Half of America Now Thinks Biden Was a Better President
Your Daily #InstrumIntel for Thursday, 2.12.26
Welcome to the Daily #InstrumIntel, where we break down what you need to know, and why, using What? So What? Now What?.
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Politics • The Trump Administration • Climate & Environment • AI & Tech • Culture & Media • Education • What the Right is Reading • Strays
Politics
Headline: A year into Trump's term, voters say Biden was better | Axios
What?
Three national polls indicate that a year into Trump's term, a majority of voters believe Biden performed better as president, highlighting a shift in public opinion against Trump.
So What?
This shift in voter sentiment presents an opportunity for progressive communicators to emphasize the perceived failures of Trump's policies and capitalize on the dissatisfaction to mobilize support for progressive candidates and policies.
Now What?
Watch for further polling data and analysis on voter sentiment leading up to the midterms, and consider reading this New York Times article for additional context on the political landscape.
What?
House Republicans approved the SAVE America Act, requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, amid concerns of voter fraud, with a party-line vote on Wednesday in Washington, D.C.
So What?
This legislation could significantly impact voter turnout by disenfranchising millions, presenting a critical issue for progressive communicators focused on protecting voting rights and addressing power imbalances in electoral processes.
Now What?
Watch for Senate debates on the bill and potential legal challenges, as well as responses from civil rights organizations; further reading on the implications of voter ID laws can be found at Brennan Center for Justice.
Headline: Republicans want to revamp elections. Can they? | Washingtonpost
What?
The House passed a Republican bill on February 11, 2026, aiming to overhaul U.S. elections by enforcing strict citizenship verification and voter ID requirements, but it faces strong opposition in the Senate.
So What?
This legislative push highlights ongoing power struggles over voting rights and election integrity, presenting both challenges and opportunities for progressive campaigners to advocate for inclusive electoral policies and protect civil liberties.
Now What?
Watch for Senate debates and potential legal challenges to the bill, and explore further reading on the implications of voter ID laws and federal versus state control of elections, such as this Brennan Center report on voter ID.
Headline: Trump Is a Global ‘Wrecking Ball,’ European Security Experts Say | Nytimes
What?
The Munich Security Conference report, released on February 9, 2026, in Berlin, criticizes President Trump for undermining the post-World War II international order.
So What?
This report highlights the potential erosion of international norms and alliances, which could impact progressive efforts to promote global cooperation and democratic values.
Now What?
Watch for responses from European leaders and U.S. officials at the upcoming Munich Security Conference, and consider reading more about the implications of Trump's foreign policy on global security dynamics at Foreign Affairs.
What?
Clay Parikh, a special government employee, is involved in a controversial FBI raid in Fulton County, Georgia, related to election integrity concerns, and has expressed beliefs in conspiracy theories about a "deep state" and election manipulation.
So What?
This matters to progressive communicators as it highlights the influence of conspiracy theories within government ranks, which could undermine public trust in democratic institutions and election processes, presenting challenges for those advocating for transparent and fair elections.
Now What?
Watch for developments in the legal proceedings surrounding the Fulton County raid and any further actions by the Trump administration that may impact election integrity; further reading on the implications of election-related conspiracy theories can be found in Brennan Center's reports on voting laws.
The Trump Administration
Headline: Half of Americans think Donald Trump was involved in Jeffrey Epstein's alleged crimes | Today
What?
A recent Economist/YouGov poll conducted from February 6-9, 2026, reveals that half of Americans believe Donald Trump was involved in Jeffrey Epstein's alleged crimes, with a significant partisan divide in perceptions.
So What?
This poll highlights the potential for progressive communicators to leverage public concern over elite accountability and transparency in ongoing discussions about justice and political integrity.
Now What?
Watch for further developments in the Epstein investigation and public reactions, as well as potential shifts in political narratives; for context, see Department of Justice releases on Epstein.
What?
A Haitian mother and her daughter undertook a perilous journey across the US-Canada border in January 2026 to seek asylum in Canada, fleeing the anti-immigrant policies of the Trump administration.
So What?
