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TK News by Matt Taibbi focuses on media criticism, the challenges of independent journalism, censorship, and political analysis, particularly criticizing mainstream media and Democratic strategies. It highlights issues of free speech, disinformation, government interference in media, and advocates for transparency and civil liberties.

Media Criticism Independent Journalism Censorship and Free Speech Political Analysis Civil Liberties Government Interference in Media

The hottest Substack posts of TK News by Matt Taibbi

And their main takeaways

Election Update 4: Hints of Panic and Rage, But It's Still Early

7521 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Political News Polls Public Opinion
  1. Election night can be stressful and filled with mixed emotions for news anchors as they report on unfolding results. They try to keep things light but can still feel the pressure of the outcome.
  2. While some early results seem to favor one candidate, it's still too early to draw hard conclusions. The dynamics of voting can change as more votes come in.
  3. It's important to stay calm and not panic no matter the initial news. The election process has many twists and turns that can change the situation quickly.

Uh, Oh, Again: Homeland Security Role in Bizarre Election Day "Tabletop Exercise" Denied

7968 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Integrity Government Agencies Cybersecurity Disinformation Public Perception
  1. The Department of Homeland Security's role in a planned cybersecurity exercise on Election Day was denied, creating confusion about their involvement.
  2. Senator Rand Paul raised concerns about the timing of the exercise, questioning why officials would practice cybersecurity on such an important day for elections.
  3. The situation escalated when organizers of the event retracted their statements about DHS/CISA's participation, leading to speculation and fears about election integrity.

Election Update 6: The Puckering

7102 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Campaigns Voter Behavior Party Dynamics
  1. Democrats are feeling anxious as key states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin show Trump leading. It's crucial for Harris to win all three to take the presidency.
  2. Many Democrats may have overlooked voter sentiments, which can lead to big consequences. There's a sense that the Democratic Party needs to reconnect with American voters.
  3. This election isn't just about who wins but also reflects broader public opinions on political messaging. The results could spark major changes in media and party leadership.

Save Democracy From Informed Voters: Vote Censorship!

7116 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Issues Media influence Misinformation Public Discourse
  1. Big media companies are working together to silence critics of the Democratic Party. They target conservative voices, claiming they're spreading misinformation.
  2. The way these companies define misinformation is broad, often including legitimate questions or jokes, leading to censorship.
  3. There's a concerted effort to undermine platforms like Twitter (now X) because they offer alternative views. Groups are trying to stop advertisers from supporting these platforms.

Election Update 3: Self-Injury Watch On

5628 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Media Polling Political Commentary
  1. Watching political TV can feel overwhelming and stressful for many people. It often highlights negative news and can be quite draining.
  2. Election updates show a mix of moods, with both excitement and worry among different voter groups. The shifting results lead to a lot of anxiety and chatter on social media.
  3. Different states are reporting varied results, creating a sense of urgency and unpredictability during election nights. People are looking for any signs of good news amidst the tensions.
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Election Update 2: Obama Instructs

5579 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Media Public Opinion Political Commentary
  1. Obama is reminding everyone to stay calm and patient during slow election processes. Sometimes, it takes a long time to get results, and that's okay.
  2. Some people are finding Obama irritating lately, questioning his current relevance and influence. There are mixed feelings about his role in today's political climate.
  3. Early election results show Trump leading in Kentucky and Indiana. This could indicate a shift in voter preferences in these states.

Election Night, Up All Night

5572 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigning Political Analysis Voting Political Commentary
  1. Expect a long and possibly dramatic election night. Many people hope for quick results, but it might take a while.
  2. Campaigns are actively working hard on election night, checking turnout and reaching out to voters. This shows how important every vote is.
  3. Different news reporters and channels have their own takes, making election night feel busy and high-energy, but it's important to stay calm and informed.

Election Update 5: First Anomaly?

4483 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political Analysis Party Politics Election Law
  1. There are unusual changes in the election results, particularly in Virginia, where Trump gained a lead unexpectedly. It's important to carefully watch how these numbers develop.
  2. Minor party candidates like Jill Stein and Chase Oliver are getting a small percentage of votes, and they might be blamed if things don't go well for the main candidates.
  3. Early reactions and notable changes in vote counts are a common part of elections, and they can lead to a lot of online discussions and confusion.

