Joey Fishkin
@fishkin.bsky.social
Law prof @ UCLA. I study equality and oligarchy.
Most recent book @ https://anti-oligarchy.com
Most recent book @ https://anti-oligarchy.com
Pinned
The Inequality Podcast - Stone Center
stonecenter.uchicago.edu
@durlauf.bsky.social interviewed me for his terrific Inequality Podcast, which highlights different scholars' work on inequality.
It was a fun conversation—and if you'd like an introduction to my work, this is a great place to look (or listen).
Discusses both bottlenecks and oligarchy!
It was a fun conversation—and if you'd like an introduction to my work, this is a great place to look (or listen).
Discusses both bottlenecks and oligarchy!
Reposted by Joey Fishkin
Fascinating. So Congress knows how to write a bill allowing people to sue federal officers?! www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/u...
Spending Bill Would Pave Way for Senators to Sue Over Phone Searches
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:06 AM
Fascinating. So Congress knows how to write a bill allowing people to sue federal officers?! www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/u...
Reposted by Joey Fishkin
In the century leading up to 1975, nearly 6000 freighters went down in the Great Lakes.
The Edmund Fitzgerald was the last.
The last. In 50 years, not a single commercial freighter has been lost in the Great Lakes.
Why?
It's NOAA. Of course it's NOAA.
The Edmund Fitzgerald was the last.
The last. In 50 years, not a single commercial freighter has been lost in the Great Lakes.
Why?
It's NOAA. Of course it's NOAA.
November 11, 2025 at 1:50 AM
In the century leading up to 1975, nearly 6000 freighters went down in the Great Lakes.
The Edmund Fitzgerald was the last.
The last. In 50 years, not a single commercial freighter has been lost in the Great Lakes.
Why?
It's NOAA. Of course it's NOAA.
The Edmund Fitzgerald was the last.
The last. In 50 years, not a single commercial freighter has been lost in the Great Lakes.
Why?
It's NOAA. Of course it's NOAA.
Reposted by Joey Fishkin
Trump to air traffic controllers: "For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU. You didn’t step up to help the U.S.A. against the FAKE DEMOCRAT ATTACK"
November 10, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Trump to air traffic controllers: "For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU. You didn’t step up to help the U.S.A. against the FAKE DEMOCRAT ATTACK"
Reposted by Joey Fishkin
Finished Lowenstein's "Ways & Means" on the financial and tax reforms that won the Civil War for the Union—brilliant book that manages to make bond sales gripping & shows how many US institutions (land-grant colleges, Union Pacific, etc) we owe to wartime reforms
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Joey Politano's review of Ways and Means
5/5: "The Yankees did not whip us in the field—we were whipped in the Treasury Department" bemoaned one Confederate officer. The man was half right, as the well-earned American victories on the battle...
www.goodreads.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Finished Lowenstein's "Ways & Means" on the financial and tax reforms that won the Civil War for the Union—brilliant book that manages to make bond sales gripping & shows how many US institutions (land-grant colleges, Union Pacific, etc) we owe to wartime reforms
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Reposted by Joey Fishkin
Schumer's a coward. Shaheen & co. soiled themselves. Yes, yes to all of it. But why don't Murkowski, Tillis, & company even get asked questions? Why do we have zero expectation of them? Journalists don't even bother trying. We have accepted Murc's Law as a constitutional provision. It's maddening.
These 5 people could caucus with the Democrats, giving them a majority & firmly opposing the fascism, any time. It might be nice for an enterprising journalist to ask them why they keep not doing this every day as the crimes & corruption continue & John Thune refuses to fulfill his oath of office.
🚨 The Senate votes 52-48 to overturn President Trump's 50 percent tariffs on Brazil. 5 GOP Senators break ranks to vote against Trump: Collins ME, McConnell KY, Murkowski AK, Paul KY, and Tillis NC.
November 10, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Schumer's a coward. Shaheen & co. soiled themselves. Yes, yes to all of it. But why don't Murkowski, Tillis, & company even get asked questions? Why do we have zero expectation of them? Journalists don't even bother trying. We have accepted Murc's Law as a constitutional provision. It's maddening.
