Oh No He's Lost Peter Baker

Notable, though of course it takes criticism from conservatives to prompt the piece.

As the president threatens to wipe out Iran and attacks the pope, even some former allies and advisers are questioning whether he has grown increasingly unbalanced, describing him as “lunatic” and “clearly insane.”

Yes, of course, Peter Baker is just reporting on what is OUT THERE and not expressing an opinion, which is forbidden - he doesn't even vote and makes sure to tell people that! - but it's a choice to do this piece.

This sort of thing is a little bit overdue. Will it shape coverage going forward, or has Peter just checked the box so that he can deflect criticism later?

You're Only Near-Jesus, Sir, Not Real Jesus

I guess Trumpsus was too much for his fans.

Q: Did you post that picture of yourself depicted as Jesus Christ? TRUMP: I did post it and I thought it was me as a doctor and had to do Red Cross. Only the fake news could come up with that one.

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— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) April 13, 2026 at 5:44 PM

The American Pope

I think we have a schism. Is it Pope Bob or Pope Don?

"Pope Leo is WEAK on crime." Murder rate skyrocketing in Vatican City!

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Once upon a time, my involvement in blogging raised hopes around the world!

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JD Vance, You Are Our Only Hope

The fate of the entire galaxy is in your hands.

The involvement of Vice President JD Vance had raised hopes around the world that the weekend negotiations in Pakistan would solidify the ceasefire with Iran and put an end to the war within reach.

They let you put anything in the newspaper now.

I suppose if there's a pretty good chance it happens, there's a lot of benefit for your career as a journalist for putting out those beat sweeteners on the Vice President.

There isn't a lot of value to your readers, of course, but they don't matter.

Journalism!!!

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Maudlin Monday

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JD's Magic Touch

Orban concedes in Hungary.

If You Wanna Hang Out You've Got To Take Her Out

I'm glad that at this important moment, the President and the Secretary of State (Marco Rubio) and the National Security Adviser (Marco Rubio) and the Viceroy of Venezuela (Marco Rubio) had some time for some fun.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio at UFC in Miami tonight as diplomatic negotiations with Iran fail (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AFP via Getty)

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— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) April 12, 2026 at 3:32 AM

Poor Vance didn't get to have any fun!

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Surveying the current state of politics, it's quite funny that I used to be criticized for incivility (saying mean things about people who mattered).

It's also quite funny that people still try to use that tactic against The Left, even now.

A bunch of big meanies!

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More Like 5K Peace Talks, Amirite???

I did not think that sending JD Vance was a sign that anyone expected success.

No agreement: US Vice President JD Vance says no agreement was reached with Iran after marathon talks in Pakistan. Iran would not commit to forgoing a nuclear weapon, Vance said. Iran’s foreign ministry told state media that disagreement over “two, or three” key issues prevented a deal.

Though given all of the positive press Vance's people planted, I don't think he was in on the "joke." 

The NYT got the "marathon" talking points memo as well.

As did many other outlets!

Amazing stuff.

...and now Trump says that "we" are blockading the Strait.

...

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Sunday funday

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Purging Trump

Any fretting about this is just acknowledging that Dems won't let Interior Secretary Mamdani send the bulldozers and wrecking balls to it in February of 2029.

The White House has unveiled plans for a gold-accented giant victory arch dubbed the "Arc de Trump", that Donald Trump wants built in the nation's capital.

The 250ft (76m) monument, if approved, would be taller than the US Capitol building and the Lincoln Memorial, and feature a golden Lady Liberty-like torch and crown.

Trump's Capitalism

He isn't entirely wrong, of course, but it is very funny that Trump sees capitalism operating entirely as a system in which big companies gouge their customers when they can, and not as some perfectly competitive Econ 101 model.

Whatever, Gramps

I do think the press takes these kinds of pronouncements a bit less seriously now.

Previously there would be front page writeups about WHAT TRUMP MIGHT DO (narrator: but Trump never did any of it).

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"What will you do after the 2004 election, when blogging will be over, of course?" they asked, frequently. I suppose blogging as it was then is over, but somehow I am still here, thanks to your generous support!

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Always The Ones You Most Suspect

Swalwell has set off my spidey sense for years. Not for this kind of thing, precisely, but generally being a regular bullshitter who threw out red meat (laudable) to cover for being a shithead (not laudable).

A former staffer of Rep. Eric Swalwell, a leading Democratic candidate for California governor, says that the congressman raped her when she was heavily intoxicated and left her bruised and bleeding, an allegation Swalwell strongly denies.

It isn't just this accusation or this woman. There are many allegations.

Morning

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