Hot Mic'd: Swifties v. Fox, Elmo, Groundhog day, & campaign finance

My WTF of the week was… Where do I even start…I’m going to go with the fact that in Florida, trans people can no longer update their driver’s licenses because of a fucked up new state rule. And besides that idk the discrimination factor in this sitch baseline, trans people could also face penalties for what the agency in charge of this BS calls “misrepresenting one's gender.” I would loveeee for people to find a new hobby besides discrimination and bigotry. - SK

Something that feels like it’s slipping under the radar but shouldn’t be is… this really weird policy from the MTA that will have emergency gates take 15 seconds to open in the name of “cracking down on fare evasion.” The whole point of these gates is to be able to flee during an emergency and there is in absolute no way that the turnstiles exists could get people to safety fast enough if need be. Not to mention it kills accessibility?? It all just seems incredibly dangerous (the amount of scenarios I could list for why is a mile long) and if the MTA needs more money, take it up with the state, not at the expense of accessibility and safety. - SK

A high-five worthy moment was… I need someone to make a bumper sticker that says “I love ballot measures” ASAP. I feel like now that I said that, it’s going to be us that does that. Regardless, another ballot measure has said knock, knock hello we’re here in Florida, with advocates beginning the process for getting medicaid expansion on the 2026 ballot. When we say politics is a long game we are not just joshinnn’ around. This could majorly shift coverage for humans in the state if passed…ya know, like a casual 1 million people getting coverage. Def will be keeping an eye on this as the push gets under way. - SK

A rec of mine ~politically speaking ~ is… going to Arena Summit!! If you or a friend or a friend of a friend of a friend have ever been interested in working in the political space, this summit is for you. Get the full deats and register here. - SK

…and a rec of mine that has nothing to do with politics is… Soho South Bar! It’s a new find and has not only great fries, but a great martini (priorities). -SK

My fave from the culture this week was… ELMO!! Ugh you guys I can’t even handle how cut his interviews are, like this one, and this one. Society has never needed Elmo more and his cute little self is stepping up!!

A story on my radar is… this new drop from Politico on ‘30 Things Joe Biden Did as President You Might Have Missed.” - SK

An eppy I’d rec going back to is… In honor of The Next 50 ushering in a new Executive Director, our eppy with the OG Zak on what they do and their goals as org is an eppy to dive into. - SK

My WTF of the week was… This entire Fox News versus Taylor Swift mindfuckery. It’s actually the definition of delulu in real time. However, their fear of the power of the Swifties gets me so hopeful for the power they can unleash in this year’s election. Make this era the era of protecting democracy, amiright??? -MM

Something that feels like it’s slipping under the radar but shouldn’t be is… I don’t think this is slipping under the radar on the Dem side of the aisle, but I have a feeling it is on the GOP voter side. And that is the Republican elected officials calling out their colleagues for considering walking away from a border deal and a tax bill because what would be a win for their constituents would make Biden and the Dems look good in an election year… In other words they would rather keep the problems being problems and walk away from promises made to their voters because it would help them with messaging. Good on these particular reps for calling it out, but are GOP voters seeing it?? - MM

A high-five worthy moment was… When the Oregon State Supreme Court sided with voters and the law, saying that the GOP state senators that staged a walk-out (adult temper tantrum) last year can’t seek re-election. It’s funny how if you don’t do your job you can actually be blocked from wasting everyone’s (the voter’s) time… what a concept. If you want to see how the GOP is playing this story, hop here for the Fox News version blaming the Dems. -MM

A rec of mine ~politically speaking ~ is… our very own Gov Hub Newsletter. Just like our podcast, it provides a really digestible path for getting the lay of the political land, and brings ways to take action right to people’s inboxes. That access point makes a huge difference :) -MM

…and a rec of mine that has nothing to do with politics is… The Cafe Reveille breakfast burrito is my kryptonite and I need everyone to try it. I’m obsessed. Consider this my endorsement, something I think we need to do more often for burritos. Do we start a burrito ranking list..? Hmm, ideas, ideas, and burritos. -MM

My fave from the culture this week was… The new class of snowplow names in MN that were released. They’re so cute. One of them is “Beyonsleigh.” SO GOOD. -MM

A story on my radar is… an effort in WV to put abortion on the ballot! Obvi, Delegate Kayla Young’s got the deats. -MM

An eppy I’d rec going back to is… right now we’re prepping for a school board x fighting extremism 2.0 episode, soooo it’s a great time to get up on the basics of what’s going on, as well as what school boards with this episode of ours. -MM