Nick Rafter
@nickrafter.bsky.social
🇺🇸🏳️🌈 Bronx-born, Queens-raised son of a Brooklyn dad and Manhattan mom who met in Staten Island. Aspiring Author, Realtor, AvGeek, Europhile, the best political strategist Democrats never had.
https://nickrafter.substack.com/
https://nickrafter.substack.com/
Pinned
Nick Rafter
@nickrafter.bsky.social
· Oct 9
I'm happy to announce that my first novel, Lower Than the Angels, has been published. It is available in all formats, including ebook, here a.co/d/gygW1jb
Democrats Just Won This Shutdown Battle, so why is the Left acting like they didn't?
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Democrats Just Won This Shutdown Battle
So Why Is The Left Pretending They Didn't?
open.substack.com
January 30, 2026 at 3:16 PM
Democrats Just Won This Shutdown Battle, so why is the Left acting like they didn't?
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
The Defining Image Of Trump 2.0
A significant number of our fellow Americans are willing to endure any adverse consequences that come with seeing a billionaire bully push around the people they hate.
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
A significant number of our fellow Americans are willing to endure any adverse consequences that come with seeing a billionaire bully push around the people they hate.
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
The Defining Image Of Trump 2.0
MAGA Doesn't Want Trump To Help Them, They Just Want Him To Validate Their Hate
open.substack.com
January 15, 2026 at 1:32 PM
The Defining Image Of Trump 2.0
A significant number of our fellow Americans are willing to endure any adverse consequences that come with seeing a billionaire bully push around the people they hate.
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
A significant number of our fellow Americans are willing to endure any adverse consequences that come with seeing a billionaire bully push around the people they hate.
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
America's Fascist Demons Haunt Minneapolis
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
America's Fascist Demons Haunt Minneapolis
Our Nation's Descent into Authoritarianism Isn't an Accident. We Allowed It to Happen
open.substack.com
January 8, 2026 at 3:34 PM
America's Fascist Demons Haunt Minneapolis
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
26 Predictions I'm Making For 2026
Let's See How Many Come True
open.substack.com
January 2, 2026 at 3:45 PM
Sports journalists, pundits, and the LGBTQ community hope #HeatedRivalry can be the catalyst that leads closeted professional athletes to come out. Still, as cynical as it may be, it’s worth remembering this is fiction. We don’t live in a world this accepting. open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
We Don't Live In The World Of 'Heated Rivalry'
Imagine What The Internet, MAGA And Manosphere Would Say About Gay Sports Icons
open.substack.com
December 26, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Sports journalists, pundits, and the LGBTQ community hope #HeatedRivalry can be the catalyst that leads closeted professional athletes to come out. Still, as cynical as it may be, it’s worth remembering this is fiction. We don’t live in a world this accepting. open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
A diverse, multicultural part of New York City with a highly educated population, Northeast Queens was a fertile area for Democrats in the 2010s.
Today, it is a MAGA bastion. What happened here?
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Today, it is a MAGA bastion. What happened here?
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
The MAGA Radicalization Of Northeast Queens
Once An Area Fruitful For Democrats, This Diverse Part Of NYC Zoomed To The Right
open.substack.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:50 PM
A diverse, multicultural part of New York City with a highly educated population, Northeast Queens was a fertile area for Democrats in the 2010s.
Today, it is a MAGA bastion. What happened here?
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Today, it is a MAGA bastion. What happened here?
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Indiana Republicans defied Donald Trump on redistricting, even after threats and acts of intimidation. It's the first time Trump's mob boss tactics did not work on members of his own party, and it's evidence that Trump's power and influence are rapidly declining.
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Trump Gets A Hoosier Smackdown
Indiana Redistricting Fail Is Another Sign Of MAGA's Collapsing Power
open.substack.com
December 15, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Indiana Republicans defied Donald Trump on redistricting, even after threats and acts of intimidation. It's the first time Trump's mob boss tactics did not work on members of his own party, and it's evidence that Trump's power and influence are rapidly declining.
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
New York City is the safest big city in the country, perhaps one of the safest in the world, yet it has a reputation for being dangerous. I take a look at why that belief has sustained decades of low crime rates.
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
December 11, 2025 at 5:57 PM
New York City is the safest big city in the country, perhaps one of the safest in the world, yet it has a reputation for being dangerous. I take a look at why that belief has sustained decades of low crime rates.
