My concern is the Democrats in leadership betting on voters being mad at the Trump Administration so much that those voters will automatically vote Democrat in 2026 and 2028. I feel that is a trap they fall into a lot, and it is why the party is where it is now.
I left the Democratic Party to become an Independent. Right now, I am on the "outside looking in" at both parties. I feel there are a group of Democrats that will always vote Democrat no matter what, just like there are a group of Republicans who will vote Republican, no matter what. I believe those voters will definitely be the focus. But I also believe 2026 will be about appealing and winning non-voters and Independents, more so ever in my lifetime of watching elections.
The question for me remains which party in 2026 (and 2028) will catch on that it is about winning over Independents and non-voters this time and will start to work to appeal to those voters.
Sarah, may I please borrow “analog” as my word for 2026? Ever since you mentioned it, it just feels right. In 2025, my word was “balance”; work-life balance, balanced diet, and physical balance work for this 70 year old body 😊 It was perfect.
I've ironically come to an app for more ideas for going analog. I find myself also wanting to bring more analog into my life without being fearful of tech.
Things I'm doing:
-I've deleted Instagram and Facebook apps for several years now, but I can access them through my web browser on my phone which is clunkier, but still allows me to waste a lot of time there. I've set website timers on my phone for these with varying success.
-Turned off all auto play features on YouTube
-Physical subscriptions to magazines - a local lifestyle mag "417 magazine" and an outdoor mom mag "Run Wild My Child", Modern Mrs Darcy's summer reading guide
-taken up hobbies of hiking and camping (in cabins or other accommodations with real beds!)
-Joined the PTA, hired babysitters to allow me to participate
Things I'm thinking about:
I read Erin Loechner's book "Opt Out Family" which definitely steers more in the "fear" direction than suits me. But her approach of hacking the algorithm to "be more interesting than the algorithm" really appeals. Some tid bits that I kept are "move slowly and mend things" and the idea that opening social media is like stepping into a party already going. So start the party (example of baking cookies, listening to music) and people will show up.
I have also heard Ash Brandin (The Gamer Educator) speak about their new book "Power On" which I have yet to read (though my libby hold just came in!) It seems like it will be a healthy balance to Loechner's book which I think will resonate with me. Ash focuses on ways that tech has more in common with any other tool or activity that we need to learn to use safely and with appropriate boundaries. Definitely less fear-based and will likely have a lot of application to my real life where I plan to keep tech around.
Just generally I'm trying to make in person friendships while still connecting with friends I've made that live far away. I am thinking of starting a letter writing habit. I'm in the little kids phase right now though, so I give myself a lot of grace and you would have to pry Marco Polo from me :)
I’m not really a word of the year kind of gal. That said, I am definitely leaning into analog and would love a space to share all the ways we can be humans together or alone in real life - jigsaw puzzles, print books & book clubs, seeing all kinds of performing arts, doing art/seeing art, teaching kids crafts, putting pen to paper, phone calls instead of text, email, etc. gardening and getting outside!!! It’s such a relief to my brain to interact with the world this way.
Also I love the idea of working through civic virtues in celebration of 250 years. I’m looking forward to another year with you all, even if the wheels are flying off the bus in 2026. So thankful for the PP team and the Spice Cabinet!
For the past few years, the most “analog” hour of my week has been practice for my church’s bell choir. In bell choir, you can only do what is yours to do, you can’t control anyone else, and you all need to show up in person for it to work at all. Making music in community is something we only do nowadays in school, almost never as adults, so it feels like stepping back in time in many ways. I always feel refreshed afterwards. So I guess I’m recommending joining a bell choir 🤷♀️😂
I was a member of my church’s bell choir as a teen and then again when they started an adult bell choir. You described it perfectly - I really enjoyed those years. The bell choir enabled me to travel as a teen (late 1970’s). We would visit other churches and perform at these mass gatherings of bell choirs. People would be shocked we had a church in Las Vegas and wanted to know if we lived in a casino. 😄 Of course that was decades ago, long before social media. Thanks for sharing your analog and bringing back memories of mine.