Reposted by Joey Fishkin
Hey y’all, this right here ⬇️
Most alarmingly, only Senators trapped in this bubble could believe, against all evidence, that preserving the filibuster is a pro-democracy, save-the-Republic move, as opposed to the very thing that is rotting away the Republic, which is the deep disconnect between elections and policy outcomes.
I imagine what actually scared them into caving was the threat of Trump getting Republicans to actually eliminate the filibuster
November 10, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Hey y’all, this right here ⬇️
Reposted by Joey Fishkin
One has to wonder what the informational inputs are of senators who decided to cave.
The fact that many Democratic Senators are profoundly trapped in an unreal matrix of DC-media assumptions is a disaster on an epic scale. But it’s also an opportunity.
You have to wait years to primary most Senators, but you can fight to change those assumptions now.
Let me explain…
You have to wait years to primary most Senators, but you can fight to change those assumptions now.
Let me explain…
November 10, 2025 at 4:31 PM
One has to wonder what the informational inputs are of senators who decided to cave.
Reposted by Joey Fishkin
So it’s just hard to explain this as a strategic decision at all. Instead it looks like what they learned was their own unwillingness to see people harmed by the shutdown and their own lack of leadership, not anything about strategy
November 10, 2025 at 4:42 PM
So it’s just hard to explain this as a strategic decision at all. Instead it looks like what they learned was their own unwillingness to see people harmed by the shutdown and their own lack of leadership, not anything about strategy
The fact that many Democratic Senators are profoundly trapped in an unreal matrix of DC-media assumptions is a disaster on an epic scale. But it’s also an opportunity.
You have to wait years to primary most Senators, but you can fight to change those assumptions now.
Let me explain…
You have to wait years to primary most Senators, but you can fight to change those assumptions now.
Let me explain…
November 10, 2025 at 4:24 PM
The fact that many Democratic Senators are profoundly trapped in an unreal matrix of DC-media assumptions is a disaster on an epic scale. But it’s also an opportunity.
You have to wait years to primary most Senators, but you can fight to change those assumptions now.
Let me explain…
You have to wait years to primary most Senators, but you can fight to change those assumptions now.
Let me explain…
Reposted by Joey Fishkin
Consider a future Dem majority with a progressive agenda setter and no filibuster. The proposal will be one that makes people like CCM et al indifferent between the proposal and status quo. With the filibuster, the setter needs a few rep votes and so proposes something closer to CCM’s ideal point.
November 10, 2025 at 4:17 AM
Consider a future Dem majority with a progressive agenda setter and no filibuster. The proposal will be one that makes people like CCM et al indifferent between the proposal and status quo. With the filibuster, the setter needs a few rep votes and so proposes something closer to CCM’s ideal point.
It’s absolutely unfair and we are stuck with this until, minimum, 2029.
look I know being an engaged citizen IS the work of democracy but it is also the work of elected officials not to create situations where everyone has to be mobilized all the time to prevent them from allowing some kind of Dickensian horror on a Sunday night while you're in between loads of laundry
November 10, 2025 at 8:36 AM
It’s absolutely unfair and we are stuck with this until, minimum, 2029.
Reposted by Joey Fishkin
look I know being an engaged citizen IS the work of democracy but it is also the work of elected officials not to create situations where everyone has to be mobilized all the time to prevent them from allowing some kind of Dickensian horror on a Sunday night while you're in between loads of laundry
November 9, 2025 at 11:37 PM
look I know being an engaged citizen IS the work of democracy but it is also the work of elected officials not to create situations where everyone has to be mobilized all the time to prevent them from allowing some kind of Dickensian horror on a Sunday night while you're in between loads of laundry
This is the thing Senate Democrats need to be told slowly and loudly thousands of times between now and January. Every public event, every day’s phone call record.
(That PLUS how some who only donate in general elections are now researching your potential primary opponent to give them $$$.)
⬇️⬇️⬇️
(That PLUS how some who only donate in general elections are now researching your potential primary opponent to give them $$$.)
⬇️⬇️⬇️
My family has been without half our income for 40 days. It has been.. very hard.
We are willing to feel that pain so people can have health care next year, or to undo these illegal recissions.
We are not willing to have been put through this for NOTHING.
