Independent US Political Analysis by Swing State of Mind

Ever wonder why state lotteries are legal but others aren't?

The US government once prosecuted lotteries, but now operates them as monopolies. This piece explains the subtle legal distinctions separating state games from online platforms, impacting regulation.

By Swing September 6, 2026 6 min read

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U.S. Politics

Why America's massive AI investments might be a losing bet.

By Swing September 6, 2026 6 min read

Chinese open-source AI is matching commercial products for free, while US allies reposition assets. The American model of expensive, proprietary tech is under unprecedented global pressure.

U.S. Politics

27 years later: why does the 9/11 mastermind still have no trial date?

By Swing August 29, 2026 6 min read

The man accused of orchestrating 9/11 won't face a jury until 2028. This unprecedented legal odyssey at Guantánamo Bay raises serious questions about the true cost of US justice.

U.S. Politics

Why the Middle East is cracking open — and what it means for the US

By Swing August 27, 2026 6 min read

Two leaders' starkly opposing views reveal a region where old certainties are crumbling, forcing America to rethink its long-held strategies. What's at stake?

U.S. Politics

Iran's new threat to Trump's family breaks all the rules of state conflict.

By Swing August 26, 2026 6 min read

Forget traditional state antagonism. Iran's latest move targets Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron, shifting from strategic assets to personal suffering. This changes everything.

U.S. Politics

The one warning that shattered assumptions about US-Israel ties.

By Swing August 21, 2026 5 min read

Donald Trump reportedly told Benjamin Netanyahu that US backing for Israel isn't a blank check, especially when Turkey, a powerful NATO member, is involved.

U.S. Politics

Why is Washington silent on Israel's new execution chamber plans?

By Swing August 21, 2026 5 min read

Despite Israel's plan to execute Palestinian prisoners, the State Department avoids condemnation, framing it as a routine sovereignty issue.

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From the archive

5 months ago

Gambling

Ever wonder why state lotteries are legal but others aren't?

The US government once prosecuted lotteries, but now operates them as monopolies. This piece explains the subtle legal distinctions separating state games from online platforms, impacting regulation.

By Swing September 6, 2026 6 min read

Ever wonder why state lotteries are legal but others aren't?

Latest

Why America's massive AI investments might be a losing bet.

27 years later: why does the 9/11 mastermind still have no trial date?

Why the Middle East is cracking open — and what it means for the US

Iran's new threat to Trump's family breaks all the rules of state conflict.

The one warning that shattered assumptions about US-Israel ties.

Why is Washington silent on Israel's new execution chamber plans?

Inside Swing State

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From the archive

Ever wonder why state lotteries are legal but others aren't?