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Sound Politics answers your Washington state ballot questions live
KUOW's politics podcast is hosting its first-ever live taping.
Russia continues to divide Italian politics: Why defending Ukraine matters
M5S leader Giuseppe Conte’s call to stop sending weapons to Ukraine has reopened the clash with Elly Schlein’s Democratic Party over an issue that has long cut across Italian politics. Giorgia Meloni, meanwhile, is maintaining a tough line on Moscow despite resistance within the governing coalition and pressure from the far right. With less than [...]
Cal Thomas: Mother’s milk of politics gone sour
“Money is the mother’s milk of politics,” said Jesse M. Unruh, who in the ’60s was a powerful Democratic politician and speaker of the California State Assembly. It is a disgrace, if much is disgraceful these days, that we spend so much on …
Ladies and Gentlemen, Brian Mulroney Review: Psychedelic Politics Doc
Matthew Rankin's story of Brian Mulroney’s political ascent offers a critique of televisual culture and a snapshot of a less extreme political era.
How California Latina, Latino voters differ on politics
A new study shows a gender gap on immigration, Donald Trump and protecting democracy.
How California Latina, Latino voters differ on politics
A new study shows a gender gap on immigration, Donald Trump and protecting democracy.
McCuskey agrees to resign as LIG - Illinois Times, the capital city's source of news, politics, arts, entertainment, culture
You may know that embattled Legislative Inspector General Michael McCuskey has agreed to resign his post by the end of September. But this sorry saga shouldn’t end there. The Legislative Ethics Commission should immediately launch an investigation into why so many women over the years have said they believed they were mistreated and even belittled […]
Swedish elections on a knife-edge
A ‘razor-thin’ victory for the centre-left is forecast but not certain, in a result that tests the temperature of European politics
Some Democrats are recalibrating their approach to transgender issues as they seek a path to power
California Gov. Gavin Newsom does not like being on Donald Trump’s side on any issue. But when it comes to transgender girls and women in sports, particularly at the school level, the Democrat said he largely agrees with the Republican president. Newsom, one of his party’s leading White House prospects, believes it’s “deeply unfair” for […]
The politics of AI, part two
First it was data centres that concerned voters and lawmakers — now they’re worrying about the models themselves
Siding with Ron DeSantis, Byron Donalds bucks Donald Trump on paying voters if GOP holds Congress
Trump's candidate wants to put the brakes on payouts based on political outcomes.
The Crusades: How a medieval Holy War still shapes politics
In 1095, the Catholic Church launched the Crusades, wars that left millions dead and whose legacy still shapes political and ideological conflicts.
Politics, Pubs, Parades, + the Parish: Tom Barrett, Episode 1
Tom Barrett joins Stacy McCormack for a wide-ranging conversation about Irish identity, politics and the people who shaped his life.
September 14 Playbook: The Races Defining the Midterms
☀️ Good Monday Morning. LFG 🎶 Your Morning Pick Me Up. Wake Me Up. Avicii PA Weather☀️ Ridgway | Mostly Sunny, 67🌤️ Lebanon | Becoming Sunny, 74☀️ Doylestown | Sunny, 73 PA Sports ⚾ Phillies (83-67, +1.5 GB WC) | Atlanta 9-4 | Tue at Washington⚾ Pirates (75-75) | Chicago Cubs…
UK unions split over party donations cap as TUC chief says ‘super-rich’ corrupting politics
Sources say there are ‘significant differences’ in opinion as debate inflamed by crypto billionaires’ £72m donations to Reform
The colonial policing roots of today’s data politics
As Indians living under British colonial rule learned, data collection is never neutral.
What two LDS candidates have to say about their big political showdown
They're running against each other in the race to lead Arizona. Here's what these two LDS candidates had to say about their politics, their faith and how the two intertwine.
Toney vows to put public safety over politics in AG campaign stop
The GOP candidate for state attorney general visited Rice Lake on Saturday, telling Republicans he will right the Department of Justice ship and prioritize public safety over politics.