Making music is healing in so many ways. I have been singing in a choir basically since high school and it is a critical way of staying grounded, seeing people, and finding beauty. 💙
I love this! My brother has been part of a municipal swing band for several years and my sister just joined a local choir. I've all but abandoned my musical upbringing, but I would love to find something locally like this to do.
Loved the previous 2025 wrap-up conversation, and this one looking ahead. Whatever is in store, I’m very happy to be with you all again for another year.
My word of the year for 2026 is “student” since I find myself enrolled in literary seminars, writing workshops and pilgrimages that are going to cover the entire year. Just thinking about soaking up and reveling in words for a whole year is filling me with such anticipatory delight.
(Not to mention all the brand new empty notebooks waiting to be filled ☺️).
And I’m sure that Taylor’s wedding will be lovely and all, but my youngest son is also getting married in June 2026 and I only have eyes for that one 😍😍
I so wish Sarah gets invited to that wedding or to one of the events of that wedding.
For 2026, I want to see my country of former nationality free from the 25+ years disaster of the Bolivarian Revolution without an invasion. There are not army or militias just hungry, desperate people.
Xergio I thought about you and was wondering what you would think about a scenario like they mentioned where the US government makes a deal to have more control of the oil instead of invading. I hate the greed of our government but is there a scenario where life could improve for the Venezuelan people? I don’t know if my question makes sense. And also, how do you think a regime change happens without an invasion?
Ok. I don’t want to jump into conference mode as I am wont to do, so I will try to stay brief. But oil runs in my veins from my grandfather, dad, and brother all in the oil industry.
1. The commercial exploitation of oil in Venezuela started in 1914.
2. Venezuela has never had private ownership of oil or minerals. The subsoil belongs to the State.
3. Since 1914 both the US and UK were key partner in the oil businesses. Not the ownership of the oil but the rights to exploit and commerce.
4. The oil industry was nationalized in 1976, meaning that a Venezuelan government run company was created. However, production, refinement, and commerce always involved US companies.
5. After Chavez destroyed the oil industry by letting go of thousands highly trained individuals that were not loyalists and replaced them with loyalists that had no clue what to do. The industry diminished, the relationship with US soured, Washington put sanctions on Venezuela but even so there were waivers and exceptions.
6. But the void was filled by China, Rusia, and the like. It has been used to help Cuba survive.
7. To your specific question “is there a scenario where life could improve for the Venezuelan people?” Yes. Very much. But it doesn’t necessarily come from a hostile takeover but a return to a relationship of equals and partners. The error of Venezuela was never to use the oil wealth to prompt other industries. We were rich in oil so we bought stuff from other places. That and a runaway corruption.
8. I do not think an invasion is the only hope of Venezuela. I don’t dare to speak for Venezuela. I haven’t lived through what they have lived in the last few years. I am horrified by Nobel Laureate Maria Corina Machado has done in terms of pandering to Trump or supporting the blowing of the boats. But then again, I have fought the fight that she has. I have an enormous amount of respect and admiration for her. I don’t know if the opposition in Venezuela has come to this point where they don’t see other alternative than making a deal with the devil. The problem with those is how high an interest rate the devil charges.
9. The US has messed with countries around LatinAmerica many times before. I am not sure those countries ended up better for it.
Thanks for your response. I guess the question running through my head as I was listening was, Is it possible that the actions of this administration, even if they are motivated by greed and corruption, could still have positive consequences in Venezuela? I think that is basically the question behind the argument I keep having with my spouse.
To this very specific question “Is it possible that the actions of this administration, even if they are motivated by greed and corruption, could still have positive consequences in Venezuela?” The answer is of course is yes, it could. But not necessarily.
Sarah, I thought your word of the year was initially Less but then you changed it to something else because you didn't like the negative connotation? I can't remember what you changed it to but Prayer doesn't sound familiar.
I have also been thinking I want my word of the year to be Analog. I was an early adopter of social media because it was such a great way to connect with people on a global scale. I made so many friends in education in the early years of Twitter who are still my dear friends over a decade later. But... social media is no longer social media. It is bots and trolls and manipulative algorithms. What once was a place for connection has turned into full-on psychological warfare.
