Jesse Pohlman

Jesse Pohlman is the founder and main author of The Progressive Cafe.

Filibuster

Feb 12, 2026

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11 min read

The Case For Medicare For All (Redux)

Touching on an old article: It seems like a simple principle, but what do we need to know about it to make it a functioning reality?

Jesse Pohlman

Feb 11, 2026

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5 min read

Future Of The Progressive Cafe

New platform, new plan, same incisive political tomfoolery that brought you here in the first place. Let's talk about TPC's Future!

Jesse Pohlman

Free Speech

Jan 30, 2025

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2 min read

New Project: Dystopian Report

A subcategory of my Dystopian Review series, I've been making videos about our nightmare world. I like it.

Jesse Pohlman

Republican Party

+18

The Global Oligarchic Party (GOP) Thesis

Jan 10, 2025

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15 min read

The Global Oligarchic Party (GOP) Thesis

Is it creative? Not really. But this framework has helped me understand events dating back over a decade, and may prove helpful in understanding future Republican moves.

Jesse Pohlman

Obergefell V Hodges

+10

Jan 7, 2025

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9 min read

Idaho Declares War On Obergefell

What, the headline didn't grab your attention.

Jesse Pohlman

Thomas Massie

+11

The New "Big Funny" Scenario - President Grassley!

Jan 2, 2025

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6 min read

The New "Big Funny" Scenario - President Grassley!

This is the sort of thing that should never, ever happen. And it probably (hopefully?) won't! But it *could,* and it's hilarious.

Jesse Pohlman

Physics Trincarnate

Voting For My Book In The Indie Ink Awards

Dec 31, 2024

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2 min read

Voting For My Book In The Indie Ink Awards

Off-topic post; just like the post says.

Jesse Pohlman

Kamala Harris

Dec 30, 2024

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6 min read

Should Kamala Harris Pull Off 'The Big Funny?'

Probably not. But, if Kamala Harris shows "extreme courage" of the kind Donald Trump said Mike Pence should have? She can certainly make things interesting!

Jesse Pohlman

Democratic Platform

Why I Left The Democratic Party For The Working Families Party.

Dec 19, 2024

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19 min read

Why I Left The Democratic Party For The Working Families Party.

I know - You probably don't care. But since I joined to "push them towards the left," they've moved ever-rightward. If you're curious, here's my reasoning.

Jesse Pohlman

Healthcare

A Quick Rant - A Health Insurance Story, And A Reminder

Dec 6, 2024

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5 min read

A Quick Rant - A Health Insurance Story, And A Reminder

I recently had a surgery I want to discuss, especially in the light of certain events. I also have a reminder to share.

Jesse Pohlman

2016 election

+15

Nov 29, 2024

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30 min read

Some Frameworks For Why We Lost In 2024

I'm just one guy synthesizing weeks of data. I could be wrong, missing things, all that jazz! But here are some things I've figured out.

Jesse Pohlman

Georgia

+25

Feeling Like A Lot Is Happening? It Is. Let’s Talk.

Oct 1, 2024

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18 min read

Feeling Like A Lot Is Happening? It Is. Let’s Talk.

While we’re a technically bit early for a genuine “October Surprise,” there are so many things going on in the U.S. and the world at large that it’s worth taking a minute to assess this all.

Jesse Pohlman

Debates 2024

+12

A Quick Connection Between The Debate And September 11th

Sep 11, 2024

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5 min read

A Quick Connection Between The Debate And September 11th

Last night's Harris-Trump debate was interesting, but Kamala Harris was one factual jump away from the ultimate moment.

Jesse Pohlman

Donald Trump

On The State Of The Progressive Cafe - And Trump's Words On The Medal Of Honor

Aug 17, 2024

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8 min read

On The State Of The Progressive Cafe - And Trump's Words On The Medal Of Honor

Rumors of our demise may be premature, but it's natural to respond to repeated defeats with change. Let's talk about this publication's future, then talk about Trump's thoughts on the Medal Of Honor.

Jesse Pohlman

Democratic Party

Settle Down - The Veepstakes Takes A While

Jul 26, 2024

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7 min read

Settle Down - The Veepstakes Takes A While

While it's great to advocate for specific candidates, here's a reminder that, ultimately, VP/Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris should, and will, take her time deciding.

Jesse Pohlman

Josh Shapiro

+11

Jul 21, 2024

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10 min read

Ahhh, To Be Unburdened By What Has Been

With President Joe Biden's courageous decision to step aside, VP Kamala Harris takes center stage. It's time, as they say, to take the Coconut Pill, and unite to win this election.

Jesse Pohlman

2024 Election

On Crowdstrike, Presidencies, Critical Points Of Failure, And Malice Versus Accidents

Jul 20, 2024

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12 min read

On Crowdstrike, Presidencies, Critical Points Of Failure, And Malice Versus Accidents

Early Friday, a major internet security firm pushed a broken update on its customers. This shut down airports, banks, news agencies, medical providers, and 911 service across continents. Let's talk.

Jesse Pohlman

Project 2025

If Biden Wants To Be In It, Here's How To Win It

Jul 9, 2024

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12 min read

If Biden Wants To Be In It, Here's How To Win It

Since Biden wants to be Democracy's Champion, here's some suggestions on how he can actually come from behind and beat Trump.

Jesse Pohlman

Judicial Coup Of 2024

Jul 2, 2024

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5 min read

Joe Biden Comes Up Short

President Biden had one job to do Monday: Set a clear path to defeating the Judicial Coup. He failed. Thus, he's failed as our President, and should step down to allow Kamala Harris to lead.

Jesse Pohlman

Presidential Immunity

The Judicial Coup Is Underway. Biden Must Act Immediately.

Jul 1, 2024

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4 min read

The Judicial Coup Is Underway. Biden Must Act Immediately.

We're past the point of no return, and it's time for Biden to act to restore the Democracy that our SCOTUS is taking away.

Jesse Pohlman

2024 Election

Jun 29, 2024

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7 min read

What A Rough 48 Hours

Between an abysmal debate and worse Supreme Court rulings, we need to talk.

Jesse Pohlman

Debates 2024

Jun 27, 2024

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1 min read

Live-Tweeting The Trump-Biden Debate

Real quick: Here's a link to a thread.

Jesse Pohlman

2024 Election

Jun 21, 2024

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5 min read

What's There Been To Say?

Last week I took off; this week, I'm keeping it quick - but I promise there's a message, here.

Jesse Pohlman

Kathy Hochul

Jun 7, 2024

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5 min read

When Democrats Continue To Disappoint

No but seriously.

Jesse Pohlman

National Service

Jun 1, 2024

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11 min read

The U.K Prime Minister Wants To Institute National Service. Would That Fit In America?

Obviously we wouldn’t want a direct comparison to Rishi Sunak’s program - for a lot of reasons - but might America benefit from such a policy? Do we already have something of that with PSLF?

Jesse Pohlman