Tangle

On Thursday, November 6, the Supreme Court grantedthe Trump administration’s request to temporarily pause a lower court ruling to allow transgender and nonbinary Americans to self-select their sex when applying for a passport. The decision was issued through the court’s emergency docket and was unsigned, though Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented and was joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. Ad-free podcasts are here!To listen to this podcast ad-free, and to enjoy our subscriber only premium content, go to ReadTangle.com to sign up!You can read today's podcast⁠ ⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠, our “Under the Radar” story ⁠here and today’s “Have a nice day” story ⁠here⁠.You can subscribe to Tangle by clicking here or drop something in our tip jar by clicking here. Take the survey: What do you think of the Supreme Court’s decision? Let us know.Disagree? That's okay. My opinion is just one of many. Write in and let us know why, and we'll consider publishing your feedback.Our Executive Editor and Founder is Isaac Saul. Our Executive Producer is Jon Lall.This podcast was written by: Lindsey Knuth and edited and engineered by Dewey Thomas. Music for the podcast was produced by Diet 75.Our newsletter is edited by Managing Editor Ari Weitzman, Senior Editor Will Kaback, Lindsey Knuth, Kendall White, Bailey Saul, and Audrey Moorehead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following a recent announcement, former President Trump pardoned several allies linked to his 2020 election challenges, including notable figures like Mark Meadows and Rudy Giuliani. The discussion covers the implications of these pardons, particularly their protection from federal prosecution while leaving room for state charges. Critics from the left express concerns over potential corruption, whereas right-leaning voices argue for the necessity of these actions. The hosts also explore the broader legal landscape and the message these pardons send to Trump's loyal supporters.

The Senate has taken significant steps to end the federal government shutdown. A key deal emerged, focusing on funding for agriculture, veterans' benefits, and SNAP through 2026. However, there were no extensions for the Affordable Care Act credits, sparking mixed reactions. Conservatives framed it as a win for Republicans, while many Democrats expressed disappointment for not leveraging their position better. Meanwhile, discussions about ongoing settlement talks between credit card networks and merchants provided an intriguing side story.

The discussion kicks off with highlights from Tucker Carlson's controversial interview with Nick Fuentes, sparking division within the MAGA movement. Analyzing Fuentes’s evolution from mainstream politics to extremism reveals deeper insights into his radicalization. Campus conflicts and media encounters played significant roles in shaping his grievances and worldview. The exploration raises questions about ideological justifications and who Fuentes views as allies and enemies. This intriguing origin story offers a look into the complexities of contemporary political dynamics.

The discussion dives into the 2025 elections, highlighting New York's mayoral race and its implications. They explore the rising tensions around anti-wokeness and whether it's lost its edge. A debate on tariffs unfolds, weighing their effectiveness as a political tool. The hosts reflect on key election results beyond New York, including notable shifts in Virginia and California. Personal grievances add a relatable twist, ranging from parenting woes to the challenges of daylight saving time.

The Supreme Court hears arguments on Trump's tariffs and his authority to impose them using emergency powers. Insights reveal ideological divides, with the left skeptical of Trump's legal grounding and the right cautioning against judicial overreach. Analysts discuss the implications of the major questions doctrine, suggesting the likelihood of tariffs being struck down. Additionally, learn about California's Prop 36 implementation and a potential deal to lower drug prices. A roundup of tariff revenue and economic impacts offers further context on this critical issue.

In the wake of the recent elections, Democrats scored major victories in pivotal races across Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City. The hosts delve into the implications of ballot measures that passed in California and Maine, revealing shifting voter priorities. Conservative and progressive reactions shed light on future strategic challenges and opportunities. With detailed analysis on turnout and voter coalitions, they reflect on the broader signals for upcoming elections, leaving listeners contemplating the political landscape.

Voters across the U.S. are heading to the polls today, deciding on crucial elections that could shape future politics. The spotlight is on the New York City mayoral race with diverse perspectives on candidates Cuomo and Mamdani. New Jersey's gubernatorial race is also critical, signaling national voter sentiment. Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court retention votes could affect important state laws. Key ballot initiatives, including Colorado's free school meals proposal, are also under discussion, making this election day one to watch closely!

In this insightful discussion, John Ketcham, a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, unpacks the intricacies of New York City's closed primary system. He sheds light on the public's desire for primary reform, juxtaposed with political hurdles preventing meaningful change. Ketcham also explains how special interest groups exploit low-turnout elections to solidify their influence. With a critical look at the failed charter revision proposal, he emphasizes the disconnect between public support for reform and political action, revealing a crucial aspect of urban policy.

The podcast dives into the recent lapse of federal funding for SNAP, putting 42 million beneficiaries at risk of food insecurity. It explores court rulings that demand the government find contingency funding. Crowded food lines in Houston highlight the real human impact of the funding halt. Political perspectives clash, with some blaming Democrats while others urge for bipartisan solutions. Additional discussions include data on obesity trends tied to GLP-1 drugs and the complexities of the national debt.