All that to say, I am finding ways to try to disconnect more and more...
In January I started taking a figure skating class. Because after the horror of the 2024 election, I decided I needed some joy in my life and needed to find something to get me moving that I wouldn't hate. I've also started writing in a journal more. These are my two very intentional ways of going analog. I definitely need more suggestions though.
Needless to say, I am here for all the ways Pantsuit Politics listeners are going more analog in 2026.
The food-borne illness or some other viral outbreak possibility also seems highly likely to me. And I feel quite anxious about it. And when I am not anxious I just get so angry at the anti-government, anti-establishment sentiment that has enabled this. Who else do you think inspects food, roads, buildings, etc. to make sure that they are safe? That is what a government is for!
The tariffs have gone back and forth so much this year that I have no idea where they are at (which maybe is their goal?)
I have noticed as a piano teacher that I continue to get more and more adult students which I hope is indicative of a larger trend of looking for more analog activities.
Beth's point about civic literacy and supporting schools reminded me that I was going to post these opportunities from iCivics. The deadline was extended to 12/22, which I know is soon, and not the most opportune time, but I wanted to spread the word anyway!
Civic Leadership Academy- This program is for master teachers and district leaders who have a strong foundation of content knowledge in social studies/civics. This Academy focuses on teaching facilitation skills for adult learners so they can facilitate Professional Learning Sessions in their Districts/Communities. We are looking for 20 educators to join the cohort. There is a $1000 stipend. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BytDol5o6wwdW4Nl6RYZ9JwPrBJJd-yR/view?usp=sharing
iCivics Educator Institute- This program is open to any K-12 Educator in Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Maryland, Connecticut and New Hampshire. It is also open to preservice social studies educators. The iCivics Educator Institute offers a unique and dynamic experience for dedicated classroom teachers to join a vibrant community of practice where you will collaborate with fellow educators, exchange ideas, and gain invaluable knowledge, skills, and resources to integrate and teach civic knowledge and skills to your students preparing the next generation of informed and engaged citizens. We are looking for 170 educators. There is a $300 dollar stipend. There are specific flyers for each state for this program because we will have a midwest cohort and an east coast cohort.
You mentioned AI in the healthcare space, and I just want to say it’s coming fast - it’s really already here. I work for a large healthcare system and just attended an event that brought in collaborators from a local university who are all interested in AI. Everyone is chomping at the bit over this! A huge focus of the annual conference I attend was on AI in research. I see a couple of big things with this. 1) In the research space, FDA and OHRP have no real guidance on this (not surprising since federal research offices have been decimated). FDA does have some guidance on software as “medical devices” which might include AI. 2) In research we’re talking about both using AI to conduct research and conducting research on AI. So on one hand you might use AI to build protocols and consents or develop treatments or analyze data, or even review the study to determine whether it meets criteria for approval. And then on the other hand, using patient data to teach these AI platforms how to better diagnosis disease. All that to say that it’s fascinating and scary and we’re all out here figuring it out together.
I don’t know how all of the publishing/posting works, but for the free episodes that we don’t listen to in Substack, is there a way to post this comment space earlier? I listen to most episodes around 6:30am 😬 and then forget what I wanted to say by the time there’s a place to comment. Today I had 2 comments and now forget my 2nd. 🤦🏻♀️ This is probably just a me problem.
“I’m just a Who down in Whoville trying to get ready for Christmas and here comes the president from his mountain cave to yell at me” 💀💀💀
My concern is the Democrats in leadership betting on voters being mad at the Trump Administration so much that those voters will automatically vote Democrat in 2026 and 2028. I feel that is a trap they fall into a lot, and it is why the party is where it is now.
I left the Democratic Party to become an Independent. Right now, I am on the "outside looking in" at both parties. I feel there are a group of Democrats that will always vote Democrat no matter what, just like there are a group of Republicans who will vote Republican, no matter what. I believe those voters will definitely be the focus. But I also believe 2026 will be about appealing and winning non-voters and Independents, more so ever in my lifetime of watching elections.
