It’s difficult to understand how the US polls can be so close. Surely they must overstate the support for a convicted felon, sexual predator and national security risk? It’s extraordinary that such a small number of undecided voters might determine so much globally today.

The USA has surrendered to Putin. What ignominy. I don’t think the free world will ever understand how a majority of Americans voted for this criminal.

I feel sickened for my American family and friends and sympathy for all those who will suffer as 250 years of progress begins to reverse. But now I’m going to stop doomscrolling the news and spend more time with my loved ones, music and following Liverpool FC’s exciting season.

I wonder if the UK Treasury would be less keen to get rid of the wine “easement” if it had an alternative name that didn’t refer to bowel movements.

This makes no sense. The prohibitionists at the World Health Organisation sound increasingly confused.

This really stood out at the excellent ⁦Masters of Wine⁩ Bordeaux Tasting (2020 vintage) last week. Perfumed, refined, expressive and opulent. Around £70 per bottle (UK). (Meanwhile, if money no object, Château Margaux was the star of the tasting and I loved Haut-Brion!)

It’s complicated. I’m not leaving here yet, but so many people are. Things are finally perking up on Bluesky, so I will spend a bit more time over there from now on.

Seems to get earlier each year, but the first sign of Christmas in the UK is the whining of racists when a national retailer releases an advertisement that isn't white enough for them.

Think I’m going to be increasingly over on Bluesky. Name’s the same if you want to follow me.

Seeing this on Mastodon reminded me of the sanctimonious, patronising feudalism that put me off it 2 years ago. And going to Threads would just be swapping one corporate psychopath’s ad-ridden algorithm for another’s. I’m quite liking Bluesky so far. Just needs a few more people.

Wine Twitter… if any of you are still here… can you help me with a question? Which great French winemakers have declassified and created Vin de France wines in order to avoid the restrictions of AOC rules?

1. A few days ago, I wrote a thread about the pros and cons of staying on this platform and asked for your views. They were very helpful. As a result, I’ve decided to stop using X from January 20. Already I’m mostly posting now on BlueSky (@georgemonbiot.bsky.social) instead.🧵

This is a huge move in the right direction. Music’s grassroots need nurturing.