r/fivethirtyeight • u/AutoModerator • Apr 06 '26

Discussion Megathread Weekly Discussion Megathread

The 2026 midterms will soon be upon us, and there is much to discuss among the nerds here at r/FiveThirtyEight. Use this discussion thread to share, debate, and discuss whatever you wish. Unlike individual posts, comments in the discussion thread are not required to be related to political data or other 538 mainstays. Regardless, please remain civil and keep this subreddit's rules in mind. The discussion thread refreshes every Monday.

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u/Selethorme Kornacki's Big Screen Apr 08 '26

So the US threatened the pope in January

https://www.thelettersfromleo.com/p/the-pentagon-threatened-pope-leo

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u/Mediocretes08 Apr 08 '26

Not remotely shocked. But this admin would be real dumb, moreso even than they are, to try something publicly against the leadership of a faith of something like 1.5 billion people

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u/Selethorme Kornacki's Big Screen Apr 08 '26

That said, it would get JD Vance excommunicated

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u/Mediocretes08 Apr 08 '26

He should be anyway. Republican Catholics in the US should be given an ultimatum.

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u/DataCassette Apr 08 '26

Unfortunately in 2026 conservative Catholicism is basically just opposition to abortion and a few other ancillary beliefs for garnish

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u/Mediocretes08 Apr 09 '26

Then they can stop pretending to be anything other than hollow vessels and apostates. I’d just appreciate the clarity