The question for me remains which party in 2026 (and 2028) will catch on that it is about winning over Independents and non-voters this time and will start to work to appeal to those voters.
Sarah, may I please borrow “analog” as my word for 2026? Ever since you mentioned it, it just feels right. In 2025, my word was “balance”; work-life balance, balanced diet, and physical balance work for this 70 year old body 😊 It was perfect.
I've ironically come to an app for more ideas for going analog. I find myself also wanting to bring more analog into my life without being fearful of tech.
Things I'm doing:
-I've deleted Instagram and Facebook apps for several years now, but I can access them through my web browser on my phone which is clunkier, but still allows me to waste a lot of time there. I've set website timers on my phone for these with varying success.
-Turned off all auto play features on YouTube
-Physical subscriptions to magazines - a local lifestyle mag "417 magazine" and an outdoor mom mag "Run Wild My Child", Modern Mrs Darcy's summer reading guide
-taken up hobbies of hiking and camping (in cabins or other accommodations with real beds!)
-Joined the PTA, hired babysitters to allow me to participate
Things I'm thinking about:
I read Erin Loechner's book "Opt Out Family" which definitely steers more in the "fear" direction than suits me. But her approach of hacking the algorithm to "be more interesting than the algorithm" really appeals. Some tid bits that I kept are "move slowly and mend things" and the idea that opening social media is like stepping into a party already going. So start the party (example of baking cookies, listening to music) and people will show up.
I have also heard Ash Brandin (The Gamer Educator) speak about their new book "Power On" which I have yet to read (though my libby hold just came in!) It seems like it will be a healthy balance to Loechner's book which I think will resonate with me. Ash focuses on ways that tech has more in common with any other tool or activity that we need to learn to use safely and with appropriate boundaries. Definitely less fear-based and will likely have a lot of application to my real life where I plan to keep tech around.
Just generally I'm trying to make in person friendships while still connecting with friends I've made that live far away. I am thinking of starting a letter writing habit. I'm in the little kids phase right now though, so I give myself a lot of grace and you would have to pry Marco Polo from me :)
I’m not really a word of the year kind of gal. That said, I am definitely leaning into analog and would love a space to share all the ways we can be humans together or alone in real life - jigsaw puzzles, print books & book clubs, seeing all kinds of performing arts, doing art/seeing art, teaching kids crafts, putting pen to paper, phone calls instead of text, email, etc. gardening and getting outside!!! It’s such a relief to my brain to interact with the world this way.
Also I love the idea of working through civic virtues in celebration of 250 years. I’m looking forward to another year with you all, even if the wheels are flying off the bus in 2026. So thankful for the PP team and the Spice Cabinet!
For the past few years, the most “analog” hour of my week has been practice for my church’s bell choir. In bell choir, you can only do what is yours to do, you can’t control anyone else, and you all need to show up in person for it to work at all. Making music in community is something we only do nowadays in school, almost never as adults, so it feels like stepping back in time in many ways. I always feel refreshed afterwards. So I guess I’m recommending joining a bell choir 🤷♀️😂
I was a member of my church’s bell choir as a teen and then again when they started an adult bell choir. You described it perfectly - I really enjoyed those years. The bell choir enabled me to travel as a teen (late 1970’s). We would visit other churches and perform at these mass gatherings of bell choirs. People would be shocked we had a church in Las Vegas and wanted to know if we lived in a casino. 😄 Of course that was decades ago, long before social media. Thanks for sharing your analog and bringing back memories of mine.
Making music is healing in so many ways. I have been singing in a choir basically since high school and it is a critical way of staying grounded, seeing people, and finding beauty. 💙
I love this! My brother has been part of a municipal swing band for several years and my sister just joined a local choir. I've all but abandoned my musical upbringing, but I would love to find something locally like this to do.
Loved the previous 2025 wrap-up conversation, and this one looking ahead. Whatever is in store, I’m very happy to be with you all again for another year.
My word of the year for 2026 is “student” since I find myself enrolled in literary seminars, writing workshops and pilgrimages that are going to cover the entire year. Just thinking about soaking up and reveling in words for a whole year is filling me with such anticipatory delight.