This story highlights the human impact of restrictive immigration policies and underscores the urgency for progressive communicators to advocate for humane immigration reforms and protections for vulnerable migrants.
Now What?
Watch for developments in Canadian asylum policies and US immigration reforms, and consider reading more about the Canada-US Safe Third Country Agreement and its implications on asylum seekers at CBC News.
Headline: Confusion surrounds sudden El Paso airspace closure | Semafor
What?
The Federal Aviation Administration ordered and then rescinded a 10-day closure of airspace over El Paso, Texas, due to alleged Mexican cartel drone activity and subsequent Pentagon actions, leading to confusion and lack of coordination with the White House.
So What?
This incident highlights potential overreach and lack of coordination among federal agencies, raising concerns about transparency and civil liberties, which are critical issues for progressive communicators focused on government accountability and border policies.
Now What?
Watch for further developments on inter-agency communication protocols and potential policy changes regarding airspace security; for context, see CNN's report on the Pentagon's actions and AP's coverage of Customs and Border Protection's use of anti-drone technology.
Headline: Does President Trump have the authority to 'nationalize' voting? | Brookings | Brookings
What?
The article discusses President Trump's 2025 executive order attempting to nationalize voting procedures, which has been challenged in court and is pending a Supreme Court decision on its legality.
So What?
This matter is crucial for progressive communicators as it highlights the ongoing struggle over voting rights and federal versus state control, with significant implications for civil liberties and democratic processes.
Now What?
Watch for the Supreme Court's decision on the extent of presidential authority over election procedures, and consider reviewing the Help America Vote Act and the National Voter Registration Act for further context on federal election laws.
Headline: Amna A. Akbar | In South Minneapolis | Lrb
What?
In South Minneapolis, federal agents from ICE and CBP have intensified operations, leading to community resistance and the establishment of defense networks in response to increased detentions and violence, as reported in February 2026.
So What?
This situation highlights the ongoing struggle between federal enforcement and local communities, emphasizing the importance of grassroots organizing and solidarity in defending civil liberties and resisting oppressive policies, which is crucial for progressive communicators and campaigners.
Now What?
Watch for developments in community defense strategies and legal challenges against ICE operations, as well as potential policy shifts; further reading can be found in coverage of similar resistance movements, such as those documented by ACLU and Movement for Black Lives.
Headline: Bondi Stonewalls Congress on the ‘Enemies List’ She Directed DOJ to Compile | Commondreams
What?
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi refused to answer questions from Congress about a DOJ-directed list of groups labeled as "domestic terrorists" during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on oversight of the DOJ.
So What?
This matter is significant for progressive communicators as it highlights potential government overreach and threats to civil liberties, particularly concerning the surveillance and targeting of dissenting political groups.
Now What?
Watch for further developments on the transparency of government watchlists and potential legal challenges, and consider reading about historical parallels with McCarthyism and Nixon's enemies list for context.
Congresswoman @RepMGS raises NSPM-7 during hearing just now:
— Ken Klippenstein (NSPM-7 Compliant) (@kenklippenstein) February 11, 2026
"Trump signed a memorandum known as NSPM-7, purporting to address domestic terrorism. But Americans across the political spectrum were immediately alarmed by the memo's blurring of the line between unlawful conduct and… pic.twitter.com/h65vSoDvhR
Headline: Trump Can’t Cancel Elections. He Could Undermine Them. | Nytimes
What?
President Trump has made statements suggesting a desire to cancel the November elections, but his real threat lies in undermining the electoral process through actions like voter suppression and interference, as analyzed by Sean Morales-Doyle in The New York Times on February 12, 2026.
So What?
This matters to progressive communicators because it highlights the ongoing threat to democratic institutions and civil liberties, emphasizing the need for vigilance and organized resistance against attempts to subvert the electoral process.
Now What?
Watch for further developments in legal challenges to voter suppression efforts and potential federal overreach, and consider reading more about the concept of "competitive authoritarianism" to understand the broader context of these actions; see Brennan Center's analysis for more insights.
Headline: National Guard troops were quietly withdrawn from some U.S. cities | Washingtonpost
What?
