politicians
Reviews of the politicians kissing babies and running governments around the world; applaud and criticize the decisions they make and their implications.
Tucker Carlson: MAGA and Trump Over.
Once upon a time, Tucker Carlson stood shoulder to shoulder with Donald John Trump. But even when Trump could do no wrong, and the Republican Party was under his command, Tucker Carlson, though a supporter, was not entirely taken in by the Orange One's aura. He and a few others, though they were supporters of Trump, always stood ready to advise POTUS if they thought he had taken a wrong turning. And this is exactly what Tucker Carlson did as Trump started his disastrous war with Iran alongside Israel.
By Nicholas Bishop3 months ago in The Swamp
Nick Thomas-Symonds: Crown Andy Burnham in July.
It was rumoured that Sir Keir Starmer would step down as prime minister, but when it actually happened yesterday, it seemed real and surreal. Watching Sir Keir stand there at his lectern outside at Number 10, one could easily think it was a dream. And you would wake up, and Sir Keir would still be prime minister, and all would be well with the world. But it wasn't Sir Keir who was telling the world he was going. He, like Theresa May before him, said it had been an honour serving the country "He loved". Sir Keir said he had listened to cabinet ministers and had decided to resign for the good of the party and the country. He said not being the prime minister would give him time to be with his wife, Victoria and his children. Sir Keir said Victoria had been his rock, and like Theresa May during her resignation speech, he wobbled and held back the tears as anybody would. Whether you like the outgoing prime minister or not, everyone is human, and Sir Keir is no exception.
By Nicholas Bishop3 months ago in The Swamp
Farage Blames Nick Lowe and Andy Burham.
No doubt about it, Reform UK and its leader Nigel Farage threw everything they had at the Makerfield by-election, including the proverbial kitchen sink. Nigel Farage himself had gone up to Makerfield in Greater Manchester to make sure his candidate, a local plumber, defeated Labour's candidate, soon to be ex-Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham and now its Member of Parliament.
By Nicholas Bishop3 months ago in The Swamp
Op-Ed: Calling Sin a Sin Is Not Bigotry (Part 5). Content Warning. AI-Generated.
Series Note: This article expands the argument beyond the specific dealership call and beyond female-coded social aggression. The earlier articles examined a particular example, then moved into the broader problem of social aggression and identity-based deflection. This article addresses the deeper moral principle: no person should be protected from accountability because of sex, race, religion, sexuality, nationality, political tribe, trauma, victim status, social class, or any other identity category. Evil conduct remains evil conduct, even when the person doing it belongs to a group society has been trained to protect.
By Peter Thwing - Host of the FST Podcast3 months ago in The Swamp
Op-Ed: The Behaviors We Are Not Allowed to Name (Part 4). Content Warning. AI-Generated.
Series Note: This article marks a shift in tone. Though the first three articles used this dealership call as a case study, this article moves beyond that specific call to addresses the larger cultural problem: harmful patterns of conduct that people often recognize privately but are not allowed to name publicly, especially when those behaviors are more commonly associated with women, social power, emotional framing, and non-physical aggression.
By Peter Thwing - Host of the FST Podcast3 months ago in The Swamp
Identity Is Not a Shield for Evil Conduct (Part 3). AI-Generated.
(Time-Stamped Video Clip Summary: From 18:34-22:39, the call shifts from a normal pricing question into something more revealing. Tomi is asking basic questions about a $40,000 vehicle: the rebate, the in-person discount, the actual out-the-door number, and whether the dealership will confirm the deal over the phone. Instead of simply clarifying the pricing, the manager personalizes the resistance, later calling him “difficult” and “combative” before introducing the “male manager” implication herself. The clip matters because it shows how quickly bad conduct can hide behind identity once someone turns a practical dispute into a moral accusation.)
By Peter Thwing - Host of the FST Podcast3 months ago in The Swamp
Andy Burnham’s Big Win Shakes Labour: Is Keir Starmer Facing His Toughest Challenge Yet?
British politics may have reached a turning point. Andy Burnham’s commanding victory in the Makerfield by-election has done more than secure him a seat in Parliament—it has transformed him into the most serious threat yet to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership of the Labour Party.
By Stories Today3 months ago in The Swamp
Starmer offers Burnham a Job.
It goes without saying that the writing is on the wall that if Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election and returns to Westminster, he plans to challenge the sitting Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, to a leadership bid. Other candidates are expected to announce their bid in due course. One being former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who seemed to avoid questions about any leadership challenge recently. Angela Rayner, who once stood shoulder to shoulder with Mr. Starmer as Deputy Prime Minister, is also expected to announce her candidature. Others may come out of the brickwork as time goes on.
By Nicholas Bishop3 months ago in The Swamp
New Ceasefire Deal Tentatively Reached Between U.S. and Iran
A tentative ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran has emerged as one of the most significant diplomatic developments in recent months, signaling a potential pause in a destructive conflict that has reshaped the Middle East and disrupted global energy markets.
By Victor Trammell3 months ago in The Swamp
Trump is Happy with The Deal.
As Trump arrived at the latest G7 event, hosting world leaders from the G7 Trump arrived with a smile like a Cheshire cat. Trump said he was happy with the newly signed agreement between the Iranians and his own regime to supposedly end the war between them once and for all. Many are thinking we have been here before, and everything broke down before, while supposedly both nations were on a ceasefire. Can we hope that this time, better things can come of this and both sides can move on?
By Nicholas Bishop3 months ago in The Swamp
PACO Calling TACO - 14
This conversation happened on June 14, 2026, Trump's eightieth Birthday. "Hello, Donnie!" [cheerful] "Hi, Vlad!" "Happy Birthday, my dear friend! I wish you all the best for this day and for many more days and years to come! How does it feel, to turn 80?" To the side: "and be the oldest president in the US history?"
By Lana V Lynx3 months ago in The Swamp