(Not to mention all the brand new empty notebooks waiting to be filled ☺️).
And I’m sure that Taylor’s wedding will be lovely and all, but my youngest son is also getting married in June 2026 and I only have eyes for that one 😍😍
Can we just devote all of our Tavis enthusiasm to them????
Yes!!!! Henry & Paige, 6/27/26 💕
I so wish Sarah gets invited to that wedding or to one of the events of that wedding.
For 2026, I want to see my country of former nationality free from the 25+ years disaster of the Bolivarian Revolution without an invasion. There are not army or militias just hungry, desperate people.
Finally, my word for 2026 is “No”
Thanks for making this year bearable, PP an SC.
Xergio I thought about you and was wondering what you would think about a scenario like they mentioned where the US government makes a deal to have more control of the oil instead of invading. I hate the greed of our government but is there a scenario where life could improve for the Venezuelan people? I don’t know if my question makes sense. And also, how do you think a regime change happens without an invasion?
Ok. I don’t want to jump into conference mode as I am wont to do, so I will try to stay brief. But oil runs in my veins from my grandfather, dad, and brother all in the oil industry.
1. The commercial exploitation of oil in Venezuela started in 1914.
2. Venezuela has never had private ownership of oil or minerals. The subsoil belongs to the State.
3. Since 1914 both the US and UK were key partner in the oil businesses. Not the ownership of the oil but the rights to exploit and commerce.
4. The oil industry was nationalized in 1976, meaning that a Venezuelan government run company was created. However, production, refinement, and commerce always involved US companies.
5. After Chavez destroyed the oil industry by letting go of thousands highly trained individuals that were not loyalists and replaced them with loyalists that had no clue what to do. The industry diminished, the relationship with US soured, Washington put sanctions on Venezuela but even so there were waivers and exceptions.
6. But the void was filled by China, Rusia, and the like. It has been used to help Cuba survive.
7. To your specific question “is there a scenario where life could improve for the Venezuelan people?” Yes. Very much. But it doesn’t necessarily come from a hostile takeover but a return to a relationship of equals and partners. The error of Venezuela was never to use the oil wealth to prompt other industries. We were rich in oil so we bought stuff from other places. That and a runaway corruption.
8. I do not think an invasion is the only hope of Venezuela. I don’t dare to speak for Venezuela. I haven’t lived through what they have lived in the last few years. I am horrified by Nobel Laureate Maria Corina Machado has done in terms of pandering to Trump or supporting the blowing of the boats. But then again, I have fought the fight that she has. I have an enormous amount of respect and admiration for her. I don’t know if the opposition in Venezuela has come to this point where they don’t see other alternative than making a deal with the devil. The problem with those is how high an interest rate the devil charges.
9. The US has messed with countries around LatinAmerica many times before. I am not sure those countries ended up better for it.
Thanks for your response. I guess the question running through my head as I was listening was, Is it possible that the actions of this administration, even if they are motivated by greed and corruption, could still have positive consequences in Venezuela? I think that is basically the question behind the argument I keep having with my spouse.
To this very specific question “Is it possible that the actions of this administration, even if they are motivated by greed and corruption, could still have positive consequences in Venezuela?” The answer is of course is yes, it could. But not necessarily.
Sarah's parasocial relationship with Taylor Swift makes me feel so much better for thinking of Sarah and Beth as my wise older sisters 😂
Sarah, I thought your word of the year was initially Less but then you changed it to something else because you didn't like the negative connotation? I can't remember what you changed it to but Prayer doesn't sound familiar.
I have also been thinking I want my word of the year to be Analog. I was an early adopter of social media because it was such a great way to connect with people on a global scale. I made so many friends in education in the early years of Twitter who are still my dear friends over a decade later. But... social media is no longer social media. It is bots and trolls and manipulative algorithms. What once was a place for connection has turned into full-on psychological warfare.
All that to say, I am finding ways to try to disconnect more and more...
In January I started taking a figure skating class. Because after the horror of the 2024 election, I decided I needed some joy in my life and needed to find something to get me moving that I wouldn't hate. I've also started writing in a journal more. These are my two very intentional ways of going analog. I definitely need more suggestions though.