2026 Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Lecture Speaker: Dr. Tanya Golash-Boza
Austin College will host Dr. Tanya Golash-Boza as the 2026 Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) Lecture Speaker.
Opinion: How out-of-state political interests are strangling NH
A writer warns against the influence of the Free State Project and out-of-state money on New Hampshire politics and its core values.
Union power vs. MAGA politics in California school superintendent race
Democrat Richard Barrera and conservative Sonja Shaw clash in a high-stakes battle for California’s state superintendent of public instruction post.
Analysis | Working-class Americans aren’t running for office. It’s changing our politics.
It is having a direct impact on the kind of public policy coming out of the nation’s legislative bodies.
Opinion | Mary Peltola’s Energy Politics Fits Alaska. Democrats Need Her.
To win in states such as Alaska, the party needs a faction that can live with fossil fuels.
How University Core Curriculums Are Getting Political
Politics and other factors are causing universities to reconsider what classes are core requirements. In some places, civics and classics are replacing climate change and sociology.
Lone Star Politics: Sept. 13, 2026
Lone Star Politics is looking at the big headlines from the RNC midterm convention. Plus, a sit down conversation with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Video. Sweden faces ‘very messy’ politics after election, expert says
Video. Lars Trägårdh, Professor of History at Ersta Sköndal University College in Stockholm, said Sweden’s election-winning Social Democrats would have to rely on “a very unwieldy coalition”, warning that the country faces a “very messy” political situation.
Will the “Institutionalization” of Türkiye-Iraq Relations Take Root?
Bilateral trade between Türkiye and Iraq continues to hover around the $20 billion mark. The economy was the main focus of Al-Zaidi’s visit.
Sweden’s Parliamentary Election Heads to a Close Finish
For the Social Democrats, a victory would represent an opportunity to reverse or slow the broader erosion of Sweden’s liberal traditions.
Politics live: Fugitive developer Jean Nassif details feud with David Elliott, telling Icac Liberals were ‘rejecting all my properties’
Follow the day’s news live
Phil Washington’s prescient perspectives on public transit
Phil Washington departed Denver 11 years ago, leaving his job as the Regional Transportation District’s general manager for the previous six years and another decade before that as its chief financial officer. I happened to be at the RTD offices when Washington’s departure was announced. There were small groups of employees huddled in the hallways, […]
The rising power of American Muslims
Is this a new era for American Muslims?American Muslims are building their own cultural institutions – New York Magazine and The Guardian have reported on flourishing ecosystems of cafes, magazines, dance nights, meetups and readings for Muslims and/or people with heritage from the SWANA region. And on a political level, Muslims like Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani have become prominent faces of the left. On the one hand, this swell of Muslims coming up in politics and building cultural institutions is not surprising – there are over 4 million Muslims in America. On the other hand, this shift is pretty significant given how deeply Islamophobia and racism are rooted in our culture. So what's changed for American Muslims in recent years, and what’s stayed the same? What does it mean that Muslims are accruing a little more political and cultural capital now, and that non-Muslims are noticing?To get deeper into it, Brittany is joined by Dr. Donna Auston, cultural anthropologist, and Dr. Tazeen Ali, scholar of Islam in America and associate professor of religion and politics at Washington University in St. Louis.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
Dalai Lama’s Enduring Politics of Hope
Delhi fears China. China fears the Dalai Lama. Neither fear will be mentioned this week – By Rajiv Mehrotra for The Tribune, 12 September 2026 This week, the President of China lands in Delhi with 400 officials. Ninety-one years old, in a house in Dharamshala, sits a monk with no army, no territory and no…
Rise in abuse of election candidates is ‘changing politics’ in England
Electoral Commission finds abuse, particularly of women, minority ethnic and disabled people, is affecting candidates’ behaviour
A fateful turning point for humanity and AI could redefine American politics
If a terrorist threat led subject experts to warn of a near-term existential menace to humanity, the weight of the US government would mobilize in an immediate and limitless effort to save the day.
