Home » Topics » Politics

Politics
2 - Analysis / 2026 Election Cycle / 2026 Elections Cycle / California / Dead Reckoning / Elections / elections / Elections & Democracy / Maryland / Politics / Politics / Politics & Power

Two Coasts, One Ceiling

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Republican candidates Steve Hilton in California and Dan Cox in Maryland face significant polling deficits against their Democratic opponents. Both struggle to convert discontent with incumbents into voter support due to entrenched party identification. While Hilton attempts to distance himself from Trump’s influence, Cox’s strategy lacks the same proactive appeal, limiting his effectiveness.

Two Coasts, One Ceiling Read More
2 - Analysis / Dead Reckoning / Political Violence / Politics / Politics

A Year After Kirk: Is the Rate Actually Up, or Is the Coverage Just Louder?

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

A year after Charlie Kirk’s assassination, the numbers show a genuine rise in threats and targeted violence. What they don’t show is an unprecedented era of political bloodshed—or that every high-profile death belongs in the same statistical bucket.

A Year After Kirk: Is the Rate Actually Up, or Is the Coverage Just Louder? Read More
2 - Analysis / Cybersecurity (U.S. systems) / Dead Reckoning / Executive Power & Civil Liberties / Government / Government / Intelligence & National Security / National Security / National Security & Governance / National Security & Systems Failures / Politics / Politics & Power / Power / Security / Technology

Dead Reckoning: The Post-9/11 Security State, Twenty-Five Years On

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The article examines the lasting impact of post-9/11 security measures, particularly focusing on the Department of Homeland Security and its shift towards immigration enforcement. While some policies have been rolled back, such as bulk phone metadata collection, many core structures remain intact or have adapted to new purposes without proper reassessment by Congress, illustrating an enduring security state.

Dead Reckoning: The Post-9/11 Security State, Twenty-Five Years On Read More
2 - Analysis / 2026 Election Cycle / 2026 Elections Cycle / elections / Elections / Elections & Democracy / Politics

USPS Finalizes New Mail-Ballot Tracking Rules — Now Voting Groups Want a Judge to Stop Them Again

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The U.S. Postal Service has finalized a rule regarding mail-in and absentee ballots for federal elections, requiring standardized preparation and tracking. This rule, which does not determine voter eligibility, faces legal challenges due to an existing injunction. The outcome may impact mail voting in the upcoming November midterms.

USPS Finalizes New Mail-Ballot Tracking Rules — Now Voting Groups Want a Judge to Stop Them Again Read More
2 - Analysis / Dead Reckoning / Elections / elections / Politics

The Odds Are Everywhere Now. Are They Any Good?

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket present real-time odds on elections, raising questions about their accuracy and legal status. While some studies suggest they may predict outcomes comparably to polls, biases and the influence of large traders complicate interpretation. Legal battles are ongoing, affecting their future operations.

The Odds Are Everywhere Now. Are They Any Good? Read More
2 - Analysis / Constitutional Law / Constitutional Rights / Dead Reckoning / Government / Immigration / National Affairs / Politics / Supreme Court / Supreme Court

Dead Reckoning: After Barbara, Trump Charts a Narrower Course on Citizenship

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

President Trump signed two executive orders targeting commercial birth tourism and tightening citizenship eligibility for children of foreign enemies. This move follows a recent Supreme Court ruling asserting that children born in the U.S. are automatically citizens, despite their parents’ immigration status. The orders aim to enforce existing regulations with more rigor.

Dead Reckoning: After Barbara, Trump Charts a Narrower Course on Citizenship Read More
2 - Analysis / Dead Reckoning / Government / Health & Medical / Health Wellness / Health, Policy & Regulation / Politics / Politics / Politics & Power / Public Health

The Forecast Outlives the Fame

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The article compares two historical figures, Col. Irving P. Krick and Group Capt. James Stagg, who provided competing weather forecasts during WWII. It parallels their experiences to Dr. Anthony Fauci’s recent Senate hearing, exploring the relationship between fame and expertise. Both stories highlight how public perception can overshadow scientific accuracy.

The Forecast Outlives the Fame Read More
2 - Analysis / Dead Reckoning / Government / Intelligence & National Security / National Affairs / National News / National Policy / National Security / Politics / Politics

What the Documents Actually Say — And Why Nobody Wanted to Hear It

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Michael Phillips reviews the implications of declassified documents following President Trump’s speech on election security. While some claims in the speech are substantiated, others are exaggerated or misconstrued. The central argument—that China aimed to influence the 2020 election—contradicts intelligence assessments, highlighting discrepancies between presented narratives and actual judgments.

What the Documents Actually Say — And Why Nobody Wanted to Hear It Read More
3 - Investigations / Elections / elections / Elections & Democracy / Government / National Security / National Security & Defense / National Security & Governance / Politics / Politics

The Receipts Behind the Address: What the Declassified Documents Show

- by Michael Phillips - 1 Comment

By Michael Phillips | Riptide President Trump’s Thursday night address on election security came with something rare in American politics: a real-time paper trail. “Tonight, I am announcing the immediate …

The Receipts Behind the Address: What the Declassified Documents Show Read More
2 - Analysis / Congress / Congress / Dead Reckoning / Government / National Affairs / National News / Politics / South Carolina

The Man Who Was The Process: What Lindsey Graham’s Death Actually Breaks

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Lindsey Graham’s death has left a significant void in the Senate, impacting ongoing legislative efforts, particularly regarding Russia sanctions and tax cuts. His unique relationships with Trump and Zelenskyy were critical in navigating these issues. His successor will lack the trust and accumulated influence necessary to continue such negotiations effectively.

The Man Who Was The Process: What Lindsey Graham’s Death Actually Breaks Read More