America This Week, Friday, November 8th, 2024 Livestream: Election Week Postmortem, 10 am ET

3952 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Political Commentary Media Current Events
  1. There will be a live discussion about the recent elections on November 8, 2024. It's a chance to go over what happened during the election week.
  2. The show is hosted by Walter Kirn and Matt Taibbi. Viewers can tune in to hear their insights and analysis.
  3. The livestream is open to everyone and will take place at 10 am ET. People are encouraged to join for this special event.

Note to Readers: Any Public School Teachers Out There?

3463 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Government Policy Teachers Federal Funding
  1. The author is looking to talk with public school teachers about recent changes announced by Donald Trump regarding the Department of Education. They want to hear teachers' opinions on these ideas.
  2. They are inviting teachers and professors from federally funded schools to share their insights privately. This conversation aims to gather real experiences and thoughts about the education system.
  3. The author promises to keep the discussions brief and offers an email for teachers to reach out. It’s a chance for educators to contribute their voices on important educational issues.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

1920 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Current Events Political Analysis Media Coverage Government Public Opinion
  1. There's a livestream happening tonight at 8 PM ET. It's a chance to join Matt Taibbi and Walter Kirn for some discussions.
  2. They will be talking about current stories, including one related to Hunter Biden. It sounds like there will be some intriguing topics to cover.
  3. You can watch the livestream on platforms like YouTube or Rumble. Just grab your device and tune in to catch the conversation.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

2123 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Government Elections Public Opinion Events
  1. There is a livestream event called 'America This Week' happening tonight at 8 PM ET. It's a chance to catch up on the latest news and media topics.
  2. The hosts, Matt Taibbi and Walter Kirn, plan to add some festive fun to the discussions since it's around Thanksgiving time.
  3. Viewers can watch the livestream on platforms like YouTube and Rumble, or follow updates on social media.

Transcript - America This Week, Dec. 20, 2024: "Damn! Defamation Suits Return, and the Killer Folk Legend Ascends"

1166 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal issues Journalism Defamation Media Ethics Political Commentary
  1. A recent settlement between ABC and Donald Trump over defamation highlights tensions in journalism. It raises questions about whether media outlets should stand firm against powerful figures or settle quickly to avoid lengthy legal battles.
  2. The legal standard for defamation is quite high, requiring proof of actual malice. This means journalists can make mistakes without facing severe penalties, as long as they aren't knowingly spreading false information.
  3. Many in the press are concerned that settling this lawsuit could set a troubling precedent and make journalists more hesitant to report on powerful people, potentially stifling free speech and critical journalism.

Note on Tonight's ATW Livestream: 8 pm ET, also on Substack

2227 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🎙 Podcasts Livestream Accessibility Media Content creation Audience engagement
  1. The show is trying new ways to make it easier for people to watch. They want to reach more viewers by streaming it on different platforms.
  2. The livestream will be available on X/Twitter and the Substack app, helping more people join in.
  3. Viewers will get an email notification when the show goes live, so they won’t miss it.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

2185 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political Commentary Media Public Opinion
  1. There will be a livestream discussing the recent presidential election and its aftermath. It's a good chance to catch up on the latest news.
  2. California is still counting its election results, with only 93% tabulated so far. This delay has led to some jokes about when they'll finish counting.
  3. Hosts Matt Taibbi and Walter Kirn will talk about high-profile figures visiting Mar-a-Lago. They might explore the significance of such visits in the current political climate.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

2276 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political narratives Livestream
  1. The livestream tonight at 8 PM ET will cover recent news and stories following the election. It's a chance to hear different perspectives and insights about what's happening now.
  2. California is still counting votes, showing that election results can take time to finalize. This creates space for ongoing discussions and assumptions about the election outcome.
  3. Narratives and opinions after an election can really shape future events. The discussions on the livestream will explore how those narratives influence the next few years.