The Trump administration withdrew federalized National Guard troops from Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland in January 2026 after facing legal challenges and opposition from state and local leaders.
So What?
This withdrawal highlights the limits of presidential power in deploying federal troops domestically, presenting an opportunity for progressive communicators to emphasize the importance of civil liberties and state autonomy in resisting federal overreach.
Now What?
Watch for potential shifts in federal strategies towards using other federal agencies like ICE and CBP for domestic enforcement, and explore further reading on the implications of federal troop deployments on civil liberties, such as this ACLU report on police militarization.
What?
California filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on February 11, 2026, in San Francisco federal court, challenging a demand from the U.S. Department of Education to allow schools to disclose students' gender identity to parents or risk losing federal funding.
So What?
This legal battle highlights the tension between federal and state policies on transgender rights, emphasizing the importance of protecting student privacy and civil liberties, which is crucial for progressive communicators advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
Now What?
Watch for court rulings on this case and potential impacts on federal funding for education, while exploring further reading on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and its implications for student privacy at FERPA.
Headline: Trump loyalist in shouting match over Epstein files | News
What?
Donald Trump's attorney general, Pam Bondi, faced a contentious questioning by Congress regarding the Epstein files, drawing criticism from survivors and their supporters on February 12, 2026, in the UK.
So What?
This confrontation highlights ongoing concerns about accountability and transparency in handling high-profile cases, offering progressive communicators an opportunity to advocate for justice reform and survivor support.
Now What?
Watch for further developments in the investigation of the Epstein files and potential policy discussions on justice reform; for context, see The Guardian's coverage on Jeffrey Epstein.
AI & Tech
Headline: Russia orders block on WhatsApp in messaging app crackdown | Bbc
What?
Russia has ordered a block on WhatsApp, pushing users towards a state-developed app, amid ongoing restrictions on messaging services in the country.
So What?
This move highlights the increasing control of digital communications by the Russian government, raising concerns about surveillance and the erosion of civil liberties, which are critical issues for progressive communicators and campaigners focused on digital rights and freedom of expression.
Now What?
Watch for further developments on the impact of this ban on Russian citizens' communication and potential international responses, while exploring resources like Access Now for insights into digital rights advocacy.
Headline: Telegram is reportedly being slowed down and restricted in Russia | Theverge
What?
Russia's communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, has reportedly begun slowing down and restricting access to Telegram in Russia, citing concerns over fraud and criminal activity, as of Tuesday.
So What?
This development highlights the ongoing tension between state control and digital freedom, posing significant challenges for progressive communicators who rely on platforms like Telegram for secure and private communication.
Now What?
Watch for potential international responses to Russia's actions and any further restrictions on digital communication platforms, as well as statements from Telegram's leadership; for context, see Reuters coverage.
Climate & Environment
What?
A whistleblower, Lee Oldham, claims that radioactive fracking waste he helped dispose of in Johnson County, Texas, has led to health issues and is now beneath a newly built elementary school, raising concerns about public safety.
So What?
This revelation highlights the potential health risks and regulatory failures associated with fracking waste disposal, offering progressive communicators an opportunity to advocate for stricter environmental regulations and increased transparency in the oil and gas industry.
Now What?
Watch for the results of soil testing at the school site and potential legal actions or policy changes in Texas; further reading on the environmental impact of fracking can be found in Justin Nobel's work, including his book "Petroleum-238."
Headline: Alabama moves to end Public Service Commission elections after Democrats win in Georgia | Al
What?
An Alabama House committee is considering a bill to end elections for the Public Service Commission, replacing them with appointments by state officials, following Democratic wins in Georgia's similar body.
So What?
This move could reduce public accountability and transparency in utility regulation, impacting efforts to address high utility rates and energy policy, which are critical issues for progressive campaigners focused on economic justice and environmental sustainability.
Now What?
Watch for the bill's progress and potential public response, as well as similar legislative efforts in other states; further reading on the implications of appointed versus elected regulatory bodies can be found in this New York Times article.
Headline: Trump to Give Coal 'Participation Trophy' at White House Event/a>
What?
