Rafi Schwartz, The Week US
Rafi Schwartz has worked as a politics writer at The Week since 2022, where he covers elections, Congress and the White House. He was previously a contributing writer with Mic focusing largely on politics, a senior writer with Splinter News, a staff writer for Fusion's news lab, and the managing editor of Heeb Magazine, a Jewish life and culture publication. Rafi's work has appeared in Rolling Stone, GOOD and The Forward, among others. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, with a major in religious studies, and a minor in integrated liberal studies.
Rafi lives in the Twin Cities, where he does not bike, run or take part in any team sports. He does, however, have a variety of interests, hobbies and passions.
Latest articles by Rafi Schwartz, The Week US
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Indie film's 'very brief' use of AI sparks backlash and calls for boycotts
Talking Points Did the creators of a new horror movie make a deal with the artificial intelligence devil?
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
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New coalition goes after the mighty lobbying power of AIPAC
Talking Points Reject AIPAC, a collection of more than 20 progressive groups, works to shield lawmakers critical of Israel's war on Gaza
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
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Justice Department bites Apple with iPhone suit
Speed Read The lawsuit alleges that the tech company monopolized the smartphone industry
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
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Safe parking lots grow as unhoused people increasingly find shelter in cars
In The Spotlight With rent on the rise and civic resources stretched thin, communities are turning to a quintessential urban asset as a temporary home for the unhoused
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
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Government shutdown looming? Blame the border.
Talking Points Democrats and Republicans say funding for immigration enforcement is the budget battle's latest sticking point. That's about all they agree on.
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
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How is aid getting into Gaza right now?
Today's Big Question The international effort to provide Palestinians with essentials during wartime has become a Gordian knot of logistics
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
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What is the Anthropocene — and more importantly, when?
Under The Radar Just because a panel of scientists has rejected calls to classify a new global epoch does not mean it hasn't already begun
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
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Biden's State of the Union gave Democrats hope but not much else
Talking Points The president was forceful and feisty in his address to congress — so why hasn't it moved the electoral needle?
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
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Is the West Bank's economy on the cusp of collapse?
Today's Big Question The seismic waves of Israel's ongoing siege of Gaza are being felt across the occupied West Bank, where Palestinians are scrambling for financial stability in a time of war.
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
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Biden and Bibi duel with incompatible 'red lines' over Gaza
Talking Points The White House and Prime Minister's office have set the stage for a major showdown between allied nations, even if the specifics — and their consequences — are unclear.
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
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Physical media is having a moment
Under The Radar While streaming dominates the way we watch, listen and play, a growing number of people are finding pleasure — and treasures — in media they can hold.
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
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Mark Robinson raises alarm bells in North Carolina gubernatorial race
Talking Points Could the Republican nominee's history of antisemitism, homophobia, and conspiracy theories decide who leads the Tarheel state?
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
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What exactly is the role of the DNC and RNC?
In Depth Each major party organ looms large in an election year, but their actual operations are often misunderstood
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
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Why are Israeli and Palestinian peace negotiators anxious about Ramadan?
Today's Big Question The threat of violence during Islam's holiest month could upend the fragile effort to forge a lasting cease-fire
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
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Will Israel have indefinite control of Gaza?
Today's Big Question Netanyahu's newly unveiled plan for the 'day after' the war with Hamas raises the prospect of a permanent military presence in the Palestinian territory
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
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What do we know about China's global cyber operations?
Today's Big Question A tranche of leaked documents offers new insight into Beijing's sprawling mercenary hacking operation
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
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MAGA faithful draft plans for America's Christian nationalist future
Talking Points Some of Donald Trump's closest allies are laying the groundwork for a potential theocracy if he wins a second term in office.
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
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How are NATO's frontline nations working together — and apart — to counter Russia?
Today's Big Question From bunker borders to massive troop buildups, Europe's premier military alliance is already preparing for Putin's next move
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
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Where does Indonesian democracy go from here?
Today's Big Question With a controversial former general dogged by allegations of human rights abuses poised to take over the third-largest democratic country on Earth, Indonesia faces an uncertain path forward
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
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Biden makes a Super Bowl TikTok flip-flop
Talking Points National security risk or not, the president's reelection campaign is hoping to meet younger voters where they are
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
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It's not really about Biden's brain — unless it is
Talking Points Depending on who you ask, the renewed focus on the president's mental acuity is an election-year distraction, a legitimate point of concern, and sometimes both
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
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Why is today's Supreme Court hearing the most important election case in a quarter century?
Today's Big Question By hearing Trump's argument to be reinstated on Colorado's ballot, the court risks becoming an election-year spoiler
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
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Why did a federal court shoot down Trump's immunity excuse?
Today's big question The Trump campaign 'respectfully disagrees' with a panel of appellate judges who rejected the former president's bid for 'complete and total' immunity
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
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Joe Biden's LNG pause: good policy or bad posturing?
Today's Big Question Critics from all sides attack the White House for freezing permits for some new liquified natural gas export terminals
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
Today's Big Question