Mark Leibovich
@markleibovich.bsky.social
đ€ 8881
đ„ 228
đ 33
The Atlantic Fmr NYT, WP
âEven if Team Blue wins in the end, the California governorâs race has been a fiasco for Democrats from the startâand in ways that reflect an ongoing dysfunction that has become a feature of the party in recent years.â
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
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California Democrats Avoided the Worst-Case Scenario
But their dysfunctional governorâs primary does not bode well.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/06/california-democrats-governor-election/687438/?gift=B935a6IUQTaqruOrZCt3gHkBCwh4n3D-CWNr_6UK1ZE&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
15 days ago
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"As the hopium pipe keeps getting passed around the Democratic campfire, could it also carry a risk of complacency? Improved morale is great for the party, but not if it saps voters of their most vital asset: urgency."
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
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Democrats Could Use a Cold Shower Before the Midterms
They have good reason to be optimistic. But they are sounding a bit too giddy.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/05/democrats-midterms-trump-elections/687059/?gift=B935a6IUQTaqruOrZCt3gPNCe9Nwyl_1vFzBs9pvhwg&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Mark Leibovich
The Atlantic
about 2 months ago
Democrats have reasons to be optimistic headed into the midtermsâbut theyâre starting to seem overconfident,
@markleibovich.bsky.social
writes.
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Democrats Sound a Bit Too Giddy About the Midterms
They should know better.
https://bit.ly/4w9GKU5
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reposted by
Mark Leibovich
about 2 months ago
Itâs horrifying,
@markleibovich.bsky.social
that this book needs a sequel.
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reposted by
Mark Leibovich
PuckBuddys [Craig Brownstein]
2 months ago
"Bigger names, such as Kamala Harris and Senator Alex Padilla, opted not to run. Newsom is term-limited. Jerry Brown is 88. George Clooney lives in France."
add a skeleton here at some point
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reposted by
Mark Leibovich
Sister Sue
about 2 months ago
For all Californians, this is a good one to read b4 June's primary. Who's leading "Team Donkey," as
@markleibovich.bsky.social
calls it. His description of candidates & "Wizard of Oz wrap party" left me wondering about the đ party, but not enough to vote đ„.
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
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Californiaâs Blue Armageddon
One of the most liberal states in the country canât find a Democrat to lead it.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/04/california-governor-campaign-swalwell/686844/?gift=hvcxbNuTad3dh6jhj8NtBog57U6RkdGg1gyN3LKSb0c&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
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reposted by
Mark Leibovich
Peter Baker
about 2 months ago
"A bottleneck of B-listers": How California Democrats may lose the governorship of America's biggest blue state. "The glaring lack of candidate talent, political skill and personal appeal...has been the defining quality of the race" says
@markleibovich.bsky.social
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
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Californiaâs Blue Armageddon
One of the most liberal states in the country canât find a Democrat to lead it.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/04/california-governor-campaign-swalwell/686844/?gift=o_0RIxHKOYK2SLe0kAstRwDyxDmh1Lzxw3on4eAnxjg
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Thank you Val!
add a skeleton here at some point
2 months ago
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"I met Swalwell at a Little League field, where he and his wife would be watching their 8-year-old son. Swalwell had been rising above a Lilliputian cast of candidates and had acquired a scent of momentum. âImpeccable timing for you,â heâd texted me."
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
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Californiaâs Blue Armageddon
One of the most liberal states in the country canât find a Democrat to lead it.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/04/california-governor-campaign-swalwell/686844/?gift=B935a6IUQTaqruOrZCt3gBT0OdG5Oeb9WgL0NCBVFKY&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
2 months ago
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My journey into the bottleneck of b-listers
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
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Californiaâs Blue Armageddon
One of the most liberal states in the country canât find a Democrat to lead it.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/04/california-governor-campaign-swalwell/686844/?utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
2 months ago
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"Mills is haunted by Joe Bidenâs 2024 debacle. She is at least confident that nothing disastrous will surface about her. âI donât have a tattoo,â she promised. I took the governor at her word on this. But has she ever been on Reddit? âNo,â she said.
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
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A 79-Year-Old Freshman Senator?
Janet Mills does not have a dicey Reddit history or a recently covered-over Nazi tattoo. But her candidacy is haunted by Joe Bidenâs 2024 debacle.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/03/janet-mills-maine-senate-race/686381/?gift=B935a6IUQTaqruOrZCt3gP4yuivvq-ufKzFyCYtVBig&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
3 months ago
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âIâLL SHARE MY lipid profile with anybody!â Janet Mills, the governor of Maine, pledged. These are the kinds of assurances that candidates make when everyone keeps harping on their age.
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
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A 79-Year-Old Freshman Senator?