President Donald Trump is hosting an event at the White House to promote coal as America's most reliable energy source, with key administration officials and lawmakers in attendance.
So What?
This event underscores the Trump administration's commitment to coal, which may challenge progressive efforts to transition to renewable energy and address climate change, highlighting a significant policy divide.
Now What?
Watch for potential legislative or executive actions that may bolster the coal industry further, and consider reading analyses on the environmental and economic impacts of coal reliance, such as those from the Sierra Club and NRDC.
Headline: Covering electricity price increases from our data centers | Anthropic
What?
Anthropic announced it will cover electricity price increases from its data centers in the U.S. to prevent consumers from bearing the costs, as part of its investment in AI infrastructure.
So What?
This move highlights the growing energy demands of AI technology and presents an opportunity for progressive communicators to advocate for sustainable energy policies and equitable economic impacts on local communities.
Now What?
Watch for further developments in federal energy policy reforms and how other tech companies respond to similar energy challenges; for context, see related discussions on AI's environmental impact and energy consumption.
Culture & Media
Headline: Everything is Slop, Nothing is Slop. Bullshit jobs in the end of capitalism. | Aramzs
What?
The article, posted on February 12, 2026, by Aram Zucker-Scharff, discusses the potential for AI to replace "bullshit jobs" within the capitalist system, highlighting the systemic issues of capitalism that create such jobs in the first place.
So What?
This matters to progressive communicators as it underscores the need to address the root causes of economic inequality and job dissatisfaction, offering an opportunity to advocate for systemic change and labor rights in the face of technological advancements.
Now What?
Watch for discussions on the impact of AI on employment and potential policy responses, and consider further reading on the intersection of technology and labor rights, such as David Graeber's "Bullshit Jobs" and analyses of AI's role in the economy.
Headline: Americans’ Complicated Relationship With News | Pewresearch
What?
A Pew Research Center study conducted in December 2025 reveals that while most Americans believe being informed is crucial for civic duties like voting, many feel overwhelmed and skeptical about the news they consume.
So What?
This matters to progressive communicators as it highlights the challenge of engaging a public that is both critical of and fatigued by news, underscoring the need for transparent, relevant, and trustworthy information to mobilize civic participation.
Now What?
Watch for emerging strategies in media literacy and news engagement that address public skepticism and fatigue, and explore further reading on media trust dynamics at Pew Research Center's Media Trust.
NEW: “CBS Evening News” producer Alicia Hastey sends a bombshell farewell note: Stories are “evaluated not just on their journalistic merit but on whether they conform to a shifting set of ideological expectations.”
— Ben Mullin (@benmullin.bsky.social) February 11, 2026 at 10:22 PM
[image or embed]
Headline: How to Reddit without getting roasted | Marketingagainstthegrain
What?
The article discusses strategies for marketers to effectively engage with Reddit communities without inciting backlash, as shared by Grace Close, a principal product marketing manager at Reddit.
So What?
This is significant for progressive communicators as it highlights the importance of authentic engagement and listening to community feedback, which can enhance grassroots organizing and build trust in digital spaces resistant to traditional marketing.
Now What?
Watch for evolving strategies in community engagement on platforms like Reddit, and consider reading more about the impact of authentic digital interactions on brand trust and community building, such as in this article on building trust on social media.
Headline: Right-wing media miss the mark on explaining wildfire recovery in Los Angeles | Mediamatters
What?
Right-wing media are inaccurately attributing Los Angeles' delayed wildfire recovery to local permitting issues, echoing President Trump's executive order, while ignoring factors like unpaid insurance claims and federal mismanagement.
So What?
This narrative shift by right-wing media could undermine public understanding of the systemic issues affecting disaster recovery, potentially weakening advocacy efforts for comprehensive policy solutions and federal accountability.
Now What?
Watch for further developments on the legal challenges to Trump's executive order and its impact on federal disaster aid, and explore analyses on the role of climate change in exacerbating wildfire risks, such as those from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Education
What?
On November 6, 2025, scammers targeted 15-year-old Bryce Tate in Nitro, West Virginia, using information from his public social media profiles to extort him, leading to his tragic death within three hours.