Transcript - America This Week, December 06, 2024: "The Immaculate Pardon"

1368 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political Commentary Public Opinion Civil Rights
  1. Pardons are a hot topic right now, especially after Joe Biden pardoned his son. Many people are questioning the fairness and implications of such pardons.
  2. There's a feeling that some media figures are only now criticizing the Democrats after being quiet for years. This shift feels a bit like they’re deserting a sinking ship.
  3. Jon Stewart and others who criticize the current political landscape might not have faced the same backlash that others, like Taibbi and Kirn, experienced. It raises questions about their credibility in the current discourse.

Transcript - America This Week, Dec. 13, 2024: "Assassination Tales and Rubber Elephants"

1054 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Media Health Society Events
  1. A recent crime event feels scripted and curated, almost like a story meant for social media, rather than a spontaneous act. This suggests that media shapes how we perceive and react to events.
  2. The manifesto related to the crime is very short and seems to have been crafted for easy consumption, reflecting the fast-paced attention spans of today’s audiences.
  3. The narrative around the assassination contains underlying themes and agendas, almost as if it was created to fuel discussions and opinions before it even happened.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

2276 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Media Livestreams Polling
  1. Live stream discussing Election Day happens tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT. It's a chance to hear predictions and polls.
  2. The mood seems heavy as it's described as 'the end of an era' with Election Day approaching. Regardless of the result, anxiety is expected to continue.
  3. Fans of current events can look forward to lively discussions and insights during the live stream, making it an engaging watch.

The Dumbest Cover Story Ever

16432 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Politics
  1. The article criticizes New York Magazine's cover story, describing its support for children's access to sex-changing medical care as extreme and problematic.
  2. The author argues that the piece promotes a radical rejection of norms like the nuclear family and patriarchy, advocating for a collective reimagining of society.
  3. The concept of child liberation and absolute political agency for children is highlighted as a controversial and concerning aspect of the cover story.

Transcript - America This Week November , 2024: "The Insanity Era Dies. What's Next?"

1738 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Elections Public Opinion Political Analysis Journalism
  1. Mainstream media is losing its audience and facing layoffs after an election loss. Many viewers are turning to conservative outlets instead.
  2. The current media environment seems to be failing as it struggles to predict election outcomes and meet audience expectations.
  3. There's a sense that the media's influence is diminishing, especially as they no longer have strong ties to the government or political figures.

Transcript - America This Week, November 22, 2024: "Gambling With Nukes"

1438 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Military Affairs Nuclear policy News Coverage Geopolitical Tensions
  1. The use of missiles in Ukraine is escalating, with one missile being identified as potentially the first intercontinental ballistic missile used in a conflict. This is a significant step in warfare technology.
  2. Russia has updated its nuclear doctrine to include non-nuclear states in conflicts with its territory, raising fears that nuclear weapons could be used against Ukraine.
  3. Amid the serious global events, some people seem unbothered or unaware of the impact this escalation has on international relations and security.

On Today’s Absurd New York Times Hit Piece

14141 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics First Amendment Censorship Media Supreme Court Government
  1. The New York Times published a controversial piece about the Twitter Files and its connection to a Trump ally, which the author argues is a misrepresentation of reality.
  2. The Supreme Court case _Murthy v. Missouri_ is significant, as it involves challenges to government monitoring of online content and potential infringement on First Amendment rights.
  3. The article discusses the implications of exposing censorship programs and suggests a potential motive behind the Times' piece as a distraction tactic during the historic case.

America Enters the Samizdat Era

13143 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Social media Freedom of Speech Government Control
  1. The Internet is transitioning from a space of free exchange to one of top-down control over information and narrative.
  2. Alternative ways of distributing dissenting ideas are becoming necessary due to digital suppression of politically undesirable content.
  3. It's crucial to raise awareness about the challenges to freedom of speech and find new ways to share truth in the face of increasing control over information.

I Wrote What? Google's AI-Powered Libel Machine

13645 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Google Innovation
  1. Google's new AI tool Gemini had a disastrous product rollout, causing a significant drop in the company's market value.
  2. The Gemini era introduced horrifying quirks that were lesser-publicized but had concerning implications.
  3. The article suggests that the consequences of Google's AI-powered libel machine were unexpected and serious.