A fateful turning point for humanity and AI could redefine American politics
If a terrorist threat led subject experts to warn of a near-term existential menace to humanity, the weight of the US government would mobilize in an immediate and limitless effort to save the day.
BRICS countries rally to counter shocks of power politics, unilateralism: China Daily
"This year marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation. Over the past two decades, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has become the world's most influential platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries," highlights the editorial.
WATCH: Politics Today for the week of Sept. 13, 2026
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — On Sept. 13, during the Politics Today episode on KAMR Local 4 News, Jack Kessler reviews several recent political developments and topics of interest in the Amarillo …
Inside California Politics
Rep. Kevin Kiley joined Inside California Politics this week to discuss his race against Dr. Richard Pan for California's 6th Congressional seat.
Politics Unplugged (Full Episode) Sept. 13, 2026
This episode of Politics Unplugged features an interview with treasurer candidate Nick Mansour on ESA oversight, followed by a panel discussion on Trumpapalooza, a fake AI endorsement photo, and Arizona's governor's race and data center debate.
He ousted an incumbent. Now, Nate Sheets looks toward the general election.
Businessman Nate Sheets defeated incumbent Republican Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller in the primary. He now takes on organizer and rancher Clayton Tucker. Lone Star Politics speaks with him about his “Texas first” trade policy, bringing higher quality food to Texas schools, and his response to accusations from his opponent that he’s farmer.
RNC convention leaves town. Home stretch of election begins.
Labor Day weekend is usually the kick-off to the last two months of the election where candidates really hone their message and hit the campaign trail. Lone Star Politics breaks down the highlights of the first ever midterm Republican National Convention in Dallas and speak to Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate and State Rep. James Talarico.
2026 Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Lecture Speaker: Dr. Tanya Golash-Boza
Austin College will host Dr. Tanya Golash-Boza as the 2026 Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) Lecture Speaker.
Wyman Duggan committee picks up six-figure check from Aubrey Edge ahead of potential Jax mayoral run
Rep. Wyman Duggan is expected to run for Jacksonville Mayor, and he just got a big contribution from the company of a local CEO who would like to see
India’s regional politics continue to evade central capture
India's 2026 state elections contradict the story of the BJP building a national political order, with electoral results shaped by distinct regional identities and traditions
The Politics of Memory: Some Ways to Think about Jefferson’s Declaration for America’s 250th
In conjunction with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Historic Geneva’s Fall Program Series explores themes connected to the ideals o...
Trump’s $5,000 ‘dividend’ strips another layer of shame from American politics
Among the questions now: just how gullible are American voters, and when will more Republicans realize they’re being made fools of?
Football and politics merge at Michigan tailgate as Senate candidates mingle with attendees
Football and politics merge at Michigan tailgate as Senate candidates mingle with attendees
Fox News correspondent Alexis McAdams reports from Ann Arbor, Mich., on the Senate race between Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed on 'Fox News Sunday.'
Column: The Fed’s credibility depends on resisting politics, not playing it
Credibility lives in what people believe the central bank will do under pressure, Bloomberg Opinion columnist Claudia Sahm writes.
Trump’s Meddling in UK Politics Could Shift the Balance of Independence Movements
Donald Trump has made a habit of inserting himself into other countries’ territorial affairs. The irony is hard to miss:
Should Californians worry about the chances of AI destroying humanity?
Stefano Bellasio, CEO of AI startup Anthropos, weighs in on the skepticism of the AI industry on California Politics 360.
California Politics 360 full episode | CA leaders respond to new AI concerns
California leaders are responding after a viral post warned artificial intelligence could end humanity within the next decade.
Trump's FDA followed the science on vaping. Politicians are furious
The FDA authorized e-cigarettes based on evidence of adult smoking cessation. Public health policy must choose data over politics.
