HeyJaredAgainst the Grain
Explaining things about history, politics, policy, culture, and food that the media can't, or won't.
- Indexed issues, last 90 days
- 5
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- Aug 7, 2026
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- Jul 3, 2026
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Is There A Winning Message for Republicans? (opens the original)
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While a few right-leaning partisans are guffawing, much of the conservative media is more appropriately aflame with angst over Democratic Socialists who are winning primary elections in mostly safe Democratic US House seats. And, now, a US Senate race in Michigan, a state Donald Trump narrowly won in 2024 and 2016.As journalist and Pittsburgh native Salena Zito has observed and reported, the capture of heavily Democratic seats by candidates following the Democratic Socialists of America organiza
Cloudy, The Election Is. (opens the original)
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Some call it “voter fatigue.” Too many elections (especially our annual ones here in Virginia), and the incessant barrage of negative (attack) messaging; ubiquitous and provocative social media posts; outrageous, incessant, and over-the-top fundraising appeals; and all means of behavior meant to draw clicks and views. Sadly, it all happens because it works. What gets rewarded gets repeated.Thanks for reading Against the Grain! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my
Why Democrats Despise This Merger (for Now) (opens the original)
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Quick, name the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia? That’s okay; most people can’t. Even in Virginia. And those who can may also mispronounce her name.It’s Ghazala Hashmi, a Democratic former state senator, and the first Muslim elected to statewide office in the Old Dominion. In Virginia, the Lt. Gov. is a part-time position with very little power, other than chairing sessions of the State Senate and breaking tie votes. As a result, they rarely make news, and when they do, it’s usually not good. Ju
The Miracles of a First Surgery (opens the original)
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It was a role reversal for my wife and me on Friday. She’s experienced a couple more times under the knife than I have. Previously, it was me driving her to the hospital, driving her home, and helping her through her recovery. I can no longer brag that I’ve never had nor needed surgery. I knew this day would come. Fortunately, it took almost seven decades to get here. Even better, it was all outpatient. Today (Saturday) is Day One of recovery, and so far, so good. God bless extra-strength Tyleno
Platner, Chevalier, et al., versus. . . David Duke? (opens the original)
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As a campaign veteran of more than 35 US House and Senate races in 25 states, I’ve seen a lot of stuff, and I have stories, a few of which I’ve shared. I’ve seen election fraud (in Texas and Louisiana) and bizarre behavior by political parties, especially Tennessee’s GOP in 1990, which refused to help me recruit a GOP candidate to run against then-incumbent Al Gore (D-TN). Weird candidates, debates, dealing with malevolent reporters - you name it. <a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" hre
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