Janet Mills does not have a dicey Reddit history or a recently covered-over Nazi tattoo. But her candidacy is haunted by Joe Bidenâs 2024 debacle.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/03/janet-mills-maine-senate-race/686381/?gift=B935a6IUQTaqruOrZCt3gP4yuivvq-ufKzFyCYtVBig&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
3 months ago
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I have a similar impairment re: the prose of @FranklinFoer (on the storied Ann Godoff). "Writers suffer from a cognitive impairment that limits their ability to see flaws in their prose."
www.theatlantic.com/books/2026/0...
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The Ruthless Benevolence of a Great Editor
Ann Godoff, who died this week, cared passionately about her writersâand much less about her own ego.
https://www.theatlantic.com/books/2026/02/ann-godoff-penguin-editor-obituary/686151/
4 months ago
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âFew, if any, candidates running this year have as consistent a record of appealing to whatâs become a kind of holy-grail constituency for Democrats: the coveted âworking-class voter.â
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
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Sherrod Brown Is Grinding It Out
The aggressively rumpled former senator from Ohio is back. Will working-class voters follow?
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/02/sherrod-brown-working-class/686136/
4 months ago
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reposted by
Mark Leibovich
Greenb3ar
4 months ago
It isn't even just GOP owned media. Like this is the Atlantic and a bunch of centrist think tanks teaming up to create the exact thing you are talking about
bsky.app/profile/mark...
add a skeleton here at some point
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reposted by
Mark Leibovich
Nicholas Thompson
4 months ago
One of several incredible quotes in this
@markleibovich.bsky.social
story on the state of the Democratic party.
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
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reposted by
Mark Leibovich
Peter Baker
4 months ago
The challenge for Democrats resisting Trump? They keep playing into their worst stereotype as overly sensitive, out of touch and overindulged, writes
@markleibovich.bsky.social
. They "are not built for when the fascists come,"
@sarahlongwell25.bsky.social
says.
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
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The Democrats Arenât Built for This
They say they want to save democracy. First theyâll need to get out of their own way.
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/03/democratic-party-elections-future/685759/
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The president had recently called for JB Pritzker to be jailedâa status symbol among high-profile Democratic governors who might run for president. (Pritzker and Gavin Newsom could wind up sharing both a jail cell and a debate stage.)
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
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The Democrats Arenât Built for This
They say they want to save democracy. First theyâll need to get out of their own way.
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/03/democratic-party-elections-future/685759/?gift=B935a6IUQTaqruOrZCt3gOHjkGaK_WLMyynfLcf1l9c&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
4 months ago
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A few minutes later, the DNC chair was back talking tough about the importance of not caring whom he antagonizes. âI donât give a fuck who I offend,â Martin said. Except Biden, I noted. âListen, that has nothing to do with offending him or not."
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
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The Democrats Arenât Built for This
They say they want to save democracy. First theyâll need to get out of their own way.
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/03/democratic-party-elections-future/685759/?gift=B935a6IUQTaqruOrZCt3gOHjkGaK_WLMyynfLcf1l9c&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
4 months ago
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âFor much of this week, Kristi Noemâs deportation from the Trump administration seemed imminent.â
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
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Trumpâs New Method of Humiliation
The president doesnât seem to fire people anymore, but he marginalizes them in other ways.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/01/kristi-noem-humiliation-trump/685836/
5 months ago
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âDemocrats have accused the president of creating endless diversions to distract from Epstein â accusing Obama of treason, threatening to revoke Rosie OâDonnellâs citizenship, etc. Name the escapade, some adversary has tried to dub it an Epstein diversion"
www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
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Democratsâ Epstein Derangement Syndrome
Not everything Donald Trump does is a âdistractionâ from Jeffrey Epstein.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/09/democrats-trump-jeffrey-epstein/684115/
10 months ago
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"It has become the Democratsâ go-to exhortation: Trump is just doing this to distract you from Epstein. In other words, Americaâs descent into authoritarianism is a mere deflection."
www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
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Democratsâ Epstein Derangement Syndrome
Not everything Donald Trump does is a âdistractionâ from Jeffrey Epstein.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/09/democrats-trump-jeffrey-epstein/684115/
10 months ago
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Like every word she writes, @SallyJenki is undefeated. And soâs this. Swirling gratitude for and from the Goddess
x.com/BenMullin/st...
11 months ago
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Long live this piece -- and this kicker â and M âReaders of the Post, though, may not notice immediately: Iâm told that there are still roughly 900 pre-written obits in the can, waiting for God to decide on when to lift the embargo.â
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
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Even the Obit Writers Are Jumping Ship at The Washington Post
RIP for DCâs chroniclers of the dead.