Inside California Politics
(Inside California Politics) — Rep. Kevin Kiley joined Inside California Politics this week to discuss his race against Dr. Richard Pan for California’s 6th Congressional seat. Kiley previous…
'All INdiana Politics': Indiana Supreme Court reverses recount, restores Deery to ballot
The Indiana Supreme Court reinstated Senator Spencer Deery as the winner of the May 5 Republican primary, while Senator Todd Young discussed economic proposals and national security concerns during a midweek update.
Rosh Hashanah 2026: What does ‘shana tova’ mean in an Israel divided by politics?
Israelis may share a wish for a shana tova, but their visions for the country’s future could not be more different.
'I hope for a decent period in politics': views of voters as Sweden goes to the polls
The Guardian's Europe reporter and live blogger Jakub Krupa speaks to voters outside a polling station in the Swedish capital, Stockholm
How California Latina, Latino voters differ on politics
A new study shows a gender gap on immigration, Donald Trump and protecting democracy.
How California Latina, Latino voters differ on politics
A new study shows a gender gap on immigration, Donald Trump and protecting democracy.
How the BJP is reorganising Indian politics
The BJP directly won only one of India’s four 2026 state elections, yet a wider political reorganisation may have brought its alliance closer to a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha
The Denver Broncos are on the ballot this fall
Do you want the Broncos to win the Super Bowl? Then you’d better hope Amendment 87 — which brings back Colorado’s economy-strangling “graduated” income tax — loses at the ballot box this fall. Seriously. Forget Republicans and Democrats. Forget tax policy. This is about Xs and Os — and whether Denver can afford the players […]
Wildfires support: BBC Politics Midlands asks what should the government's priority be?
BBC Politics Midlands hosts a discussion on how we can better prepare for future wildfires.
Ron DeSantis endorsed a state Senate candidate on 9/11. It could have waited.
Campaigns have mostly learned to leave the logos off 9/11. The Governor hasn't learned to leave the day alone.
Phil Weiser’s role starting a CU tech hub offers a window into the gubernatorial candidate’s approach
The barrier-breaking Silicon Flatirons Center’s founding, evolution and legacy at CU show the thinking carried Phil Weiser into politics and now to the Democratic nomination for governor.
Colin McMahon: Amid political roar, Army keeps its head down
The Army must work harder than ever at staying out of politics and focusing on the task at hand.
Latest news: U.S. politics — quick roundup of top developments
The White House shows a "Live News" page for Sept. 13, 2026, while CNN and NPR list active U.S. coverage and Al Jazeera promises on-the-ground updates.
Pols & Politics: The Massachusetts primary winners and losers are …
The Herald takes a look at the winners and losers from the Sept. 1 primary, where some races, particularly one pitting Boston’s mayor against the state Senate, were still up in the air a week later.
Commentary: The Fed’s credibility depends on resisting politics, not playing it
At Jackson Hole last month, all eyes were on Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh in his first speech at the Fed’s annual conference. But all thoughts were about the Fed’s rate decision next week. Kenneth Rogoff, a Harvard economist who was at Jackson Hole as a lunchtime speaker, offered this advice to a New York Times journalist: “If they can possibly put it off till after the midterms, it would ...
Was there ever a Colorado city that required racial segregation by law?
The answer is “yes.” The Black Racial Equity Study Commission, led by Colorado Senate President James Coleman, has learned the city of Fruita had laws forbidding black people from being on the city streets at night and from being buried in the all-white local cemetery. Fruita is a small city located to the west of […]
An Election in Sweden Shows Shifting Priorities
Sweden votes on Sunday. With various crises easing, center-left politics seem in vogue again, but the far right cannot be discounted.
Asian Angle | Politics aside, young Vietnamese are warming to China
Hit dramas, trendy consumer brands and economic opportunity are drawing a new generation into China’s cultural orbit.
