan to run for reelection.
His fear of speaking out is much more personal: ‘I’d rather my house not get firebombed’”
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
His fear of speaking out is much more personal: ‘I’d rather my house not get firebombed’”
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
The Fear Taking Hold Among Indiana Republicans
“I’d rather my house not get firebombed.”
www.theatlantic.com
November 27, 2025 at 4:16 AM
But here’s the thing:
Whose house has been firebombed?
Maybe there will be a first, but most of these guys fear threats made by some guy in front of a screen in an office in St Petersburg
And if they won’t stand up, it would be great if they acknowledged that compared to Dems they’re cowards
Whose house has been firebombed?
Maybe there will be a first, but most of these guys fear threats made by some guy in front of a screen in an office in St Petersburg
And if they won’t stand up, it would be great if they acknowledged that compared to Dems they’re cowards
Telling “stories” is easier, more fun, & less threatening to one’s career than telling boring &/or difficult truths
“Stories” meet people who can’t think analytically where they are, & don’t bring them to better understandings of the world. And they make politics in to theater criticism
“Stories” meet people who can’t think analytically where they are, & don’t bring them to better understandings of the world. And they make politics in to theater criticism
I would agree with this of the entire industry rejected Nuzzi the first time. But they continue to stand by her in overwhelming numbers.
Also, the scandalous stuff aside, they think she is a good writer. "Storyteller" is how many journalists describe themselves now.
Also, the scandalous stuff aside, they think she is a good writer. "Storyteller" is how many journalists describe themselves now.
you know, what if they aren't actually a commentary on journalism or the state of media. what if these people are just extremely weird
November 27, 2025 at 4:10 AM
Telling “stories” is easier, more fun, & less threatening to one’s career than telling boring &/or difficult truths
“Stories” meet people who can’t think analytically where they are, & don’t bring them to better understandings of the world. And they make politics in to theater criticism
“Stories” meet people who can’t think analytically where they are, & don’t bring them to better understandings of the world. And they make politics in to theater criticism
Reminder that the National Guard aren’t really trained for what they’re being asked to do.
November 26, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Reminder that the National Guard aren’t really trained for what they’re being asked to do.
Reposted by Dana Houle
📣 Dems have overperformed an avg of 13 pts across 59 Special Elections so far, winning 37 of them including *flipping* 6 GOP seats!
There's ~2 DOZEN MORE on the calendar!
UP NEXT:
12/02: TN-07 @aftynbehn.bsky.social
KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING.
#Blue25 #Blue26
secure.actblue.com/donate/speci...
There's ~2 DOZEN MORE on the calendar!
UP NEXT:
12/02: TN-07 @aftynbehn.bsky.social
KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING.
#Blue25 #Blue26
secure.actblue.com/donate/speci...
Chip in!
Show your support with a contribution.
secure.actblue.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:45 PM
📣 Dems have overperformed an avg of 13 pts across 59 Special Elections so far, winning 37 of them including *flipping* 6 GOP seats!
There's ~2 DOZEN MORE on the calendar!
UP NEXT:
12/02: TN-07 @aftynbehn.bsky.social
KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING.
#Blue25 #Blue26
secure.actblue.com/donate/speci...
There's ~2 DOZEN MORE on the calendar!
UP NEXT:
12/02: TN-07 @aftynbehn.bsky.social
KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING.
#Blue25 #Blue26
secure.actblue.com/donate/speci...
Secret Service shut down 17th & Constitution, motorcade drove through, ambulance drove up on to the Mall, someone was loaded on to a chopper & flown off
Was a regular chopper, not a Marine Chinook, but still makes me think about people near or at the White House who would have USSS protection.
Was a regular chopper, not a Marine Chinook, but still makes me think about people near or at the White House who would have USSS protection.
November 26, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Secret Service shut down 17th & Constitution, motorcade drove through, ambulance drove up on to the Mall, someone was loaded on to a chopper & flown off
Was a regular chopper, not a Marine Chinook, but still makes me think about people near or at the White House who would have USSS protection.
Was a regular chopper, not a Marine Chinook, but still makes me think about people near or at the White House who would have USSS protection.
Yeah, I said before Election Day the contest that could most freak out Repubs wasn’t one of the gubernatorial races, it was the Georgia commission votes. You combine those w a very close result or especially a Dem win in TN-07 & no Repub in a seat Trump won by less than 15 would or should feel safe
If this is remotely this close, expect at least a dozen R House retirements on December 3rd.
Emerson poll | 11/22-11/24 LV
Tennessee’s 7th congressional special election (Trump +22)
(Leaners pushed)
🟥Matt Van Epps 49.4%
🟦Aftyn Behn 47.0%
Others 3.5%
emersoncollegepolling.com/tennessee-7t...
Tennessee’s 7th congressional special election (Trump +22)
(Leaners pushed)
🟥Matt Van Epps 49.4%
🟦Aftyn Behn 47.0%
Others 3.5%
emersoncollegepolling.com/tennessee-7t...
November 26, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Yeah, I said before Election Day the contest that could most freak out Repubs wasn’t one of the gubernatorial races, it was the Georgia commission votes. You combine those w a very close result or especially a Dem win in TN-07 & no Repub in a seat Trump won by less than 15 would or should feel safe
In DC w my wife’s parents & her sister & her family to celebrate Thanksgiving w her aunt, who’s gone in to assisted living. The emotions are complicated. She didn’t have kids. But, as an aunt & uncle, Auntie X & Uncle X were superstars. And he worked for the World Bank, and for over half a century…
November 26, 2025 at 4:27 PM
In DC w my wife’s parents & her sister & her family to celebrate Thanksgiving w her aunt, who’s gone in to assisted living. The emotions are complicated. She didn’t have kids. But, as an aunt & uncle, Auntie X & Uncle X were superstars. And he worked for the World Bank, and for over half a century…
November 25, 2025 at 7:40 PM
I love “do I want Kamala Harris or do I not want Kamala Harris” decisions that don’t account for Trump.