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/07/24/washington-post-jeff-bezos-obituary-buyout-00473350?nname=playbook&nid=0000014f-1646-d88f-a1cf-5f46b7bd0000&nrid=d8af2e33-62c3-4742-8176-de1be4e256a3
11 months ago
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âBaconâs wife, Angie, enjoys having her husband in Nebraska for a number of reasons. One is that if heâs home, sheâs less likely to sleep with a gun.â
www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
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Another Moderate Republican Opts Out
For the likes of Don Bacon, quitting Congress has become a familiar endgame.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/07/don-bacon-congress-retirement/683520/?gift=B935a6IUQTaqruOrZCt3gKxowxfpq59IM1vJhCu08mY&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
11 months ago
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âRight now, what I think America wants is a little bit of normalcy.â
www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
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Another Moderate Republican Opts Out
For the likes of Don Bacon, quitting Congress has become a familiar endgame.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/07/don-bacon-congress-retirement/683520/
11 months ago
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âYesterday marked one year since Joe Bidenâs debate meltdown against Donald Trump. Happy anniversary to those who observe such things, or are triggered by such things. Please celebrate responsibly.â
www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
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The Anniversary That Democrats Would Be Wise to Forget
The surest way for the party to end its prolonged slump is to jump straight to 2028.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/06/democrats-biden-debate-future/683365/
12 months ago
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www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
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The Week That Changed Everything for Gavin Newsom
âSunday, I woke up a different guy.â
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/06/gavin-newsom-los-angeles-trump/683193/?taid=684dd4f392b9620001807c03&utm_campaign=the-atlantic&utm_content=edit-promo&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter
about 1 year ago
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âObamaâs detachment feels jarringly incongruous with the desperation of his longtime admirersâeven more so given Trumpâs assaults on what Obama achieved in office.â
www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
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Where Is Barack Obama?
The âaudacity of hopeâ presidency has given way to the fierce lethargy of semi-retirement.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/06/obama-retirement-trump-era/683068/?gift=B935a6IUQTaqruOrZCt3gI3z4Ep3v9WjwW-aKsMGpnA&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
about 1 year ago
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reposted by
Mark Leibovich
The Atlantic
about 1 year ago
Where Is Barack Obama? The âaudacity of hopeâ presidency has given way to the fierce lethargy of semi-retirement,
@markleibovich.bsky.social
writes.
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Where Is Barack Obama?
The âaudacity of hopeâ presidency has given way to the fierce lethargy of semi-retirement.
https://bit.ly/43PQxkD
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reposted by
Mark Leibovich
Kara Swisher
about 1 year ago
God bless you
@markleibovich.bsky.social
www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
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Bidenâs Age Wasnât a Cover-Up. It Was Observable Fact.
The story about the former president getting old is getting old.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/05/biden-aging-cancer-election/682849/
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reposted by
Mark Leibovich
The Atlantic
about 1 year ago
âHere is why I think that the âcover-upâ of Bidenâs âtrue conditionâ is beside the pointâand why Iâm not really vibing with the umbrage-mongering: Itâs pretty much impossible to âcover upâ for something that is hiding in plain sight,â
@markleibovich.bsky.social
writes
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The Story About Biden Getting Old Is Getting Old
Itâs not a shocking revelation if itâs an observable fact, one that the American people recognized a long time ago.
https://bit.ly/3H60keT
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âYou know what else is old? The story about Biden being old.â
www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
about 1 year ago
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reposted by
Mark Leibovich
The Atlantic
about 1 year ago
Tim Walz has been busy traveling from state to state for labor roundtables, townhall meetings, and impromptu roadside stops, reports
@markleibovich.bsky.social
. At the very least, Walz âfeels itchy to help jump-start the second Donald Trump resistanceâ:
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Tim Walz Looks Into the Void
Back on the trail with the guy who lost the last election
https://bit.ly/4izswDU
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reposted by
Mark Leibovich
Evan McMurry
about 1 year ago
If there is one lesson that Democrats can take from Trump, Tim Walz told
@markleibovich.bsky.social
, it is to âcontinually be present.â
theatln.tc/Jd1sBG5f
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Walz volunteered that Bill Clinton called him in early October. âHe said, âDonât allow them to make you a caricature.ââ (âThemâ here refers to the Harris-Walz campaign higher-ups.) âYou are a consequential governor,â Clinton told him, according to Walz.
www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
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Tim Walz Looks Into the Void
Back on the trail with the guy who lost the last election
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/04/tim-walz-campaign-democrats/682539/
about 1 year ago
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âProbably the last guy to tell you what to do is the guy who got his ass kicked in the last election.â
www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
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Tim Walz Looks Into the Void
Back on the trail with the guy who lost the last election
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/04/tim-walz-campaign-democrats/682539/?gift=B935a6IUQTaqruOrZCt3gFdIkpwGM7NlNNYXeYsDBm0&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
about 1 year ago
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reposted by
Mark Leibovich
Michael Kruse
about 1 year ago
Read
@markleibovich.bsky.social
on Trump and a third term.