Thomas Gore scandal shows sex and politics have long collided
A 1914 assault allegation became a sensational trial and a defining test for Oklahoma’s blind senator.
When politics invades art, an Israeli artist seeks common ground at the Venice Biennale
Belu-Simion Fainaru, our representative at the Venice Biennale, struts his creative stuff and rolls with the anti-Israel punches.
BRICS countries rally to counter shocks of power politics, unilateralism: China Daily editorial
BEIJING, Sept. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The following article was published today by China Daily.
School politics class: Republicans fear Trump has turned toxic on the campaign trail
US Presidency
Crypto billionaires donate millions to Reform UK, raising concerns about money in politics
Reform UK, the anti-immigration party led by Nigel Farage, received £72 million (around €83.9 million) from two cryptocurrency billionaires this weekend, prompting concerns about money’s influence in British politics. Ben Delo, co-founder of the BitMEX platform, donated £36 million, and crypto investor Christopher Harborne matched that amount. Harborne supports Reform UK’s policies, believing they will […]
HMS, Leaving Politics at the Door Harms Our Patients
HMS, Leaving Politics at the Door Harms Our Patients
Immigration reporting measure fuels debate over Colorado’s role with ICE
A coalition of advocacy groups and several district attorneys rallied outside the Colorado Capitol on Thursday to oppose a ballot measure that, if approved by voters in November, would require state and local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Backed by Advance Colorado, Proposition 81 would require local law enforcement agencies to notify […]
Tim Scott frames political divide around American values
Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., reacts to 'Morning Joe' hosts mocking his RNC speech. Scott also addresses comments from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., on faith and progressive politics.
Reform MP says her children begged her to quit politics over safety fears
The Reform UK MP says the party's eight MPs now all have 24-hour security.
Reform MP Sarah Pochin says her children fear for her safety and want her to quit politics
The Reform UK MP says the party's eight MPs now all have 24-hour security.
Those Jacobsons!
A review of a collection of writings by New Politics founders Phyllis and Julius Jacobson.
Power & Politics: Caldwell investigation; 9/11
Democratic strategist Dan Bryan, Republican strategist Jeanette Hoffman and Sept. 11 survivor Brian Branco join the show this week.
Power & Politics: Caldwell investigation; 9/11
Democratic strategist Dan Bryan, Republican strategist Jeanette Hoffman and Sept. 11 survivor Brian Branco join the show this week.
Orange County School Board candidate Diana Moore faced parent and colleague complaints, suspensions as teacher
Her co-workers call her confrontational and combative. Moore says she's just asking questions.
Jackson Rallies Volunteers at Campaign Stop in Rockland
Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful said he entered politics because power and influence has held people back.
Inside Iowa Politics: Why Sen. Grassley isn’t sure Americans would react today like they did on September 11, 2001
U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley said that he doesn't know that Americans would react the same way today like they did after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Inside Iowa Politics: Why Sen. Grassley isn’t sure Americans would react today like they did on September 11, 2001
U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley said that he doesn't know that Americans would react the same way today like they did after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Inside Iowa Politics: Why Sen. Grassley isn’t sure Americans would react today like they did on September 11, 2001
U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley said that he doesn't know that Americans would react the same way today like they did after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Inside Iowa Politics: Why Sen. Grassley isn’t sure Americans would react today like they did on September 11, 2001
U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley said that he doesn't know that Americans would react the same way today like they did after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Crypto billionaires give $97 million to Reform UK, fueling concerns about money in politics
LONDON (AP) — Reform UK, the anti-immigration party led by Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, received 72 million pounds ($97 million) from two cryptocurrency bill
Crypto billionaires give $97 million to Reform UK, fueling concerns about money in politics
LONDON (AP) — Reform UK, the anti-immigration party led by Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, received 72 million pounds ($97 million) from two cryptocurrency billionaires this weekend, fueling concerns about money in British politics.