Needless to say, I am here for all the ways Pantsuit Politics listeners are going more analog in 2026.
Now that you say that I remember a conversation about the word citrus?
I am traveling to Taiwan in the spring with my husband and in-laws (my mother in law is Taiwanese) and Sarah’s comment made me nervous! 😬
The food-borne illness or some other viral outbreak possibility also seems highly likely to me. And I feel quite anxious about it. And when I am not anxious I just get so angry at the anti-government, anti-establishment sentiment that has enabled this. Who else do you think inspects food, roads, buildings, etc. to make sure that they are safe? That is what a government is for!
The tariffs have gone back and forth so much this year that I have no idea where they are at (which maybe is their goal?)
I have noticed as a piano teacher that I continue to get more and more adult students which I hope is indicative of a larger trend of looking for more analog activities.
Beth's point about civic literacy and supporting schools reminded me that I was going to post these opportunities from iCivics. The deadline was extended to 12/22, which I know is soon, and not the most opportune time, but I wanted to spread the word anyway!
Civic Leadership Academy- This program is for master teachers and district leaders who have a strong foundation of content knowledge in social studies/civics. This Academy focuses on teaching facilitation skills for adult learners so they can facilitate Professional Learning Sessions in their Districts/Communities. We are looking for 20 educators to join the cohort. There is a $1000 stipend. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BytDol5o6wwdW4Nl6RYZ9JwPrBJJd-yR/view?usp=sharing
iCivics Educator Institute- This program is open to any K-12 Educator in Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Maryland, Connecticut and New Hampshire. It is also open to preservice social studies educators. The iCivics Educator Institute offers a unique and dynamic experience for dedicated classroom teachers to join a vibrant community of practice where you will collaborate with fellow educators, exchange ideas, and gain invaluable knowledge, skills, and resources to integrate and teach civic knowledge and skills to your students preparing the next generation of informed and engaged citizens. We are looking for 170 educators. There is a $300 dollar stipend. There are specific flyers for each state for this program because we will have a midwest cohort and an east coast cohort.
MD: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F6B3MRgAo_jAuqbF7ywjUDDrukv01zQD/view?usp=sharing
OH: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EYWg-jy3xtOupPiHZB1jycG0kOtB6xfN/view?usp=drive_link
MI: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZDk_tuMUDP84Qccclya1WzUJwFD3tkiP/view?usp=sharing
WI: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EP2vkOU3i34JKz-9jVbZ7BzZA1aDYcF9/view?usp=drive_link
IN: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1trIiHQRF_odty-O392sapnL0WnQwv2Ag/view?usp=drive_link
CT: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bUDHcKVBpn74YejdpS9JT8pCsHw8ibQh/view?usp=sharing
NH: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EE414HHYccH0TodFL3Zn9PxUuCcR4QjM/view?usp=drive_link
You mentioned AI in the healthcare space, and I just want to say it’s coming fast - it’s really already here. I work for a large healthcare system and just attended an event that brought in collaborators from a local university who are all interested in AI. Everyone is chomping at the bit over this! A huge focus of the annual conference I attend was on AI in research. I see a couple of big things with this. 1) In the research space, FDA and OHRP have no real guidance on this (not surprising since federal research offices have been decimated). FDA does have some guidance on software as “medical devices” which might include AI. 2) In research we’re talking about both using AI to conduct research and conducting research on AI. So on one hand you might use AI to build protocols and consents or develop treatments or analyze data, or even review the study to determine whether it meets criteria for approval. And then on the other hand, using patient data to teach these AI platforms how to better diagnosis disease. All that to say that it’s fascinating and scary and we’re all out here figuring it out together.
I don’t know how all of the publishing/posting works, but for the free episodes that we don’t listen to in Substack, is there a way to post this comment space earlier? I listen to most episodes around 6:30am 😬 and then forget what I wanted to say by the time there’s a place to comment. Today I had 2 comments and now forget my 2nd. 🤦🏻♀️ This is probably just a me problem.
I could update our publishing time to 6 am instead of 7.