We are willing to feel that pain so people can have health care next year, or to undo these illegal recissions.
We are not willing to have been put through this for NOTHING.
November 10, 2025 at 8:35 AM
This is the thing Senate Democrats need to be told slowly and loudly thousands of times between now and January. Every public event, every day’s phone call record.
(That PLUS how some who only donate in general elections are now researching your potential primary opponent to give them $$$.)
⬇️⬇️⬇️
(That PLUS how some who only donate in general elections are now researching your potential primary opponent to give them $$$.)
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Reposted by Joey Fishkin
Everyone is saying it. Literally everyone
November 10, 2025 at 2:47 AM
Everyone is saying it. Literally everyone
Reposted by Joey Fishkin
My family has been without half our income for 40 days. It has been.. very hard.
We are willing to feel that pain so people can have health care next year, or to undo these illegal recissions.
We are not willing to have been put through this for NOTHING.
We are willing to feel that pain so people can have health care next year, or to undo these illegal recissions.
We are not willing to have been put through this for NOTHING.
November 10, 2025 at 1:36 AM
My family has been without half our income for 40 days. It has been.. very hard.
We are willing to feel that pain so people can have health care next year, or to undo these illegal recissions.
We are not willing to have been put through this for NOTHING.
We are willing to feel that pain so people can have health care next year, or to undo these illegal recissions.
We are not willing to have been put through this for NOTHING.
I agree partway with @joshtpm.bsky.social.
Basically, he suggests (my gloss), you have to recognize how unbelievably bad things were just a few months ago. Yes, today's vote was a massive and pathetic cave. But for these Senate Dems, it actually represents progress.
True! However—
Basically, he suggests (my gloss), you have to recognize how unbelievably bad things were just a few months ago. Yes, today's vote was a massive and pathetic cave. But for these Senate Dems, it actually represents progress.
True! However—
November 10, 2025 at 5:57 AM
I agree partway with @joshtpm.bsky.social.
Basically, he suggests (my gloss), you have to recognize how unbelievably bad things were just a few months ago. Yes, today's vote was a massive and pathetic cave. But for these Senate Dems, it actually represents progress.
True! However—
Basically, he suggests (my gloss), you have to recognize how unbelievably bad things were just a few months ago. Yes, today's vote was a massive and pathetic cave. But for these Senate Dems, it actually represents progress.
True! However—
Bar discipline is one of the most important fora for this fight.
It's really important to make it clear to the next generation of would be Eastmans and Chesebros that if they do this stuff they probably will not practice law again.
It's really important to make it clear to the next generation of would be Eastmans and Chesebros that if they do this stuff they probably will not practice law again.
Chesebro, Clark, Eastman, Giuliani, Meadows, Powell, and 71 others.
BREAKING
President Trump has granted a pardon to a slew of Trump world figures, including Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, and Sidney Powell, for their efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
President Trump has granted a pardon to a slew of Trump world figures, including Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, and Sidney Powell, for their efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
November 10, 2025 at 5:15 AM
Bar discipline is one of the most important fora for this fight.
It's really important to make it clear to the next generation of would be Eastmans and Chesebros that if they do this stuff they probably will not practice law again.
It's really important to make it clear to the next generation of would be Eastmans and Chesebros that if they do this stuff they probably will not practice law again.
Reposted by Joey Fishkin
Anyway a great way to radicalize people is for them to realize that you just abandoned their chance at being able to access and afford health care because you didn’t like waiting in line at the airport.
November 10, 2025 at 1:17 AM
Anyway a great way to radicalize people is for them to realize that you just abandoned their chance at being able to access and afford health care because you didn’t like waiting in line at the airport.
Reposted by Joey Fishkin
This is the reason I don't think it's all just kayfabe/rotating villain. The statements from *other Senate Democrats* are too sharp for that. They sound more like "oh my god you idiots please don't do this" than anything else
November 10, 2025 at 3:26 AM
This is the reason I don't think it's all just kayfabe/rotating villain. The statements from *other Senate Democrats* are too sharp for that. They sound more like "oh my god you idiots please don't do this" than anything else
This is completely correct but here's a glimmer of hope:
Schumer & Senate D's heard voters were mad in March when D's offered 0% fight.