Very serious person here…
Very serious person here…
The more important thing is that Mamdani is not the type of politician that Liz Cheney would want to campaign for. It was bad that Harris campaigned with her, it is even worse that she was someone Liz Cheney wanted to campaign for
November 24, 2025 at 5:38 AM
I love “do I want Kamala Harris or do I not want Kamala Harris” decisions that don’t account for Trump.
Very serious person here…
Very serious person here…
Detroit to DC felt like a long but OK drive. Chicago to DC kinda sucked. I’m tired but also wired & I can’t go to sleep.
November 23, 2025 at 7:12 AM
Detroit to DC felt like a long but OK drive. Chicago to DC kinda sucked. I’m tired but also wired & I can’t go to sleep.
Reposted by Dana Houle
The amount of attack ads from the Republicans in TN7 is just bonkers. I hate them, but I do love how panicked they are rn over @aftynbehn.bsky.social
November 22, 2025 at 9:42 AM
The amount of attack ads from the Republicans in TN7 is just bonkers. I hate them, but I do love how panicked they are rn over @aftynbehn.bsky.social
Suddenly the special election in TN-07 becomes potentially hugely consequential. It shouldn’t be competitive, but if Democrats steal it, when Greene resigns the Republican majority will be down to 218-216 w a sure Dem seat with no special scheduled in Texas.
Just catching up; what’s the significance of Jan 5? Does waiting until then affect when the special will be scheduled?
November 22, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Suddenly the special election in TN-07 becomes potentially hugely consequential. It shouldn’t be competitive, but if Democrats steal it, when Greene resigns the Republican majority will be down to 218-216 w a sure Dem seat with no special scheduled in Texas.
Just catching up; what’s the significance of Jan 5? Does waiting until then affect when the special will be scheduled?
November 22, 2025 at 2:05 AM
Just catching up; what’s the significance of Jan 5? Does waiting until then affect when the special will be scheduled?
The boy is doing percussion & it’s going well. But he also wants to learn trumpet. We’ve got a long drive tomorrow & I was thinking about working in Sketches of Spain & some Donald Byrd in to the album list. Any other suggestions?
November 22, 2025 at 12:35 AM
The boy is doing percussion & it’s going well. But he also wants to learn trumpet. We’ve got a long drive tomorrow & I was thinking about working in Sketches of Spain & some Donald Byrd in to the album list. Any other suggestions?
Reposted by Dana Houle
“Number two, they need to conduct themselves — ICE, Border Patrol — like professionals. The way they treat people here, I wouldn’t even treat insurgents in Iraq...” - Sen Ruben Gallego
What would a more professional ICE and CBP look like? 🤔
What would a more professional ICE and CBP look like? 🤔
US Sen. Ruben Gallego, a Chicago native, denounces immigration raids in return home
U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona can’t do much to shield the Little Village from Trump’s immigration crackdown, but the Chicago native wanted to bear witness to his hometown’s resilie…
www.chicagotribune.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:29 AM
“Number two, they need to conduct themselves — ICE, Border Patrol — like professionals. The way they treat people here, I wouldn’t even treat insurgents in Iraq...” - Sen Ruben Gallego
What would a more professional ICE and CBP look like? 🤔
What would a more professional ICE and CBP look like? 🤔
Reposted by Dana Houle
Trump just signed a bill gutting food assistance and healthcare to partially pay for a massive upper-class tax cut three months ago!
this is your brain when your entire politics is just a set of aesthetics
just bleak, man
November 22, 2025 at 12:29 AM
Trump just signed a bill gutting food assistance and healthcare to partially pay for a massive upper-class tax cut three months ago!
I choose to read “that was a good answer” like “that was a good drum break”
November 22, 2025 at 12:19 AM
I choose to read “that was a good answer” like “that was a good drum break”
Reposted by Dana Houle
It’s not entirely true. Trump will change his mind. He always does. But it probably buys New York a week or two in regards to ICE. If true it’s a big victory for Mamdani on that alone. He also made it out without bowing, lying or being made foolish.
In the grand scheme of things, this meeting was Tremendous Content, and like most Tremendous Content, it's Coke Zero politics. Mamdani comes out way ahead, Trump made a fool of his viziers and his strongest soldiers, and none of this will matter next week.
November 21, 2025 at 11:35 PM
It’s not entirely true. Trump will change his mind. He always does. But it probably buys New York a week or two in regards to ICE. If true it’s a big victory for Mamdani on that alone. He also made it out without bowing, lying or being made foolish.
It’s almost like having a mother who is a film director gave Mamdani some insights on how to handle an egomaniac.
November 21, 2025 at 11:33 PM
It’s almost like having a mother who is a film director gave Mamdani some insights on how to handle an egomaniac.
Reposted by Dana Houle
to be clear I think it’s good when the good guys successfully manipulate the malevolent idiot king into doing marginally better things
November 21, 2025 at 9:47 PM
to be clear I think it’s good when the good guys successfully manipulate the malevolent idiot king into doing marginally better things