So What?
This incident highlights the urgent need for progressive communicators to advocate for stronger digital privacy protections and education, emphasizing the power dynamics between vulnerable youth and organized cybercriminal networks.
Now What?
Watch for developments in digital privacy legislation and increased advocacy for online safety education, and consider exploring resources like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s reports on sextortion trends for further context.
What the Right is Reading
Headline: Witnesses Sound The Alarm On Foreigners Bankrolling Leftist Causes In America | Thefederalist
What?
During a House Ways and Means Committee hearing, witnesses reported that foreign nationals are funding U.S.-based nonprofits to support leftist causes, raising concerns about foreign influence in American politics.
So What?
This issue highlights the complex dynamics of foreign influence in U.S. politics, which could impact progressive campaigners by necessitating increased transparency and accountability in funding sources to maintain credibility and public trust.
Now What?
Watch for potential legislative actions aimed at regulating foreign contributions to nonprofits and further investigations into specific cases of foreign funding, with additional context available from reports by Americans for Public Trust and other watchdog organizations.
Headline: Major charity raises legal questions by funding pro-Harris dark money operation | Washingtonexaminer
What?
The Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund transferred $37.5 million to the Bright Future Fund, a pro-Harris dark money group, during the 2024 presidential election, raising legal questions about its compliance with tax regulations.
So What?
This situation highlights the complexities and potential loopholes in campaign finance laws, which could impact how progressive campaigners strategize around funding and transparency in future elections.
Now What?
Watch for potential investigations or regulatory changes regarding donor-advised funds and their political contributions, and consider reading more about the role of dark money in elections at OpenSecrets.
What?
During a House Ways and Means Committee hearing, former U.S. tech mogul Neville Roy Singham was accused of using a network allegedly connected to the Chinese Communist Party to fund far-left groups in the U.S. through "foreign dark money."
So What?
This development highlights potential challenges for progressive communicators in addressing narratives around foreign influence and funding, which could impact public perception and policy discussions related to civil liberties and activism.
Now What?
Watch for further investigations into the financial networks of activist groups and potential legislative responses, while reviewing related analyses such as the New York Times expose on Singham's activities for deeper context.
Headline: Federal Judge Greenlights Evidence For Historic Texas Antifa Terrorism Trial | Tampafp
What?
A federal judge in Fort Worth has allowed prosecutors to use extensive evidence in a trial treating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, involving nine defendants accused of attacking an ICE facility in Texas.
So What?
This trial could set a precedent for how activist groups are prosecuted under terrorism charges, raising concerns about civil liberties and the potential for increased government surveillance and repression of political dissent.
Now What?
Watch for the trial's outcome and its implications on future legal actions against activist groups, and consider reading about the broader context of domestic terrorism designations and their impact on civil liberties, such as in this ACLU report.
Strays
Headline: Hidden passage linked to Underground Railroad found in New York museum | Theguardian
What?
Archaeologists discovered a hidden passage in the Merchant’s House Museum in Manhattan, revealing its historical role as a refuge for escaped enslaved people during the 19th century.
So What?
This discovery highlights the often-overlooked role of New York in the abolitionist movement, providing progressive communicators with a tangible link to advocate for the preservation of historical sites that reflect civil rights struggles.
Now What?
Watch for potential preservation efforts and public interest in the Merchant’s House Museum, as well as discussions on the broader implications of historical preservation in urban development; further reading can be found in the National Park Service's documentation on the Underground Railroad (https://www.nps.gov/subjects/undergroundrailroad/index.htm).
Headline: Fantasy Cat Trees | Afantasyforest
What?
A Fantasy Forest offers a 10-foot tall magical cat tree with multiple platforms and non-toxic leaves, available for purchase online.
So What?
This product highlights the growing market for luxury pet items, which could be leveraged by progressive communicators to discuss consumer trends and economic disparities.
Now What?
Watch for trends in pet product spending and potential discussions on economic inequality; further reading can be found in reports on consumer spending habits in the pet industry. [DETAILS NEEDED]