Crypto billionaires give $97 million to Reform UK, fueling concerns about money in politics
Reform UK, the anti-immigration party led by Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, received $97 million from two cryptocurrency billionaires this weekend.
Crypto billionaires give $97 million to Reform UK, fueling concerns about money in politics
LONDON (AP) — Reform UK, the anti-immigration party led by Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, received 72 million pounds ($97 million) from two cryptocurrency billionaires this weekend, fueling concerns about money in British politics.
Crypto billionaires give $97 million to Reform UK, fueling concerns about money in politics
LONDON (AP) — Reform UK, the anti-immigration party led by Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, received 72 million pounds ($97 million) from two cryptocurrency billionaires this weekend, fueling …
Crypto Billionaires Give $97 Million to Reform UK, Fueling Concerns About Money in Politics
LONDON (AP) — Reform UK, the anti-immigration party led by Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, received 72 million pounds ($97 million) from two cryptocurrency billionaires this weekend, fueling concerns about money in British politics. After news broke that Ben Delo, a co-founder of the BitMEX ...
Ashley Moody already has 50% support in new poll of Senate race
Nixon has a narrow path to close the gap, given most voters know who they like already.
6 best science fantasy movies you can never go wrong with
Let’s say you’re in the mood for sci-fi, but you also want to add a bit of whimsy to it. This often includes crazy blasters, intense politics, maybe some magic,
Germany’s Political Tailspin: Your Weekly SPIEGEL Recap
It might be tempting to dismiss the results of last Sunday’s state election in Saxony-Anhalt, in which the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party raked in 43.8 percent of the vote, as a rather unimportant extremist blip in a state that hardly anyone can find on the map. And you wouldn’t necessarily be wrong to do so. The state’s population – around 2.1 million – is a mere 2.5 percent of the German total. And while the state capital of Magdeburg was once the political heart of the Holy Roman Empire back when Otto the Great used to hang out there (more than a millenium … no … milennium … nope … millennium ago), it is today something of a backwater, albeit one with a ginormous cathedral in its center. We wanted to briefly interrupt this week’s newsletter to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our subscribers, both new and old. And to remind you all that a free subscription gets you access to this newsletter every Saturday. A paid subscription, by contrast, gets you one DER SPIEGEL article every weekday, delivered to your inbox. We strive to select pieces that both demonstrate what Europe’s leading newsmagazine has to offer and provide an international audience – namely, you – with an insight into how Germany and Europe view the world. If you haven’t already signed up for a paid subscription, please consider doing so if you can. Our Substack channel relies entirely on reader support and we are excited to continue offering you the best of DER SPIEGEL. Subscribe But even beyond the fact that a huge percentage of the voters in the state decided to place an X next to a party with an ideological lineage that runs rather directly back to the right-wing extremist soup out of which the Nazi Party was born, the results are a perfect example of a phenomenon that has been plaguing German elections in recent years: the lack of an obvious path to a majority. Call it the Balkanization of German politics. There are a number of developments driving the phenomenon, but for the purposes of this newsletter, here are two of the most salient: Persistent voter frustration with the country’s two (former) big-tent parties – the Christian Democrats (CDU) on the center-right (17.2 percent in Saxony-Anhalt last Sunday) and the Social Democrats (SPD) on the center-left (9.3 percent). The presence of parties on the far left (Left Party), the populist left (the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance – BSW) and the far right (AfD) with which mainstream parties are reluctant to form coalitions. So what happens now? Stories of the Week A Lack of Leadership The answer for many people in the country, and particularly within the CDU, is clear: pin (some of) the blame on Chancellor Friedrich Merz. According to a survey taken directly after the election in Saxony-Anhalt, 88 percent of respondents agreed with the statement that if the federal government in Berlin were doing a better job, the AfD wouldn’t be as strong. And it is true that the predominant impression of the federal government ever since Merz was sworn in on May 6, 2025, is one of ineffectiveness