Dark Before Dawn is a political newsletter for people tired of being lied to about how government works. I’m a liberal, writing with a cynic’s eye for incentives, power, and institutional failure — not vibes, personalities, or comforting myths.
Using cynicism for good.
A Substack that explores how we can develop our "moral muscle" to stand up for democracy -- and each other -- in this critical moment. Plus insight and analysis at the intersection of law, national security, and the intelligence community.
The Bulwark is home to Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, Bill Kristol, JVL, Sam Stein, Catherine Rampell and more. We are the largest pro-democracy bundle on Substack for news and analysis on politics and culture—supported by a community built on good faith.
Commentary on contemporary affairs from a historical, political and social perspective to put events in a larger context by a published historian who worked in professional politics for 10 years and in Hollywood for 30 years.