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
An open Congressional seat in one of the most left-wing places in the United States – the heart of gentrified Brooklyn and Queens – will be a battle between two factions of the Populist left.
I break down the coming race for NY07, the "Mae West District" here:
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
I break down the coming race for NY07, the "Mae West District" here:
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
The Coming Campaign For Congress In NYC's Commie Corridor
In New York's 7th District, A Chance For NYC's Left To Flex It's Mamdani-Era Muscles
open.substack.com
December 8, 2025 at 1:29 PM
An open Congressional seat in one of the most left-wing places in the United States – the heart of gentrified Brooklyn and Queens – will be a battle between two factions of the Populist left.
I break down the coming race for NY07, the "Mae West District" here:
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
I break down the coming race for NY07, the "Mae West District" here:
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
How Christmas Makes Me Understand Modern American Conservatism open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Christmas Makes Me Understand Modern American Conservatism
Much Like Conservatives, I Get Irrationally Angry And Scared When People Don't Share My Traditions
open.substack.com
December 5, 2025 at 7:33 PM
How Christmas Makes Me Understand Modern American Conservatism open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
The results in the special election for Tennessee’s 7th District were unquestionably good for Democrats and a disaster for Republicans. Still, it wasn’t as catastrophic as it could have been and offered some red flags for Democrats and the Left
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Lesson To Learn For Democrats in Tennessee
Aftyn Behn's Performance Would Win The House, But It Came With A Few Warnings
open.substack.com
December 4, 2025 at 10:26 PM
The results in the special election for Tennessee’s 7th District were unquestionably good for Democrats and a disaster for Republicans. Still, it wasn’t as catastrophic as it could have been and offered some red flags for Democrats and the Left
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Zohran Mamdani's First Political Setback.
Julie Menin won the Speakership because progressives fumbled winning on the New York City Council, and that could be a major obstacle to much of their agenda under the new mayor. open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Julie Menin won the Speakership because progressives fumbled winning on the New York City Council, and that could be a major obstacle to much of their agenda under the new mayor. open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Zohran Mamdani's First Political Setback
The City Council Elects A Speaker Unlikely To Support His More Ambitious Proposals
open.substack.com
December 2, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Zohran Mamdani's First Political Setback.
Julie Menin won the Speakership because progressives fumbled winning on the New York City Council, and that could be a major obstacle to much of their agenda under the new mayor. open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Julie Menin won the Speakership because progressives fumbled winning on the New York City Council, and that could be a major obstacle to much of their agenda under the new mayor. open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Everyone expected a UFC cage match. Instead, they got a senile old man fanboying a good-looking young guy. Progressives shouldn't read too deep into this bromance, though; like all things with Trump, it's all just an act.
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Notes On The Mamdani-Trump Mashup
Fewer Events In The Trump Era Have Made People This Insane
open.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Everyone expected a UFC cage match. Instead, they got a senile old man fanboying a good-looking young guy. Progressives shouldn't read too deep into this bromance, though; like all things with Trump, it's all just an act.
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
My take on the irrational rage toward Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez from some on the Left, and their hypocritical defense of Rep. Chuy Garcia. Take a read:
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
The Left Engages In Blatant Electoral Hypocrisy
Chuy Garcia's Shady Exit Erodes Leftists' Chief Complaint Against The Establishment
open.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:10 PM
My take on the irrational rage toward Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez from some on the Left, and their hypocritical defense of Rep. Chuy Garcia. Take a read:
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
It’s a widely accepted narrative that big cities like New York are not great places to raise children, but here I share a story from my youth growing up in New York City that counters that narrative. Take a read.
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
The Big City Can Offer Kids Safety And Security
Bullying Can Make A Child Feel Trapped, And Living Amongst Millions Can Ease That
open.substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:42 PM
It’s a widely accepted narrative that big cities like New York are not great places to raise children, but here I share a story from my youth growing up in New York City that counters that narrative. Take a read.
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
New followers, come and subscribe. 20 percent off annual subscriptions through November 30. nickrafter.substack.com/onehundredsu...
Subscribe to Nick Rafter Writes
One man's commentary on politics, culture and society. Click to read Nick Rafter Writes, a Substack publication with thousands of subscribers.
nickrafter.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:47 PM
New followers, come and subscribe. 20 percent off annual subscriptions through November 30. nickrafter.substack.com/onehundredsu...