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Trump Says He Is Serious About a Third Term
Why do Republicans keep claiming he isnât?
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/04/trump-third-term-republicans/682381/
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"Soon, Trumpâs right to serve a third term could become a litmus test for Republicans who wish to stay viable in the party. The White House could make clear that refusing to support Trumpâs remaining in office will be considered an act of disloyalty."
www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
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Trump Says He Is Serious About Staying in Office Past 2028
Why do Republicans keep claiming he isnât?
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/04/trump-third-term-republicans/682381/?gift=B935a6IUQTaqruOrZCt3gAS58FaQmZ5liCvT5BM9iNE&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
about 1 year ago
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reposted by
Mark Leibovich
John Doffing
about 1 year ago
âPeace and love, peace and love . . . " "I imagine thatâs one of the hassles of immortality: It tends to go on forever . . . "
add a skeleton here at some point
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reposted by
Mark Leibovich
The Atlantic
about 1 year ago
Ringo Starr has spent his post-Beatles career as a roving ambassador of peace and love,
@markleibovich.bsky.social
reports. These days, we need him more than ever.
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Ringo Starr Still Believes in Peace and Love
The 84-year-old Beatle is still making new music, still performing, and still spreading a message of joy and amity in an America starved of such things.
https://bit.ly/42ckASM
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reposted by
Mark Leibovich
The Atlantic
about 1 year ago
âI was an only child, and then suddenly I had three brothers,â Ringo Starr told
@markleibovich.bsky.social
. Few bands have inspired such complicated mythology as the Beatles. But the truth resides only in the exquisite space that the bandmates inhabited together:
theatln.tc/lwMjptdw
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reposted by
Mark Leibovich
The Atlantic
about 1 year ago
Ringo Starr is among the most scrutinized, fetishized, analyzed, and catechized people in history.
@markleibovich.bsky.social
spent about a year reporting on the former Beatles drummer. The world still needs him:
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Ringo Starr Still Believes in Peace and Love
The 84-year-old Beatle is still making new music, still performing, and still spreading a message of joy and amity in an America starved of such things.
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/05/ringo-starr-beatles-look-up/682115/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_campaign=the-atlantic&utm_medium=social&utm_content=edit-promo
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reposted by
Mark Leibovich
The Atlantic
about 1 year ago
Ringo Starr has spent his post-Beatles career as a roving ambassador of peace and love,
@markleibovich.bsky.social
reports. These days, we need him more than ever.
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The World Still Needs Ringo Starr
The 84-year-old Beatle has become a roving ambassador of joy and amity in an America starved of such things.
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/05/ringo-starr-beatles-look-up/682115/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_campaign=the-atlantic&utm_medium=social&utm_content=edit-promo
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âPeace and love, peace and love,â Starr said back to a cluster of onlookers, sounding cheerfully bored. He paused and puffed out his cheeks into an ostentatious deep breath. I imagine thatâs one of the hassles of immortality: It tends to go on forever."
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
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Ringo Starrâs Enduring Optimism
âNobody has generated more goodwill than Ringo,â says the producer T Bone Burnett. âNot a single person in the world.â
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/05/ringo-starr-beatles-look-up/682115/
about 1 year ago
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This article was brought to you by the letter dâfor depressing.
www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
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Itâs Not Easy Being (Marjorie Taylor) Greene
A goofy Washington tradition devolves.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/03/marjorie-taylor-greene-npr-pbs/682205/
about 1 year ago
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reposted by
Mark Leibovich
Laure
about 1 year ago
Truly a must watch for
#Democrats
with
@sarahlongwell25.bsky.social
and
@markleibovich.bsky.social
discussing focus groups with Biden-to-Trump voters.
add a skeleton here at some point
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www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
over 1 year ago
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www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
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What Is Mitch McConnell Thinking?
An audience with the former Republican leader
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/03/mitch-mcconnell-legacy-trump/681951/
over 1 year ago
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reposted by
Mark Leibovich
The Atlantic
over 1 year ago
Since Mitch McConnell announced that he will not run for reelection, many have described him as âliberated.â Indeed, McConnell voted against more Trump nominees than any other GOP member.
@markleibovich.bsky.social
met the senator to find out if he feels freer now:
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What Is Mitch McConnell Thinking?
An audience with the former Republican leader
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/03/mitch-mcconnell-legacy-trump/681951/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=the-atlantic&utm_content=edit-promo
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