State TV Slobbers Over State of the Union

12779 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics News Opinion Journalism
  1. The article discusses how state media in various historical regimes may have praised a leader's speech as enthusiastically as Joe Biden's State of the Union address.
  2. The post highlights the reaction of ABC's chief Washington correspondent and his colleague after Joe Biden's speech.
  3. The article teases a discussion between correspondents about the effectiveness of Biden's speech, requiring a subscription to read further.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

1620 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Government Public Policy Media
  1. There is a livestream event called 'America This Week' happening tonight at 8 PM ET. It's a great chance to tune in and catch some interesting discussions.
  2. The hosts, Matt Taibbi and Walter Kirn, are planning to talk about the upcoming election and how it relates to current events. It sounds like a timely topic with Election Day just around the corner.
  3. They might even include some Halloween themes in their discussions, like what Janet Yellen said about the U.S. dollar. It should be a fun and informative episode!

On Don Lemon

10768 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Free speech Elon Musk
  1. Don Lemon sought a significant financial package, including an upfront payment, salary, equity stake, and extravagant perks like a Tesla Cybertruck and a private jet to Las Vegas.
  2. Despite past critiques, mainstream media are now portraying Lemon as a free speech hero due to his interactions involving Elon Musk.
  3. To access the full post and archives on Don Lemon, readers are encouraged to subscribe to Racket News for a 7-day free trial.

Note to Subscribers

22131 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
📰 News Media bias Independent Journalism
  1. Independent media outlets are facing challenges in visibility due to algorithmic blanketing and deamplification tools.
  2. Some larger corporate news outlets lack accountability mechanisms and standards, while alternative media is being targeted for scrutiny and sanctions.
  3. Consideration of alternative ways to support independent voices, like promoting new stories and authors through live interviews, is being explored.

The Silly Furor Over "Allegedly"

10370 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
📰 News Journalism Media Politics
  1. Kristen Welker of Meet the Press faced criticism for using the word 'allegedly' when talking about Trump trying to overturn the 2020 election.
  2. Using 'allegedly' in journalism can spark heated debates and reactions from colleagues and the audience.
  3. Accuracy and choice of words, like 'allegedly,' can lead to intense discussions and interpretations in news reporting.

Why the TikTok Ban is So Dangerous

9811 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation National Security First Amendment Political Dynamics
  1. Public opinion on the TikTok ban has shifted from strong support to opposition over time.
  2. The passage of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act has raised concerns about potential overreach in granting new powers to the President.
  3. There are worries that the bill could have implications beyond TikTok, leading to broader speech controls and threats to freedom of expression.

State Department Threatens Congress Over Censorship Programs

11152 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Transparency Funding Congress
  1. The State Department is threatening Congress over their censorship programs funding, showing resistance to disclosing details on how taxpayer money is being spent.
  2. The Global Engagement Center (GEC) has been involved in anti-disinformation work, which includes backing a UK-based agency that creates digital blacklists for disfavored media outlets.
  3. There is growing pushback against agencies like the GEC that operate with secrecy, with calls for more transparency and oversight, especially in programs that target American media consumers.

Transcript - America This Week November 1, 2024: "The Celebrated New York Times Election Week Hit Job"

1347 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Misinformation Political Analysis Political Commentary
  1. There is a collaboration between The New York Times and Media Matters that appears to target misinformation, especially around election content. Critics argue that this could influence public perception unfairly.
  2. Media Matters is described as an ideological group that aims to combat conservative misinformation, raising questions about its role as a source for mainstream news agencies.
  3. Concerns were raised about the timing of the article's release, just before the election, which some believe may affect the voting process and public understanding of the issues.

Is the Electoral Fix Already In?

12088 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Campaign Government Legal Democracy
  1. The 2024 presidential race might be influenced more by lawyers than voters as plans for potential lawfare tactics are being revealed.
  2. There have been past efforts and discussions about potential strategies that involve legal actions, lawsuits, and political maneuvering that may impact election outcomes.
  3. Both sides seem to be preparing for possible norm-breaking actions before the election, raising questions about the integrity and fairness of the democratic process.