and bickering. His rather unique combination of bumbling-plus-bravado has also not exactly endeared him to the German public. Indeed, his standing in the country is so shaky that his popularity – according to recent polls – has now dropped even below the historic lows associated with his predecessor Olaf Scholz. The situation is such that the CDU even opted to keep him largely out of the campaign ahead of the Saxony-Anhalt vote. And since then, dissatisfied rumblings within the CDU have grown louder. DER SPIEGEL’s Swantje Karich notes that the problems with the CDU go much deeper than Merz. “The center-right has a trust problem. At a press appearance following the devastating election result in Saxony-Anhalt, Friedrich Merz said that the party wanted to ‘reach people more effectively’ through ‘emotional engagement.’ It sounded as though he were announcing a political program. On the basis of that statement, it is difficult to take his empathy seriously.” “The Chancellor’s chastened appearance did, at least, reveal where he stands: with his back to the wall. Elections will be held in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania next week, and the CDU could fare even worse there. The party is polling at between 8 and 10 percent in the state.” “What is at stake is the political tradition that has lent stability to the Federal Republic since 1945: a democratic conservatism that understands what must be preserved, but also how to embrace progress and openness to the world. If the Union continues along its current path, it risks becoming politically irrelevant after the 2029 federal election – and Germany could soon find itself with a government of the far right.” The Trumpification of Political Debate? It is often said in Germany that to understand the political and social trends that will soon be dominant in Europe, one need only look across the Atlantic to the United States. When it comes to political debate, that has certainly proven true. Donald Trump understood early on that triggering mouth-foaming outrage among Democrats is an ideal way to both generate headlines and to secure loyalty among supporters. And he realized that far more quickly than the left side of the political spectrum understood that simply ignoring the old man might be the best recipe. To be sure, there have been signs recently that the US president may be over-relying on the strategy. Earlier this week, in an apparent grandpa-discovers-AI moment, Trump sent out 60 posts in the space of 10 hours, many of them AI-assisted images portraying him as a hero – or showing Iceland as part of the US (outrageous!!!). It was also during that slew of schlock that he explicitly backed the AfD with an “MGGA” post. In Germany, though, the outrage cycle remains in full swing, with much of the focus on those who would dare to vote for the AfD. They are alternately portrayed as being dim-witted, ungrateful, backward, racist or all of the above. That, argues DER SPIEGEL columnist Sabine Rennefanz, is not particularly helpful. “Everywhere on election night, people spoke of a watershed moment, a rupture, a turning point. But what is that supposed to mean in concrete terms? A watershed would imply an interruption, a moment of pause – perhaps even a willingness to rethink and learn. At first, there was little sign of that in the main television panels. Instead, the familiar rituals that had already shaped the election campaign continued: outrage, lecturing and abuse.” “That’s just the tone, one might object. They’re only talk shows. Given that the party’s state branch has been classified by domestic intelligence officials as confirmed right-wing extremist, there are more important problems than hurt feelings on television. Yet although the condescending tone is not the cause of the AfD’s success, it is an expression of the broader mood within the so-called political center – a kind of institutional blindness that too often treats material concerns as a communications problem.” “People have a pretty good sense of whether you like them – whether you approach them with curiosity or merely study, lecture and manage them as a problem group. They notice whether you genuinely want to understand their fears and pain, or whether you are simply waiting for the chance to correct them. They can also tell whether someone still has the energy to change things, or whether they have barricaded themselves behind platitudes and empty phrases.” “Anyone who wants an egalitarian democratic society cannot promise equality only to those whose language, tastes and moral convictions they share. They must also acknowledge the wounds, resentments and fears of those whose political conclusions they consider wrong. Acknowledging them does not mean agreeing with them. But a democracy that communicates with almost half its citizens only through