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2 - Analysis / Dead Reckoning / Freedom of the Press / Media / Media & Influence / News & Media / Politics / Politics / Politics & Power / Rights and Freedoms

When the Pool Closes, Everyone Gets Out of the Water

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Trump’s ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico produced the predictable lawsuit. The bigger development came when the five-network presidential TV pool suspended coverage rather than replace CNN — exposing a sharp split between institutional conservative media and parts of Trump’s online media ecosystem.

When the Pool Closes, Everyone Gets Out of the Water Read More
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.

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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.

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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.

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2 - Analysis / Constitutional Law / Dead Reckoning / Judicial / Lawfare & Intelligence / Laws / Politics / Politics / Politics & Power / Supreme Court / Supreme Court

They Built the Cage, Then Complained When Someone Else Got the Key

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The Supreme Court’s recent ruling allows Donald Trump to dismiss independent agency commissioners at will, overturning a 90-year precedent. This shift exposes the political nature of such agencies, historically insulated to advance particular agendas. The decision reinforces presidential accountability, increasing the political stakes in agency actions and prioritizing electoral responsibility.

They Built the Cage, Then Complained When Someone Else Got the Key Read More
Accountability / Culture / Culture & Institutions / Government / Government Accountability / Government Ethics & Accountability / Institutions & Accountability / Politics / Politics / Politics & Power

While Springsteen Played, the Bills Went Unpaid

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The opening of the Obama Presidential Center featured numerous celebrities but overshadowed minority contractors’ financial struggles. Despite commitments to support diverse businesses, many subcontractors reported unpaid invoices, with some declaring bankruptcy. Additionally, the ceremony lacked American flags, highlighting perceived disarray beneath the polished surface of political events.

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2 - Analysis / Big Tech & Regulation / Business / Fraud / Government / Government Accountability / Government Ethics & Accountability / Institutions & Accountability / Politics / Politics & Power / Tech / Technology / Technology

The $59 Million Test

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Nearly 590,000 Trump supporters paid $100 deposits for the Trump Mobile T1 phone, advertised as a patriotic alternative and “Made in America,” yet none have been delivered. The company revised its terms, indicating deposits do not guarantee purchases. Accountability from the FTC and Republican officials remains absent, fueling consumer outrage.

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1 - Now / Breaking / Politics / Politics / Politics & Power

Swalwell to Resign from Congress as Ethics Committee Opens Probe Into Sexual Misconduct Allegations

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Rep. Eric Swalwell announced he will resign from Congress after the House Ethics Committee opened a formal investigation into sexual misconduct allegations, marking a rapid and dramatic collapse of his political career and gubernatorial ambitions.

Swalwell to Resign from Congress as Ethics Committee Opens Probe Into Sexual Misconduct Allegations Read More
2 - Analysis / California / Campaigns / Congress / Congress / Corruption / Dead Reckoning / Democrats / democrats / Elections / Government / Government Ethics & Accountability / Government Watch / Politics / Politics / Politics & Power / Swalwell Series

After Swalwell: The Confluence

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The Swalwell situation in California exemplifies the intersection of political accountability and electoral strategy. While serious allegations against him prompted a swift Democratic response, the urgency was fueled by the state’s top-two primary system, threatening the party’s viability. Swalwell’s removal may consolidate Democratic support, reshaping the gubernatorial race.

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2 - Analysis / Media & Influence / News & Media / Politics / Politics & Power

The Left Discovered Media Ownership Bias — Right When They Lost Control of the Media

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The article discusses the shift in perception regarding media ownership among the institutional left in the U.S. It argues that selective outrage arises not from a newfound concern for press independence but from a loss of control over the media narrative. The left previously ignored ownership biases until ownership changed hands, igniting panic.

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