CNN political contributor. Scholar at University of Virginia's Center for Politics. Counselor to Pres. Clinton. “Dopey flunky,” according to Trump. TX Longhorn
Washington, DC
Joined August 2011
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The brilliant @benwikler has a new book out today. I'm buying it. Why? Because I hate to lose and love to win. Ben is a winner all the way. His self-effacing Wisconsin Nice demeanor hides a frickin' political badass.
thisistheplan.com thisistheplan.com/
Paul Begala retweeted
He's running ... and actually talking about policy.
There are three doors a child walks through that will determine their future: the front door of the home, the front door of the school, and the front door of the place of worship. If those three doors are not aligned, it impacts a child’s education and future.
Today, 50% of our kids cannot read at grade level. Republicans have abandoned public education, Democrats have abandoned standards and accountability, and our kids are the ones paying the ultimate price.
Paul Begala retweeted
There are three doors a child walks through that will determine their future: the front door of the home, the front door of the school, and the front door of the place of worship. If those three doors are not aligned, it impacts a child’s education and future.
Today, 50% of our kids cannot read at grade level. Republicans have abandoned public education, Democrats have abandoned standards and accountability, and our kids are the ones paying the ultimate price.
Paul Begala retweeted
Let’s bet on America — not against it. I’m proposing a 10% fee on prediction markets and online gambling to fund an American Innovation Fund—investing in AI, quantum computing, fusion energy, life sciences, and national security tech.
President Xi is investing in the future, whereas President Trump’s cuts in NIH and NSF is defaulting on America’s preeminence. That’s not how you win.
Let’s fund cures, build new energy resources, lead in defense technologies and quantum tech.
Stop falling further behind, start investing in winning again. That’s the American way.
bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
Today’s reading is from the Book of Holes:
“Verily, I say unto thee: when thou findest thyself in a hole, first thou shalt stop digging. This is the first commandment of holes.”
Here endeth the lesson.
nytimes.com/2026/04/14/us/po…
Paul Begala retweeted
President Trump, his cabinet, members of Congress, and all federal officials cannot bet on prediction markets tied to U.S. policy or military action. This can be done by an executive order, but we know that won’t happen, as Donald Trump has normalized corruption in the White House - something we should have a zero tolerance policy for.
We can’t have young kids from Peoria, Illinois, and Platteville, Wisconsin, risking their lives while a bunch of nepo babies from Palm Springs and Palm Beach are risking their daddy's little inheritance. Washington needs a good power washing. It’s time we stop betting against America.
Dude, you know that I know that Pete Hegseth didn't eat $6 million worth of lobster. It's called humorous hyperbole - just like when I said, in that same answer, that Hegseth is "beautiful." For the record (and I can't believe I have to point this out for the literalists) I don't actually believe Sec. Hegseth ate $6 million of lobster, nor do I actually think he's "beautiful." Sheesh.
The latest Trump Admin "scandal" lasted about 60 seconds. The receipts come directly from America's military heroes 🇺🇸
I asked the internet to do its thing — and @X did not disappoint.
When I first heard Donald Trump viciously attacking Rob Reiner, it hurt. I loved Rob. But as I’ve thought about it, perhaps Trump’s attack was the ultimate validation of Rob’s activism. Darkness fears light. Evil despises good. Cruelty resents kindness. Posers dread talent. Autocrats hate humor. You won, Rob. Rest in power.
Important, heartbreaking, and infuriating story from the folks at @thebarbedwiretx, which is quickly becoming indispensable.
Disabled Texas Boy Detained by Immigration Officials for 48 Days thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24…
The great @SenWhitehouse has identified a massive issue driving housing costs through the roof: skyrocketing insurance rates due to storm risk caused by fossil fuel pollution. When insurance goes up, rent goes up, home ownership becomes more difficult, community banks and realtors are hurt. Democrats should talk about property insurance. They should run on it.
.@SpeakerPelosi is the smartest, strongest, most principled, most accomplished Speaker in American history. California should rename the Golden Gate Bridge the Nancy Pelosi Bridge. (The Bay Bridge is named for former CA Speaker and SF Mayor Willie Brown, so there's precedent.)
@CAgovernor is, justifiably, riding high right now, after taking a huge risk on redistricting. Naming the Golden Gate Bridge after Speaker Pelosi is a no-risk deal, and an honor richly deserved. Come on, California, honor your favorite daughter.
Always great to be back in THE BACK ROOM with you, Andy!
.@PaulBegala's in THE BACK ROOM unpacking the Democrats' Big Beautiful Blue Tidal Wave! #election podcasts.apple.com/us/podcas…
Paul Begala retweeted
A lovely tribute by @PaulBegala — with quotes from legendary football coach Mack Brown, Quarterback Colt McCoy, and other members of Longhorn Nation — to UT superfan Scott Wilson, who attended every longhorn football game in the last 25 years.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/31…
It's game day in Austin, and for the first time in decades my old pal Scott Wilson won't be there. I wrote this appreciation of him for @thebarbedwiretx, with tributes from @ColtMcCoy, @QCosby17, @CoachMackBrown, @CoachSchloss, @HustonStreet and Keith Moreland. #HookEm
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/31…
Paul Begala retweeted
On episode 3 of "One by Willie". . .
CNN political analyst @PaulBegala discusses the two legends’ duet “Heartland,” the farm crisis that inspired it, and a kind turn Willie did for Begala’s mom. texasmonthly.com/podcast/pau…
Attention fellow Texans - expats as well as residents. Check out @thebarbedwiretx at thebarbedwire.com/
🟡 NEW: A group of media veterans and Democratic political operatives are launching a new for-profit digital news outlet in Texas, @maxwelltani reports.
semafor.com/article/08/25/20…