Their answer was ok, in the fall, maybe 5% of a fight.
Now voters are even madder, ready to primary them all. LET THEM HEAR THIS.
The next round is in January.
Schumer & Senate D's heard voters were mad in March when D's offered 0% fight.
Their answer was ok, in the fall, maybe 5% of a fight.
Now voters are even madder, ready to primary them all. LET THEM HEAR THIS.
The next round is in January.
They caved in March so they could get a better deal now. They’re caving now so they can get a better deal in some indeterminate future. The better deal is always just beyond their reach, but continuing to cave will get them there. And if you don’t agree with that, you don’t understand Politics,
November 10, 2025 at 4:24 AM
This is completely correct but here's a glimmer of hope:
Schumer & Senate D's heard voters were mad in March when D's offered 0% fight.
Their answer was ok, in the fall, maybe 5% of a fight.
Now voters are even madder, ready to primary them all. LET THEM HEAR THIS.
The next round is in January.
Schumer & Senate D's heard voters were mad in March when D's offered 0% fight.
Their answer was ok, in the fall, maybe 5% of a fight.
Now voters are even madder, ready to primary them all. LET THEM HEAR THIS.
The next round is in January.
Reposted by Joey Fishkin
They caved in March so they could get a better deal now. They’re caving now so they can get a better deal in some indeterminate future. The better deal is always just beyond their reach, but continuing to cave will get them there. And if you don’t agree with that, you don’t understand Politics,
November 10, 2025 at 2:44 AM
They caved in March so they could get a better deal now. They’re caving now so they can get a better deal in some indeterminate future. The better deal is always just beyond their reach, but continuing to cave will get them there. And if you don’t agree with that, you don’t understand Politics,
The fact that the Democratic Senators facing re-election in 2026—even in tough races—did not decide to collapse is highly indicative of a few things, including that leaders are aware that voters did not want today's vote.
The fact that none of the 8 Dems are up for re-election in 2026 is a pretty good sign @schumer.senate.gov engineered the surrender
November 10, 2025 at 3:33 AM
The fact that the Democratic Senators facing re-election in 2026—even in tough races—did not decide to collapse is highly indicative of a few things, including that leaders are aware that voters did not want today's vote.
Reposted by Joey Fishkin
Yep. Don't let Schumer off the hook. He owns this.
As Democrats get their votes lined up and talking points ready, it’s important to remember they’re working together to lessen the fallout from their angry base.
In March (see below), Schumer voted to advance the bill but didn’t *technically* vote for final passage.
It’s dishonest bullshit.
In March (see below), Schumer voted to advance the bill but didn’t *technically* vote for final passage.
It’s dishonest bullshit.
"But Schumer and seven other Democrats who voted to advance the bill earlier Friday voted against passing it."
"Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire) was the only Democrat who voted for the bill. King also voted for it. Sen. Rand Paul (Kentucky) was the only Republican who voted against it."
"Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire) was the only Democrat who voted for the bill. King also voted for it. Sen. Rand Paul (Kentucky) was the only Republican who voted against it."
November 10, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Yep. Don't let Schumer off the hook. He owns this.
Reposted by Joey Fishkin
Politico says the cavers have won. CR in exchange for fake vote on ACA subsidies in December. Politico at least says other Dems will give them cover. We’ll see. www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Senate reaches deal on ending the shutdown
Democrats are coalescing around a bipartisan agreement to fund the government.
www.politico.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:16 AM
Politico says the cavers have won. CR in exchange for fake vote on ACA subsidies in December. Politico at least says other Dems will give them cover. We’ll see. www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Reposted by Joey Fishkin
“People are blaming republicans for food prices and flight cancellations and health insurance costs and are furious about gilded ballrooms and Gatsby parties and the president is falling asleep on tv and is the most deeply unpopular president in history, time to cave” is a hell of an argument
November 9, 2025 at 8:55 PM
“People are blaming republicans for food prices and flight cancellations and health insurance costs and are furious about gilded ballrooms and Gatsby parties and the president is falling asleep on tv and is the most deeply unpopular president in history, time to cave” is a hell of an argument