Epstein Emails And Trump's Declining Power.
How the Trump era might come to an end. open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
How the Trump era might come to an end. open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Epstein Emails And Trump's Declining Power
Trump's Strength Is Relevance, And His Increasing Lame Duck Status Takes That Away
open.substack.com
November 14, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Epstein Emails And Trump's Declining Power.
How the Trump era might come to an end. open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
How the Trump era might come to an end. open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
When Democrats picked Nancy Pelosi to be Minority Leader in 2002, the consensus was that they were making a huge mistake. She turned out to be probably the Greatest Speaker In American History.
Here's a look at her legacy:
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Here's a look at her legacy:
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Nancy Pelosi Proved Everybody Wrong
First Dismissed And Underestimated, She May Be The Best To Ever Hold The Gavel
open.substack.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:24 PM
When Democrats picked Nancy Pelosi to be Minority Leader in 2002, the consensus was that they were making a huge mistake. She turned out to be probably the Greatest Speaker In American History.
Here's a look at her legacy:
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Here's a look at her legacy:
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
My election night roundup on what was a banner election for the Democratic Party, we thought was beleaguered.
Plus thoughts on what it means for the debate over whether the party should go left or right to win, and whether that debate is even relevant at all.
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Plus thoughts on what it means for the debate over whether the party should go left or right to win, and whether that debate is even relevant at all.
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
It's (Maybe) The End Of MAGA As We Know It...
...And I Feel Fine
open.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:08 PM
My election night roundup on what was a banner election for the Democratic Party, we thought was beleaguered.
Plus thoughts on what it means for the debate over whether the party should go left or right to win, and whether that debate is even relevant at all.
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Plus thoughts on what it means for the debate over whether the party should go left or right to win, and whether that debate is even relevant at all.
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Why does it feel like Democrats have no grand vision?
I explore my theory here:
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
I explore my theory here:
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
The Obama Generation Lost Hope, And Elections
The Far Left And Right Gained Because Democrats Are Scared To Make Promises
open.substack.com
October 23, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Why does it feel like Democrats have no grand vision?
I explore my theory here:
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
I explore my theory here:
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
I'm happy to announce that my first novel, Lower Than the Angels, has been published. It is available in all formats, including ebook, here a.co/d/gygW1jb
October 9, 2025 at 1:59 AM
I'm happy to announce that my first novel, Lower Than the Angels, has been published. It is available in all formats, including ebook, here a.co/d/gygW1jb
Ezra Klein caught a lot of heat for suggesting Democrats should compromise on abortion rights to win red states, but the larger point, which is cultural issues are hurting the party’s ability to rebuild the Clinton/Obama-era tent is correct. Read here:
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
What Ezra Klein Is Right About
It May Not Be On Abortion, But Compromise Will Be Necessary To Win Red States
open.substack.com
October 7, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Ezra Klein caught a lot of heat for suggesting Democrats should compromise on abortion rights to win red states, but the larger point, which is cultural issues are hurting the party’s ability to rebuild the Clinton/Obama-era tent is correct. Read here:
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
This Government Shutdown Ain't It:
Doing something for the sake of doing something is dumb. open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Doing something for the sake of doing something is dumb. open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
This Government Shutdown Ain't It
Doing Something With No Exit Strategy Just To 'Do Something' Is Unspeakably Stupid
open.substack.com
October 2, 2025 at 2:05 PM
This Government Shutdown Ain't It:
Doing something for the sake of doing something is dumb. open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Doing something for the sake of doing something is dumb. open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
One Friday afternoon in 2012, Americans learned that their President was black. It triggered a backlash that brought us to this moment. Read more: open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
The Obama Moment That Sparked MAGA
The Price Black Americans Pay To Have Power And Influence Is To Abandon Blackness
open.substack.com
September 18, 2025 at 2:22 PM
One Friday afternoon in 2012, Americans learned that their President was black. It triggered a backlash that brought us to this moment. Read more: open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Could Susan Collins Lose To A Leftist? Check out my take on #MESen and Graham Platner open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...
Could Susan Collins Lose To A Leftist?
Graham Plater is Giving Moderates Heartburn, But Maine is Winnable Even With Him
open.substack.com
September 3, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Could Susan Collins Lose To A Leftist? Check out my take on #MESen and Graham Platner open.substack.com/pub/nickraft...