warnings and labels gives up on political debate before it has even begun. An atmosphere must be created in which people can express their opinions without fearing that they will be canceled. We are currently a long way from that.” East-West? One of the clear undercurrents in the election last Sunday was, of course, Germany’s ongoing east-west divide, particularly as it pertains to the success of the AfD. Historically, the party has been far stronger in the former East German states than in former West German states. The fact that this generalization no longer reliably holds is certainly one of the primary concerns that many have about the party’s growth. And yet, there is still a distinct flavor of “stupid easterners, they don’t understand democracy” to the coverage. In the weeks before the vote, there was even a rather interesting back-and-forth in Germany’s culture pages about how ungrateful eastern Germans allegedly are for being pulled out of their pre-reunification backwardness and into the light of the West. DER SPIEGEL’s Jochen-Martin Gutsch has had enough. “Ten years ago, in 2016, elections were also held in Saxony-Anhalt. The AfD won more than 20 percent, which at the time rightly provoked outrage and incomprehension in western Germany. Today, in 2026, the AfD is also polling at around 20 percent in western German states, but this no longer provokes outrage and incomprehension. Instead, it is now regarded as proof of democratic conviction and civilizational resistance. After all, in the east, it’s 40 percent!” “This allows people to continue feeling morally superior to the East, but the wiser course would be to admit: if something doesn’t happen soon, the West will turn AfD-blue too. Or bluish.” “But will anything happen? The truly depressing thing about election night was not so much the AfD leaders intoxicated by their own success. It was the representatives of the other parties, who once again said that they were utterly shocked, needed some time to digest the result and would, of course, not simply return to business as usual. The SPD, a former big-tent party, celebrated its ‘stable’ result of 9.3 percent. Congratulations!” “For 10 years, the AfD has gone from one electoral success to the next. And still, the established parties remain ‘shocked’ and scratch their heads in astonishment. How long can they keep being shocked? Friedrich Merz says he may need to communicate his reform ideas in a more ‘emotional’ way. So the CDU’s political professionals sit down together after the election, mull over a strategy, and in the end come up with this: Fritz, try to be a little more relaxed, charismatic and emotional – or something. Beyond that: no political plan, no defiance, no promise of a future. That is frightening.” What was good, what was bad for democracy? Good: Voter turnout in Saxony-Anhalt was 77.8 percent, the highest ever recorded in the state. Whatever one thinks of the result, that figure is encouraging. Democracy needs citizens to take an interest. Bad: Although a strong AfD result had been expected in Saxony-Anhalt, many politicians from the mainstream parties – including in Berlin – appeared confused, helpless and overwhelmed in their initial reactions. That is not how they will win back voters’ trust. Last Week’s Highlights: 🗳️ Meet the Germans Who Voted for the AfD: Why would voters in a country like Germany, with its Nazi past, vote for a right-wing party? It’s a question only an editor in Berlin could come up with. On the ground, the view is different. 🟦 How the AfD Wants to Expand Its Power Across Germany: The far-right AfD is planning to decimate public broadcasting in Saxony-Anhalt, revamp education and install extremists in positions of power. And it is eyeing victory on the national stage as well. 🕯️ The Continuing Reverberations of September 11: It was a generational shock, and the consequences can still be felt today - from massive surveillance and significant increases in presidential power to violent excesses at ICE. 🤝 “For Europe, Canada Is the Preferred Partner in Trans-Atlantic Relations”: In an interview with DER SPIEGEL, Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne discusses his country’s failed trade deal with the US and why Canada is looking to Europe. 🏛️ The True Historical Roots of the AfD: During the Weimar Republic in the 1920s, there were numerous parties on the extreme right espousing “Germany first” nationalism. The Nazis may not be the best comparison for today’s AfD. 🌊 AfD in a Landslide: Merz Is the Wrong Leader for Germany: The right-wing Alternative for Germany won in a landslide in Saxony-Anhalt state elections on Sunday. What does that mean for the country at large? Thank you for your continued support and have a wonderful week! Subscribe Share Leave a comment Your SPIEGEL Substack Team Compiled and edited by Charles Hawley