Short Take Politics:

Liars, damn liars and statistics

DOGE cut 14% of Social Security workers. It’s nearly impossible to get an in-person appointment. But wait times have been greatly reduced by tricking the numbers. If you agree to receive a call back from the next available person, your call counts as a zero minute wait. https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2026/10/31/social-security-administration-sends-email-touting-trump-days-before-election/

$50 million haul for the grifters

Hey, why get close to the king if you can’t get rich by selling the occasional pardon. https://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/alina-habba-has-to-give-the-boss-his-cut

About that Alaska mess

It’s not just the same-name thing but a dude in prison in New York appearing on the House ballot as a Democrat. https://www.newsweek.com/eric-hafner-alaska-democrat-gop-ballot-mary-pe…