How leaders, media, and public opinion shape today’s politics

This cluster tracks how political power and policy are debated, sold, and scrutinized in the U.S. and beyond. It ranges from grassroots conversations like Alabama kitchen-table politics to elite arenas such as presidential power analyses and Bloomberg’s international mayor network. The posts highlight voters’ nuanced views on election rules, Trump’s new retirement proposal and media appearances, and a major fraud case tied to political fundraising. They also explore how newsrooms feel increasing political pressure and how culture—especially American protest music—continues to intersect with political life.