Mon Oct 20 11:40:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
Jerry Coyne’s blog, “Why Evolution is True,” touches on a variety of topics. A recent post discusses National Chicken and Waffles Day and its history. It then shifts to political commentary, analyzing Chris Hayes’ argument that the Democratic Party’s problem isn’t its message, but its inability to capture attention. The post also examines the debate around genetic influence on educational attainment, spurred by an essay by Freddie deBoer, and the ethics of researching genetic differences between groups. The post further discusses the fragile peace in Gaza, highlighting the revival of Hamas and the complexities of forming an interim government. It analyzes Andrew Sullivan’s take on Trump’s role in hostage releases and ceasefire, attributing it to Trump prioritizing US interests over Israel’s after a bombing incident. The post concludes with assorted content including animal antics, a commentary on Iranian hypocrisy, quotes on life, cats, and historical museum.
News Article:
“Evolution is True” Blog Spotlights Chicken & Waffles, Politics and Scientific Debate
October 20, 2025 – Jerry Coyne’s popular blog, “Why Evolution is True,” delivered its usual eclectic mix of observations and commentary today. From celebrating National Chicken and Waffles Day to dissecting political strategy, the blog offered its readers a wide-ranging perspective on current events.
Coyne highlighted MSNBC’s Chris Hayes’ argument that the Democratic Party’s struggles stem not from a flawed message, but from a failure to capture public attention. Hayes suggests Democrats need to be more present, produce more content, and embrace candidates adept at attracting attention. Coyne agrees, but also added that choosing the right candidate is crucial for the party’s success.
The post then delved into a discussion on the genetic influences on educational attainment, citing an essay by Freddie deBoer and Coel Heller’s analysis of potential genetic factors in group differences, and the ethical considerations surrounding such research.
Turning to international affairs, Coyne expressed concern about the resurgence of Hamas in Gaza, linking it to the slow establishment of an interim government. He analyzed Andrew Sullivan’s argument that Trump’s recent diplomatic success in Gaza was driven by a shift in prioritizing American interests. Sullivan argues it was Trump’s reaction to Israel bombing Qatar, which the US did not approve of, which forced a change in dynamics, rather than prioritizing Israel’s interests, for once. Coyne, however, tempered enthusiasm, questioning whether the current peace is genuine or simply a temporary pause.
The blog concludes with a random assortment of content found on social media, including humor.
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